NYC Pride Cancels In-Person Events, Will Go Virtual for 2020

After San Diego and San Francisco both canceled their Pride weeks, Heritage of Pride has announced that NYC Pride 2020 has also canceled its in-person events.

"As the days have passed, it has become more and more clear that even with a decline in the spread [of the pandemic,] large-scale events such as ours are unlikely to happen in the near future," Maryanne Roberto Fine, NYC Pride Co-Chair, said in a statement. "We understand that we need to reimagine NYC Pride events - and have already begun to do just that."

The event celebrated Stonewall50 last year which also coincided with New York hosting WorldPride -- the two occasions combined made the size of the event unprecedented. This year was set to also be a blowout affair as it is the 50 year anniversary of Pride events. Janelle Monae had already been announced as a headliner of the Pride Island series of musical performances. Betty Who and Pussy Riot were also set to perform at those series of events.

"Pride is a staple in New York City, and is oftentimes a safe space for many," David A. Correa, Interim Executive Director of Heritage of Pride, said. "This weighed on our members, board, and staff, knowing that we serve as a haven for vulnerable communities. It was not easy to arrive at the decision to cancel pride as we have come to know it over the years, especially given the financial impact this could have on LGBTQIA+ people and businesses, but our top priority remains the health and well-being of all those that participate with us. "

In the place of these plans, NYC Pride will focus on its Pride Gives Back initiative and will participate in the virtual Global Pride event on June 27. The specifics of that involvement have not been announced.

Other major U.S. Pride festivals like those in L.A. and D.C. have postponed their events.

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