When one thinks of summer, images of beach trips, barbeques, and good times with friends are created. But summer also means it is time again for an extremely important event for a large portion of society: Pride. Coming from Tampa, Florida myself, the times I have attended our local Pride celebration in St. Petersburg have always been a blast. In my opinion, these festivities have always been the most welcoming and inclusive events I have ever participated in.
But we need to keep in mind the reason for the season. While today Pride is a massive party, the initial Pride back on June 28, 1969, was a riot — the Stonewall Riots. After the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the neighborhood of Greenwich Village in New York City, was unfairly raided by police due to corruption and prejudice, the people of this community rose and fought back. After five intense nights and continued activism over the years, the battle continues in the pursuit of gay rights. To read more about these events that initiated the Pride movement, check out Martin Duberman’s Stonewall: The Definitive Story of the LGBTQ Rights Uprising that Changed America, Jason Baumann’s The Stonewall Reader, and Gayle E. Pitman’s The Stonewall Riots.
In this Bookstr article, let’s take a look at a series of major cities in the US to discover where the hottest Pride events are happening in the country.
NYC Pride
It only makes sense that the largest Pride event in the world happens in New York City: the birthplace of where it all started. Led by a non-profit group called Heritage of Pride, the main event (the parade) takes place on the streets of the big city on June 29th. Prior to the event, on June 21st, Stella 34 Trattoria will host an exciting drag brunch fundraiser, featuring one of the Grand Marshals, Marti Gould Cummings. Of course, bottomless mimosas are included, because would it be brunch without bottomless mimosas? There’s also a block party at South Street Seaport Museum for queer youth — an event that promises to offer an inclusive and safe space for a younger generation discovering their identity. But there is so much happening throughout June, so check out NYC Pride’s website for a calendar of the events.
WorldPride Washington, DC
Even though civil rights are under attack from our nation’s capital, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations taking place in Washington, D.C. Labeled as The Fabric of Freedom, symbolizing all the unique identities and culture that comprise our country, D.C. will be the host of a series of events taking place from May 17 to June 8. The main event parade takes place on June 7th, but no matter what your interest is, you are sure to find something that interests you — from yoga classes to drag brunches to art exhibits. There is also a special Latinx Pride with this year’s theme being ¡Libre soy! A phrase that translates to “I am free!”.
San Francisco Pride
Leading the festivities on the West Coast this year, former SNL writer Harper Steele will serve as one of the Grand Marshals for the San Francisco Pride parade. The weekend-long celebration will take place on the weekend of June 28th & 29th, with the actual parade on Sunday. This year’s theme is Queer Joy is Resistance. Along with a full schedule of other events, there is even a Pride Rollerdisco on June 29 hosted by Folsom Street & Brian Kent Productions. And on June 26th, don’t miss the SF Pride Block Party, featuring the electric DJ Peaches Christ.
Chicago Pride
Lastly, our journey brings us to Chicago, where the Pride festivities will take place in the Northalsted neighborhood June 21-22, with the main parade happening a week after on June 29. Chicago’s Pride theme this year is Love and Unity, concepts that are much needed in America right now. Leading the parade, ahead of the Grand Marshals, will be the local community group, the TaskForce Prevention & Community Services. This non-profit organization focuses on health and wellness for LGBTQ+ youth. As the community Grand Marshalls, Dr. Maya Green and Dr. Catherine Creticos will follow next in the parade line.
No matter where you are, don’t forget to check out your community’s local Pride events. While the world may seem divided and cruel, these events of love and inclusivity are what we all need right now.
Wanna read some Latinx LGBTQ books? Here’s our article: Celebrating Beautiful Latinx LGBTQ+ Stories: Voices of Pride in the World.
For our bookshelf: Hooray for Representation – LGBTQ Voices, click here.
