2026 NYC Pride Guide - Magazine - Page 6
LETTER FROM
NYC PRIDE CO-CHAIRS
KAZZ ALEXANDER &
MICHELE IRIMIA
Welcome to New York City! On behalf of the Executive Board of NYC Pride, we are thrilled
to have you here with us in the birthplace of the Pride movement.
Since the Stonewall Riots, our local community has been at the forefront of the LGBTQIA+
movement. It is the courage and visibility of our city’s queer ancestors that empowers
LGBTQIA+ individuals everywhere to stand proud and stand united in the face of setbacks.
At NYC Pride, that is a legacy we do not take lightly. And it is that legacy that calls us to action
now. Pride organizers across the country are facing funding cuts and political challenges.
Queer history markers are fragile as ever. And our trans and non-binary siblings continue to
bear the brunt of hateful, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks at every level of government.
This reminds us that NYC Pride is more than an event; it is an important display of our community’s enduring spirit on the world stage.
Similarly, Pride itself is more than a single march or moment. It is a collaborative, unified
platform for LGBTQ+ advocacy. It is a network of dedicated organizers, community groups,
and volunteers, who understand the urgency this moment demands.
It is something we must build and protect - together.
FOR ALL OF US
