It's time to wave that rainbow flag because it's Pride Month in New York City!
For over 30 years, NYC has commemorated the Stonewall Riots, that jumpstarted the LGBT rights movement in 1969, with colorful and spectacular events all throughout the month of June.
And it all leads up to the big Pride Parade at the end of the month.
NYC Pride is a celebration of people from all walks of life, and invites everyone regardless of sexual orientation to join in on the fun!
Here are the big things going down this month that are painting the town all the colors of the rainbow.
1. Queens Pride (37th Avenue & 89th Street - Queens)
This Sunday kicked off your Pride Month in Jackson Heights with the Queens Pride Parade, celebrating 25 years of marching this year! This year's Grand Marshals were New York State Comptroller Thomas P. Napoli, trans leader and activist Bianey Garcia-D la O and 80's dance superstar Lisa Lisa.
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The parade started off at noon sharp as the array of colorful groups and coalitions proudly showed their pride for the borough of Queens. When the parade hit its end on 75th Street, everyone got swept up in the Queens Pride Festival, chock full of food, live performances and festivities.
2. Rockbar (185 Christopher Street)
Down on Christopher in the area it all started, saunter down the street to Rockbar on Wednesday, June 7th and discover Viktor Devonne's White Elephant Burlesque, a tantalizing showcase that sparks all of your senses. These captivating burlesque performers are bringing the sizzle to make you fizzle.
Hosted by Miss Cherry Delight, the roster of talented performers include Dollface Dagger, Lewd Alfred Douglas, Cassandra Rosebeetle, Broody Valentino, Esmerelda May and Regina Stargazer, who are ready to take it all off in this white hot cabaret.
Showtime is at 8:30 p.m., but get there earlier for happy hour (not to mention a prime viewing spot). $10 artist donation at the door. And come with tipping money!
3. Brooklyn Pride Parade (Lincoln Place - Brooklyn)
Come and take part in the electric and eclectic Brooklyn Pride Parade, NYC's only night time parade on Sunday, June 10th. Kicking off at 7:30 a.m. around Lincoln Place, the march winds through the neighborhood and ends at 9th Street and 5th Avenue.
Now in it's 21st year, the Brooklyn Pride Parade celebrates the exceptional diversity that the borough offers, as well as offers a twilight spectacle not to be forgotten. Come early for the MultiCultural Festival on 5th Avenue between 1st and 9th Streets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. before the parade starts!
4. Foley Square (111 Worth Street)
NYC Pride is taking The Rally back into the streets! With so much political upheaval going on in the world today, The Rally aims to reunite and empower. Come together with community activists, organizers, politicians to take a stand and make your voice heard in this re-imagined Rally experience.
On Friday, June 16th at 6 p.m., come remember the first NYC Pride Rally that occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the city. The Rally is free to attend.
5. SVA Theater (333 West 23rd Street)
Who's ready for a movie night? After a successful first year showcasing the film Strike A Pose, NYC Pride is bringing back OutCinema, a celebration of LGBTQ pride and community on film, which features a specially curated screening followed by an open bar after-party.
This year's film is Cherry Pop, a gut-busting comedy about a crazy night in a down-and-out drag club, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race 2016 winner Bob The Drag Queen and Drag Race alumni Detox, Latrice Royale, and Tempest DuJour.
The big premiere is Monday, June 19th at 7:30 p.m.. You can nab your tickets here.
6. Japan Society (333 East 47th Street)
If you're looking for something artsy, we've got you covered. Travel back in time through a curated experience that highlights the historical “third gender” of Edo society. The development of Japan’s culture come alive through illustrations, artifacts and historical documents of regional LGBTQ history.
A Third Gender: Beautiful Youths in Japanese Prints is the first exhibition in North America devoted to the portrayal of wakashu, the "third gender." The exhibit features over 65 woodblock prints, as well as paintings, luxury objects and personal ornaments.
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A Third Gender: Beautiful Youths in Japanese Prints runs through Sunday, June 11th and tickets can be purchased at the Japan Society for $12.
7. Broadway Comedy Club (318 West 53rd Street)
It'll be a night of hijinks and humor at the legendary Broadway Comedy Club on June 21st for Gaylarious: The LGBT Stand-Up Comedy Show. This stand-up comedy show features some of NYC's funniest LGBT and LGBT friendly comedians from TV, Radio and Comedy Clubs across the country.
Organized by The MenEvent, this troupe consists of the city's sharpest queer acts for a night of stellar stand-up. The show's lineup includes Rick Crom, Jeff Lawrence, Joanne Filan, Adam Chisnell, Jon Fisch and Michelle Slonim.
You can score your tickets here.
8. 14th Street Park (14th Street b/w 10th Avenue & West Side Highway)
Are you or some of your friends under 21 but you still want to celebrate your Pride together? Come on down to 14th Street on Saturday, June 21st at noon for an outdoor fiesta, where all ages can celebrate NYC Pride with their community.
This is the very first year that NYC Pride is holding an entirely new experience for LGBT teens and allies! There'll be interactive experiences, games, and live entertainment for all that attend. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Register here to get your party on!