The Bronx Celebrates at the Heritage of Pride March

IMG_1699

While Manhattan hosts the Heritage of Pride March, Bronxite’s turned out in full force to march down Fifth Avenue. Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, J. Christopher Neal, and Ugandan activist, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, were the grand marshals of the parade.

People from every part of the Bronx were in the parade, with many of them, like myself, marching along with The Bronx Democratic County Committee. There were folks from Mott Haven, Melrose, Pelham Parkway, Soundview, Riverdale, University Heights, Fordham, Pelham Bay, and Morris Park. These marchers came from different religious and sexual orientation backgrounds as well.

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli: Brogan McGowan, Intern to Assemblyman Mike Blake; NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton 111; Anthony Perez, Executive Director of BDCC; Myra Joyce marching to celebrate equality

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli: Brogan McGowan, Intern to Assemblyman Mike Blake; NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton 111; Anthony Perez, Executive Director of BDCC; Myra Joyce marching to celebrate equality

“Today was an excellent opportunity to showcase the diversity within the Bronx during LGBTQ pride. Gay men, lesbians, and the transgender community showed not just LGBTQ pride but also Bronx pride.” said Sean Coleman, a transgender leader in the Bronx and a South Bronx resident. Expressing his excitement for future prospects, he continued, “We showed up and showed out! This spirit of community will transcend the Bronx, allowing all of our LGBTQ neighbors a safe, comfortable space of their own.”

Elected officials from throughout the Bronx marched to show their support, not only for the LGBTQ community but for a united Bronx. Among elected officials who marched were Congressman Jose Serrano, Senator Gustavo Rivera, Councilmembers Ritchie Torres and Vanessa Gibson, and Assemblymembers Mark Gjonaj, Michael Benedetto, and Michael Blake. Brooklyn Senator Jess Hamilton, who has roots in the Bronx, joined the Bronx Democratic County Committee as well. Also joining the march was Bronx NYC Council members Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

There was jubilation and pride as marchers and spectators celebrated the recent victory of marriage equality declared by the United States Supreme Court. Early on Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo officiated at the first marriage he was able to legally perform. “I’m a little nervous today. This is my first marriage” said Governor Cuomo, whose role in the passage of same-sex marriage in New York was a major achievement of his first term.

IMG_1716The wedding was held at the Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots that helped galvanize the fight for gay rights. Since the decision on Friday, its stretch on Christopher Street has doubled as a de facto celebration headquarters. Along the route were handmade signs and people chanting. The revelers carried handmade signs and rainbow flags with a mix of screeching noisemakers and fussy children.

A familiar chant apropos of the SCOTUS decision was:

“What do we want?”

“Marriage equality!”

“When did we get it?”

“Friday!”

A great day (and future) for all.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email