It’s Pride month! Every June pride events are held around the world to celebrate the LGBTQ community. The international celebration was created in honor of the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan that catapulted gay rights into the public eye. Pride month recognizes and celebrates past and current LGBTQ rights activists. Through parades, picnics, parties, concerts, workshops and public events, the LGBT community and its supporters celebrate standing up for who you and the rights that you deserve.
Thousands of people across the world are once again coming together to celebrate the rights they worked for while advocating for equality. Here are the best events to celebrate Pride Month on the East Coast!
- Long Beach, NY, June 8th-10th, http://prideonthebeach.org
The city of Long Beach hosts a parade, concerts, vendors, and a carnival every summer for the pride celebration. The Long Island LGBTQ community, supporters, and tourists join together for the three days of festivals making Long Beach a prime destination for Pride. The happening “city by the sea” full of bars, restaurants, and shops has become home to the LI pride festival in its 27th year.
- Washington D.C., June 7th-10th, http://www.capitalpride.org
Where better to celebrate the advancement of LGBTQ rights then at the capital itself? The Capital Pride Alliance has organized a truly remarkable 4-day event in America’s Capital. People come from all over the country, and all over the world, for the massive celebration. From a pride pool party, to a color run, to inspiring speakers, and even an “Earth, Wind, Fire, and Glitter” 70’s Silent Disco, the event really does have all the festivities imaginable.
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Basically all Summer
Rehoboth is a popular beach town in the state of Delaware that is home to a thriving LGBTQ community. Although they do not have any distinguished “Pride” events, Rehoboth is considered an LGBTQ Pride celebration in itself. With a very “live and let live” lifestyle, Rehoboth has a non-judgemental atmosphere. This town is known for its tight-knit, yet welcoming, community with an amazing nightlife, beautiful boardwalk, and a rich LGBTQ history. Rehoboth has often been referred to as a the “perfect LGBT travel destination”.
- Norfolk, VA, June 24th-30th, http://www.hamptonroadspride.org
Vermont is a progressive, scenic, and fun-filled state. So, of course, their pride celebration entails all of these amazing qualities! Vermont hosts one of the only boat pride parades in the nation, creating a party on a sea full of rainbow. The event also includes a drag queen brunch on the beach, a pride block party, live music, and an abundance of vendors. The event was organized by a very respected board working to advocate for LGBTQ rights.
- New York City, NY, June 23rd-24th, http://www.nycpride.org
Part of the Mission of NYC Pride is “The Spirit Of Stonewall Lives on” in honor of the 1969 gay rights movement. NYC is home to one of the biggest Pride Marches in the world making it a global destination. The event hosts DJs, a pride event for teens, and a street festival full of food, music, and performers. NYC also has a great nightlife for LGBTQ individuals and allies!
- Providence, RI, June 16th, http://www.prideri.org
Providence is the perfect summer travel location with an amazing LGBTQ pride event. It is going to be the 43rd annual pride event in Providence making for a rich history and a bigger turn out every year. The theme this summer will be “Louder and Prouder”. With a number of music performances and food vendors, the Providence Pride event is an amazing way to celebrate.
Featured Image via Flickr/Ted Eytan
