The streets of Jackson Heights were filled with a colorful celebration Sunday for the New Queens Pride Parade — the city’s second-largest Pride march.
To mark the 31st anniversary of the parade, which is held on the first Sunday of June every year, Miguel Castaneda of Astoria wowed parade-goers with his impressive skills as part of the color guard squad for the Queer Big Apple Corps.
What You Need To Know
- The New Queens Pride Parade started in 1993 and celebrated its 31st anniversary Sunday
- Queens Pride is the city’s second largest Pride parade
- Several local politicians lent their support
As a proud resident of Queens and even prouder member of the LGBTQ+ community, he admits he there is something particularly special about being part of a smaller, much more local celebration of pride with mostly other residents of his chosen borough.
“Sure, Manhattan has the big one at the end of the month, but Queens is the epicenter of all communities around the globe. So that’s why for me it’s very important to be part of the festivities every year,” Castaneda said.
Jackson Heights is known as the most diverse neighborhood in the entire city.
Adding to that diversity is the fact that Jackson Heights and many other neighborhoods in Queens are home to a large contingent of proud members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Paradegoer Tania Bezerra of Astoria says Queens’ Pride has proven to be a great way to meet new people and build a community.
“Two years ago, I met somebody, and we exchanged message and everything,” she said. “You always meet somebody! We’re all together to have fun, and they want to connect!”
The festivities also drew elected officials, from the area’s council members, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Congressional members, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
After the parade wrapped up, revelers were able to walk down 75th Street, which was shut down to car traffic by 37th Avenue, so they could check out live entertainment, along with tents that had been set up for community health services aimed specifically at the LGBTQ+ community.
Marjorie Conn and her partner, Kara Allen, have been dating for years and both performed in the parade.
Conn lives in Manhattan but said being part of Queens Pride Sunday was very special.
“You’re going to make me cry!” said Conn. “It was unbelievable. Everybody was lined up, and they had all the different flags. Trans flags and rainbow flags, and I just feel like now in this country, the way that things are happening, that it is so important to show our pride.”