NYC Pride: The Rally Gets a Whole New Groove
May 28th Via News Letter By Michael Lavelle
 Since its birth in 1969 as a protest and candlelight vigil shortly after the Stonewall Riots, the NYC Pride Rally has become the kick-off event of our annual Pride celebration in New York City. Once the culmination of the June Gay Power demonstrations, it retains a pure civil rights spirit showcasing LGBT talent and speakers mixing entertainers with activists to nurture our minds and souls.Over the years, the Rally has seen some great days in numerous settings including various sites in Central Park, Washington Square, Union Square and most recently, Bryant Park.
As the LGBT rights movement has matured and as our community has become less marginalized, the mission of the Rally and its place in our hearts seems to have faded. The thousands who once enjoyed a summer afternoon of both protest and entertainment in the park have dwindled.
But, the Rally is coming back, bigger and better than ever, to Central Park on a new day at a new time, with a new attitude. And we need you to come, bring your friends, and see a great tradition refreshed and revitalized.
- The new date: Saturday, June 19th
- The new time: 4PM-8PM. Doors open at 3PM
- The new place: Central Park’s Summer Stage, Rumsey Field (enter at 5th Ave and 79th St)
- The new attitude: Top Talent: Co-Hosts Bruce Vilanch and Vickie Shaw.
Performers: Meshell Ndegéocello, Billie Myers, Ari Gold, Wendy William, the Cast of Hair, Comic Ian Harvie, the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, Dan Gershaw, the Sunday Morning Mimosas and Martha Wash!
Speakers: Lt. Dan Choi, Cathy Marino Thomas, Kevin Frost and others.
The Rally has always been NYC Pride’s gift back to the community. It’s free, it’s fabulous, it’s important. And our sponsors are giving away tons of samples!
So, don’t you dare miss it!
So many March changes...
- FAQ's are now online
- Route Maps coming soon
- New Step off point at 36 & 5th Avenue
- 2 Moments of Silence so that everyone participating in the March will be able to show respect
The next meeting of the March Committee is being held on June 2nd @ 7PM. If you would like to get involved or to ask any questions about registering, email march@nycpride.org.
This is a great time to get involved if you are thinking of taking on a greater role next year as positions are opening up for Pride '11...
RAPTURE 7/DANCE 24.....IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR!
Have you volunteered for Rapture or Dance in the past? Want to do it again or make this your first time?
WE WANT YOU.......Send an email to dancevol@nycpride.org with your name, email, a phone contact, and what position you had last year or in a past year so we can try to make sure you get it again this year! If it is your first time, let us know too.
Where else will you be able to make great friends, listen to fun, heart pounding music, eat well AND do it all for a great cause!
Calling all Volunteers!
Have you ever wanted to be a part of NYC Pride but didn't know how? Well, we need you! Commitments range from being on an event committee to doing office work, helping count the coins or just helping one time at the day of our events.
We could really use help the day of for March, Rapture & Dance 24. Visit NYCPride.org
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