2025 NYC Pride Guide - Flipbook - Page 48
highlighting
NYC Drag Perfor
ANGEL AU
BIANCA STAR
BOXA CRAYONS
FELICIA OH
FREEDA KULO
LORI LU
MISS
In a city where drag is protest, performance, and pure celebration, these NYC dr
embody the spirit of Pride through power, presence, and community. From advoc
rights to showcasing queer joy on every stage, their voices remind us that rising u
boldly, loving fiercely, and never backing down.
Angel Au
Freeda Kulo
Q: What does Pride mean to you?/How do you rise up?
Q: What does Pride mean to you?
A: When I reflect on what pride means in the context of rising
up, I think simply showing up and taking space as your authentic self is a powerful form of protest! Giving the current administration’s plans to erase trans people, it’s imperative, now more
than ever, to show them that we are here, we have always exist,
and we aren’t going anywhere! This pride you can catch me all
over the city giving shows, but I’ll be looking forward to celebrating Youth Pride on June 28th as well as the Pride edition of
Dim Sum Divas Brunch on June 17th at Meili in Williamsburg :).
A: Pride to me is a reminder to appreciate those who have
pioneered the way for us to have the privilege to live our life
authentically. At the same token we still have lots of work to
do, especially to protect our trans siblings and fight for their
rights and visibility. I Rise Up by making sure that I use my
platform to be the queer and latinx representation I wish I
had when I was younger. It’s important to be visible because
it fosters making a safe space that allows for everyone to fee
seen, valued, and respected. People can rise up during these
times by supporting, showing up, and sharing the love for sm
queer and poc businesses, creatives and drag entertainers. T
intersectionality has been critical in creating a movement tha
has truly impacted our rights and allowed us to be out, loud,
and proud!
Bianca Star
Q: What does Pride mean to you? / How do you rise up?
A: Pride is living out loud authentically with no limitations on
love and self-expression, celebrating the lives that fought for
our rights to do so. In order to Rise Up against hate, we must
engage with our local elections and remain informed on the
policy changes effecting our communities. Most importantly,
we must continue to share queer joy on the streets and around
the world!
Boxa Crayonz
Q: What does Pride mean to you?/How do you rise up?
A: Pride started as and always will be a protest. As a trans person, our existence alone is a protest. To rise up this Pride, show
up for your peers and chosen family. That doesn’t just mean
attending a protest, that’s buying a trans person (especially of
color) a car home or a meal, sharing or donating to fundraisers,
attending a show, etc.
felicia oh
Q: What does Pride mean to you?/How do you rise up?
A: Pride, to me, is a symbol of resistance and resilience. By
showing up and existing authentically, I am using my Pride as
armor to rise up against the times we’re in currently. I’m not
alone in this fight because I know that my community will always lift each other up by harnessing the power of Pride.
/45//
LORI LU
Q: What does Pride mean to you?/How do you rise up
A: Pride to me is like a taco al pastor: spicy, messy and best
enjoyed with your friends and community. But this year there
no fiesta without lucha (fight). And mi amor, I’ve been rising
since I crossed the border for me and all my people.
You’ll be able to find me this pride season all around the city
and closing with a bang at Nashville Pride Festival!
Miss Jaé
Q: What does Pride mean to you?
A: Pride, to me, is more than just a word—it’s about unapologetic self-expression and loving exactly who you
are. I wear my pride on my sleeve every day just by existing as a drag artist. Every time I step out in public as my
full, authentic self, that’s Pride in action. It’s the courage
to be visible, vibrant, and free.
NYCPRIDE.org
