WORLD PRIDE NYC

LTA: What does the existence of Pride month mean to you?

Katherine (15, she/her/hers): I’m bisexual and Pride months give me space to just celebrate and to exist. I can be who I am and not have any labels imposed upon me.

LTA: As a bisexual person, do you feel like it’s important to have that visibility?

Katherine: It is. Often, bisexual people are invalidated because they may date someone of the opposite gender - unlike most LGBTQ identities. So it is very important that the LGBTQ community itself accepts us.

LTA: What does Pride mean to you?

David (63, he/him/his): Oh my gosh, well… I’ve been involved and have been an activist since 1978 in New York City. To me, Pride is primarily about overcoming the history of oppression and shame and, over a long period of time, developing a sense of dignity both for the individual and for the LGBTQ community.

LTA: How does it feel to be able to see how far this community has come?

David: In the beginning, the line was very thin; in some places, people just brought their chairs and were just sitting along the street - there were no crowds. And now, you can barely see in front of you! It’s amazing to see the parade packed with 5 million people - all here to appreciate LGBTQ Pride.

LTA: I couldn’t help but notice your t-shirt, I was wondering if you have any explanation?

David: My shirt? I’m Jewish and proud and gay! I’d say that it’s pretty authentic, being that I bought it in Tel Aviv.

“You don’t have to feel guilty about your identity.”

— LUPE, 20, THEY/THEM/THEIRS

LTA: What does Pride mean to you?

Lupe (20, they/them/theirs): Pride is being a part of something and feeling free. You can just be your genuine self. You don’t have to feel guilty about your identity.

LTA: Do you have a queer icon that you love or are channeling today?

Novel (17, she/her/hers): Amandla Stenberg. I love her so much! I think that what she does is so important. Amandla and Willow Smith are both great, badass queer women of color that take Pride in their community and raise awareness.

“Just breathe. And allow other people to breathe.”

— VICTORIA, 29, SHE/HER/HERS

LTA: What does Pride mean to you?

Victoria (29, she/her/hers): Acceptance. Being okay. Getting your mind out of this box that you grew up in. People are different it’s okay to be different; I’ve been judged for being different my entire life. My entire family is indifferent - but in a good way. Basically, just have pride within yourself. Be happy. It’s okay. Just breathe. And allow other people to breathe. Just leave others alone. Just… why not? Why not celebrate and have fun and happiness? I learned acceptance as a child: when I was really little, I was confused about different sexualities. So, when I first encountered a feminine man, my older cousin helped to educate me. I was like five but I still felt bad that I pre-judged that man. I grew up with respect for LGBTQ identities because I never forgot that feeling of regret.

Written by Adelaide Graham, Morgan J. Lee, Elizabeth Kostina, and Justin Li

Edited by Maureena Murphy

Photos by Elizabeth Kostina

October 2019