NYC Pride Announces 2020 Grand Marshals
The 2020 New York City Pride March might be canceled IRL, but like most events this year, the party is going online.
NYC Pride organizers have announced that a special broadcast of the annual Pride March will air Sunday, June 28, from 12–2pm on WABC Channel 7 in New York. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Uprising, but this year is the 50th anniversary of New York City's first Pride March.
Schitt's Creek star and co-creator Dan Levy, The Ali Forney Center, Yanzi Peng, and Victoria Cruz have been announced as grand marshals for the virtual event. The broadcast will also salute health-care workers at the frontlines of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
And if you're sad to be missing out on Pride Island this year, NYC Pride still has you covered. The special will feature performances by Janelle Monáe (who was slated to headline Pride Island '20), Deborah Cox, Billy Porter, and Luisa Sonza, among others.
Queer Eye's Carson Kressley will co-host along with ABC 7's Ken Rosato and Lauren Glassberg with correspondents Sam Champion and Kemberly Richardson. There will also be appearances by Wilson Cruz, Miss Richfield 1981, and Margaret Cho, with more special guests to be announced.
“This virtual event will shine a light on Pride month and the incredible stories of unity and strength by utilizing the powerful reach of ABC-7, the number one station in the market, and the deep connection we have with our viewers and communities,” WABC-TV president and general manager Debra O’Connell said in a media statement.
As NewNowNext previously reported, NYC Pride 2020 was officially canceled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The epic annual event was scheduled for June 14–28, but on Monday, April 20, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio canceled all city permits for June, including Pride and Puerto Rican Day events.
“New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. We’ve come a long way since the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March 50 years ago, which is a testament to the bravery and resiliency [sic] of LGBTIA+ New Yorkers in the struggle for equality,” de Blasio said in a media statement. “While this pandemic prevents us from coming together to march, it will in no way stop us from celebrating the indelible contributions that the LGBTIA+ community has made to New York City or from recommitting ourselves to the fight for equal rights.”
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