NYC is the birthplace of Pride and the gay rights movement. Let’s take a look at what’s new and upcoming in the big apple.
Marsha P. Johnson State Park – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Visitors to Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Brooklyn (formerly known as East River State Park) will now enter through a new floral gateway, in honor of the late transgender activist. Officials unveiled the decorative gateway on what would have been Johnson’s 78th birthday. “Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneer who took a stand for justice, fought for equal rights, and ultimately altered the trajectory of New York State history,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “This new gateway entrance will allow visitors to pay tribute to her contributions to this state and country while enjoying the greenery of Brooklyn and sweeping Manhattan skyline views.”
In addition, officials have added new landscaping including “Marsha’s Hillside” honouring her love of nature, native species perennial gardens, a great lawn, dozens of trees, pathways and furnishings. The park is also now home to permanent signage documenting Marsha’s life, work and community.
Downtown LGBTQ+ Activism Walking Tour – Christopher Street Tours | Lower Manhattan
Embark on the Downtown LGBTQ+ Activism Walking Tour, a transformative journey through Lower Manhattan, exploring significant historic sites shaping the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement, where heroes spoke truth to power. The tour provides an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present and actively contribute to a more inclusive future. Visit christopherstreettours.com to book.
Stonewall National Monument Visitor Centre – West Village, Manhattan | opening June 2024
The first visitor center within the national park system dedicated to LGBTQ+ history will open in NYC in 2024. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center will honor and explore the history of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and will be located at a storefront in Greenwich Village, next door to the historic Stonewall Inn. To stay up to date, visit stonewallvisitorcenter.org
The American LGBTQ+ Museum – Upper West Side, Manhattan | coming in 2026
The New-York Historical Society will incorporate a museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. Slated to open in 2026, the museum will be the nation’s first dedicated to showcasing global, national and local LGBTQ+ history and culture. To watch it unfold, visit americanlgbtqmuseum.org
And of course, the jewel in NYC’s crown…
New York City Pride – June 30 2024 (the last Sunday in June)
The annual NYC Pride March stands as one of the world’s largest, drawing tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators along the sidewalks annually. Additional celebrations take place throughout all five boroughs. Visit nycpride.org for further details.
