Pride Parade Float, Photo: Greer Hazzard
On June 26, New York City hosted its annual Pride Parade on the 7th anniversary of the historic Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that granted same-sex couples the right to marry in the United States. I had the opportunity to witness the parade and celebrations for the first time.
Joining the Pride festivities was essential this year more so than ever. Having only recently come to terms with my identity of being bisexual, I felt it was necessary to celebrate finally being comfortable with who I am.
Despite Pride being very much a cheerful and happy event, this year’s pride had a dark cloud looming over it. Only two days prior, the Supreme Court had decided to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, rescinding the constitutional right to abortion. Even more damning, Justice Clarence Thomas noted in his opinion that the court should reconsider all substantive due process precedents, including Obergefell.
While excited to celebrate, I found myself struggling to get out of bed the morning of Pride. I was grieving the security of having my right to bodily autonomy and fearing what the future holds, especially as a queer woman.
However, I got up and joined the party because I did not want to let the oppressive actions of the government take away my pride. Further, visibility and showing up to events like Pride is important during a time when those in power try to make LGBTQIA+ people and women feel invisible.
I started off my celebrations by attending the Bar Calico Pride Pregame. I was able to indulge in delicious cocktails while enjoying good music and conversation with fellow partygoers.
From there, I ventured to the Pride Parade to catch a glimpse of the city-wide festivities. The parade was filled with rainbow attire, dancers, music, drag performers, and floats. Emanating the nature of the first Pride in 1970, New York’s Pride Parade was a protest. Marchers in the parade and attendees held signs advocating for abortion and LGBTQIA+ rights.
At the conclusion of the day, I was glad to experience Pride in a city known for its role in queer liberation and during such a crucial time in history. I was thankful to see the LGBTQIA+ community I am grateful to be a part of continue to exist and persist in the face of resistance.