Thousands stride at Pride March and ‘combat all the negativity’

With an official theme for 2024 of “Reflect, Empower, Unite,” the Pride March marked its 40th anniversary Sunday as thousands strutted down Fifth Avenue to Greenwich Village and then to Chelsea as thousands more cheered them on.

This year also marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and, according to NYC Pride, the March’s organizer, “comes at a time when the L.G.B.T.Q. community finds itself under increasing attack…from the introduction of hundreds of anti-gay, anti-trans bills to the weaponizing of Drag Story Hour.”

“The NYC Pride March is how we combat all the negativity,” NYC Pride Executive Director Sandra Pérez said. “This is the celebration that brings people from every borough in the city and all parts of the world together, in joy, to share the accomplishments, talents and resilience of our community. The March is where we demonstrate the strength that comes with inclusion, diversity and acceptance.”