Jun 28

Jun 28 New York City Celebrates Pride and Protest

Image by Ruben Natal-San Miguel
Written by Stella Chu
Photo Edited by Yanting Chen

June 24th was the annual Drag March, where hundreds and hundreds of drag king and queens marched the streets donned in spectacular outfits.

The Drag March, which has always been a protest and not a parade, was created in 1994 after the organizers of the official Pride march banned drag queens and leather men from the parade, fearing the loss of corporate sponsors. In response, iconic rainbow flag-designer Gilbert Baker and Brian Griffin created the Drag March.

Being a protest, the marchers called for change, especially in light of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. Angry shouts of “Abort the Court!” were heard- across the city.

The anti-corporate march started in Tompkins Square Park and ended right in front of the Stonewall Inn.

Just the day after was the 30th annual Dyke March, also meant to be an anti-corporate protest for those previously excluded in corporate pride events. Thousands of Dykes took the streets to celebrate diversity, love, and acceptance of Dykes, and to protest the violence and backward turning of the country.