As the sun sets on Pride weekend in New York City, two iconic events will set the stage for the main celebrations on Pride Sunday. The annual Drag March and the Dyke March will bring together thousands of participants to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and advocate for equality.
The Drag March a tradition since 1994 will commence on Friday, June 26 at Tompkins Square Park. Gatherers will meet around 7 p.m. with the march kicking off at 8 p.m. towards the historic Stonewall Inn. The event is organized by the NYC (dis)Order of Sisters ensuring accessibility with wheelchairs and ASL interpretation available.
The Drag March: A Celebration of Resilience
A graphic shared on Instagram by the organizers features a bold statement: “DRAG IS NOT A CRIME”. This reflects the challenges faced by drag artists in recent years, particularly in conservative states like Montana and Tennessee which have enacted laws restricting drag performances. The Movement Advancement Project reports that other states, including FloridaTexasArkansas and North Dakota have laws that could be used to target drag performances.
The Drag March serves as a powerful statement against these restrictive laws, uniting the community in a show of solidarity and resistance.
The Dyke March: A Call for Justice
On Saturday, June 27 the 34th annual Dyke March will take over Fifth Avenue starting at 5 p.m.. This year’s theme, “Hot Dykes Melt Ice!” is a critique of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which has faced widespread criticism for its treatment of immigrants and others. The theme honors individuals like Renée Good a 37-year-old out mother who was tragically shot and killed by ICE in front of her wife.
The Dyke March welcomes anyone who identifies as a dyke with accessibility options including ASL interpreters wheelchairs, sighted guides, and transportation funds for disabled and ill individuals. The march will step off from Bryant Park proceed down Fifth Avenue and conclude at Washington Square Park.
Both events promise to be vibrant and empowering celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride setting the tone for a memorable Pride weekend in New York City.
