Pride month is off to an exciting start in NYC.
The evening began with a few remarks from the host, Rob Byrnes – President of the East Midtown Partnership as well as Johanna Kendrick-Holmes – Director of NYC Special Events and Programs. This year was the first time this event has been held since 2019.
Additional speakers were Deputy Manhattan Borough President Keisha Sutton-James and Ron Zacchi, Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul. According to Zacchi, Hochul has doubled funding for LGBTQ+ services, and they are “just getting started”.
The highlight of the kickoff reception was an energetic performance by Tonewall, a gay men’s a cappella choir based in NYC. They performed multiple uplifting songs, closing with “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.
The event closed with hors d’oeuvres being passed around on the rooftop of the venue.
A key idea throughout the words of all of the speakers was the fact that New Yorkers must come together and stand up for each other, as well as others in states where LGBTQ+ rights are being encroached upon. As said by Rob Byrnes, we must “be vigilant, fight back.”
