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Love is Love, Equality Now: 2023 NYC Pride March Fills Streets with a Message of Solidarity

June 26, 2023

Cheers, Glitter, and Chants of Unity: NYC Celebrates Pride with Unbridled Enthusiasm

Coverage by Luis Diaz and Suranit Soikam

New York, NY (June 24, 2023) – New York City pulsated with a vibrant energy on June 25th, 2023, as the 53rd annual NYC Pride March transformed the streets into a shimmering river of color. This year’s theme, “Strength in Solidarity,” resonated deeply with the estimated 75,000 marchers (or more) and countless spectators who thronged the route; which has been estimated to be in the millions.

The march kicked off at noon, led by a dazzling duo of Grand Marshals – the iconic Billy Porter and powerhouse activist Yasmin Benoit. A kaleidoscope of costumes, glitter, and rainbow flags exploded onto Fifth Avenue. Local LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses with messages of inclusion, and even rollerblading drag queens added their unique flair to the vibrant tapestry.

More than just a parade, the march became a platform for activism. Over 75% of the participants represented LGBTQ+ causes, carrying signs that advocated for equality around the world. The chants of “Love is Love” and “Equality Now” resonated with a powerful message, a reminder that the fight for justice continues.

But the spirit of Pride wasn’t confined to the marchers. Sidewalks overflowed with enthusiastic spectators, their cheers and rainbow flags creating a symphony of solidarity. Local businesses enthusiastically joined the celebration, adorning their storefronts with rainbow hues and offering special deals.

The energy was electric. From the exuberant marchers to the cheering crowds, it was a day that transcended celebration. It was a powerful display of unity, a diverse mix of ages, ethnicities, and sexual orientations coming together to paint the city in a vibrant mosaic of acceptance. As the march snaked past the historic Stonewall National Monument, a wave of hope and pride rippled through the crowd, a testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ movement.

The 2023 NYC Pride March wasn’t just a parade; it was a vibrant roar of resilience and a dazzling display of solidarity. It was a day that reminded everyone that love and unity have the power to ignite a revolution of acceptance, one rainbow at a time.

For us, this year’s march (just as with past years’) was another unforgettable experience. Having been to Pride numerous times before, the energy never fails to amaze and awe me. Just glancing at the massive, cheering crowds lining the sidewalks sends shivers down my spine. What other parade in NYC could possibly rival this electrifying atmosphere? We were stationed near the beginning of the march, close to Madison Square Park. While it was incredible, I can only imagine the even more massive and thrilling throngs that must have filled the streets down in Greenwich Village. Be sure to check out our photographic and video coverage on this page to get a glimpse of the magic!