As pride celebrations get underway in the city with the return of full in-person events, there are safety precautions in place that organizers say attendees should be aware of.

“We aim to have a very safe pride this season,” said Sandra Perez, executive director of NYC Pride.

What You Need To Know

  • As pride celebrations get underway, safety precautions are being put in place that organizers say attendees should be aware of

  • In the wake of the Idaho scare earlier this month, where members of a white supremacist group were arrested for conspiracy to commit a riot at a pride event, organizers said public safety is a top priority

  • Organizers say staff have been trained in de-escalation and active shooter situations, and volunteers have received training from the Anti-Violence Project

Last month, NYC Pride announced they will continue to ban corrections and law enforcement officers from marching in uniforms until at least 2025, but officers will be visible at patrol posts along the march route. The group said they’re still working closely with the appropriate authorities ensuring all events are safe.

“We always coordinate with local and federal authorities with all of our events. That’s a requirement for having any large scale events in the city,” said Andre Thomas, co-chair of NYC Pride.

In the wake of the Idaho scare earlier this month, where members of a white supremacist group were arrested for conspiracy to commit a riot at a pride event, organizers said public safety is a top priority.

“We know that our community has been attacked in many ways ever since the time of the Pulse shooting and incidents like in Iowa too,” said Thomas. “Those types of incidents are unfortunate, but we know we are looking very closely at what our plans are.”

Plans they say consist of de-escalation and active shooter trainings that all staff, and volunteers received from the Anti-Violence Project.

As preparations can be seen around the city for the Pride March on Sunday, where thousands are expected, organizers are also encouraging attendees to be vigilant.

“Look out for each other. If you see something, grab one of our volunteers, they’re trained in how to respond,” said Thomas.

New Yorkers like Charles Davis says he’s ready for pride festivities, but admits the violence around the city is a major concern.

“I’m tired of looking at all this violence. I’m just hoping that this pride will be the safest one for American people, especially for the tourists that come here,” said Davis.

Queens resident Henry Dovry agrees and said although he has some concerns, it won’t stop him from participating.

“I do, but I live here, it’s my city, it’s pride. As long as the trains are running express and I’m with someone I feel safe,” said Dovry.