What's Happening This Pride Weekend?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "What's Happening This Pride Weekend?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: WNYC (David Fuerst as guest host for Alison Stewart)
• Episode Title: What's Happening This Pride Weekend?
• Release Date: June 27, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work. The podcast fosters a diverse community, celebrating the myriad aspects of New York City's vibrant culture.

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Introduction

In the June 27, 2025 episode of All Of It, host David Fuerst steps in for Alison Stewart to discuss the culminating events of Pride Month in New York City. As Pride Weekend approaches its end with the official New York City Pride March on Sunday, Fuerst welcomes Kaz Alexander, co-chair of NYC Pride, to shed light on the significant happenings and the broader cultural context of Pride.

Guest Introduction: Kaz Alexander

Kaz Alexander joins the conversation to elaborate on the essence of Pride for him personally and for the community at large. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and liberation, especially within the dynamic and inclusive environment of New York City.

"For me, Pride Month, as well as this coming weekend, is an opportunity to demonstrate that it's okay to live authentically... New York is the bastion for that."
— Kaz Alexander [01:34]

Theme and Contemporary Significance

This year's Pride theme, "Rise Up Pride in Protest," underscores a renewed sense of activism within the LGBTQ+ community. Alexander discusses how current legal and governmental challenges necessitate a proactive stance in advocating for equal liberties.

"This year is a continuation of that fight... our theme, rise Up Pride in Protest, is just a call to action."
— Kaz Alexander [02:27]

The discussion references a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing Maryland parents to withdraw their children from public schools' LGBTQ-inclusive lessons, highlighting the ongoing struggles for educational and personal freedoms.

Historical Context of Pride

Alexander provides a brief history of Pride, tracing its origins back to the Stonewall uprising of 1969—a pivotal moment that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. He underscores the inclusive nature of Pride marches, which have always encompassed diverse identities within the community, including transgender individuals.

"The Gay Liberation March and the marches that were led over the first few decades have always included folks from every part of our community."
— Kaz Alexander [04:11]

Celebratory versus Protest Aspects of Pride

Diving into the multifaceted ways Pride is celebrated, Alexander articulates that Pride is both a celebration and a protest. He highlights the diversity in participation, from vibrant parties and personal expressions of identity to organized demonstrations advocating for rights and liberties.

"Pride is not just a party, it's also a protest... It's what I love most about being in New York at this time."
— Kaz Alexander [05:33]

Pride Weekend Events Overview

The episode provides a detailed rundown of key events scheduled for Pride Weekend in New York City:

1. Pride Kickoff Party

   • Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard, Dougl Greenhouse
   • Time: Starts at 3:00 PM
   • Description: A celebration to inaugurate the weekend, fostering a spirit of freedom and joy.

2. Ladyland Festival

   • Performers: Cardi B and FKA Twigs
   • Location: Under the Brooklyn Bridge, Under the K Bridge Park
   • Description: A two-day concert series marking the beginning of Pride festivities.

3. Youth Pride

   • Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17
   • Time: Noon to 6:00 PM (with a Trans Rights youth rally at 11:00 AM)
   • Description: A safe and welcoming space for young individuals and families, featuring educational and supportive activities.

4. New York City Dyke March

   • Location: Bryant Park
   • Time: Starts at 5:00 PM
   • Description: A protest march emphasizing liberation and visibility for the dyke community.

5. Official NYC Pride March

   • Location: Starts at 5th Avenue and 26th Street; concludes at 7th Avenue and 15th Street
   • Time: Starts at 11:00 AM on Sunday
   • Description: The largest annual Pride gathering in the United States, celebrating authenticity and unity.

6. Pride Fest

   • Location: South of Union Square
   • Time: Concurrent with the Pride March, concluding around 6:00 PM
   • Description: A street festival featuring food, live performances, activities for families, and more.

"We want everybody to be able to feel the shine that comes with this weekend. So there is something for everyone."
— Kaz Alexander [08:18]

Engagement and Resources

Alexander introduces the newly launched NYC Pride app and the comprehensive Pride Guide available on their website, nycpride.org. These resources are designed to help attendees navigate the numerous events and activities throughout the city.

"So you can download our NYC Pride app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store... download our Pride Guide which... ensures there is something for everyone."
— Kaz Alexander [07:03]

Final Thoughts and Closing

As the conversation wraps up, Alexander shares his personal commitment to the Pride March, ensuring the event runs smoothly and highlighting the simultaneous Pride Fest. David Fuerst extends gratitude to Alexander for his insights and participation.

"Our annual street festival, one of the largest gatherings of people, food, fun, stage, live performances, wonderful activities for young people and families... something for everyone if you want to protest. If you want to come to the march, if you want to be at our street festival, we welcome you."
— Kaz Alexander [10:08]

Fuerst concludes the episode by wishing listeners a happy Pride and teasing the return of Alison Stewart with a conversation featuring actor Morgan Spector.

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Key Takeaways:

• Pride Weekend in NYC offers a blend of celebrations and protests, reflecting both joyous expressions of identity and ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
• "Rise Up Pride in Protest" theme highlights the necessity of activism in the face of recent legal challenges.
• Inclusivity remains at the heart of Pride, with events catering to diverse age groups, identities, and interests.
• Resources such as the NYC Pride app and Pride Guide facilitate attendee engagement and participation across various events.

For more information and to explore all Pride events, visit nycpride.org or download the NYC Pride app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Transcript

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[David Fuerst]

This is all of it. I'm David Fuerst, in for Alison Stewart, and we are nearing the end of Pride Month and from parades to clubs hosting Pride Nights, it has been a memorable June so far. But New York City's Pride Weekend is just getting underway, wrapping up with the official New York City Pride march on Sunday. And here now to highlight the big events this weekend, we're joined by one of the co chairs of NYC Pride, Kaz Alexander. Welcome to all of it.

[Kaz Alexander]

Thank you so much for having me and listeners.

[David Fuerst]

Are you marking Pride this weekend? Call in or text with activities and events that you're attending around the city or maybe in New Jersey. Call us 212-433-9692. That's 212-433-WNYC to tell us your thoughts. And Kaz, you are co chair for New York City Pride. Pride is a time for people to feel accepted and completely themselves. What does it mean for you?

[Kaz Alexander]

For me, Pride Month, as well as this coming weekend, is an opportunity to demonstrate that it's okay to live authentically. I think the wonderful thing about New York City and about being a New Yorker is that we sort of grow up with this idea and this identity that you are free to be yourself. So I think it's really important for us as New Yorkers and folks in the surrounding area to show what liberation and what liberty looks like. So for me, it feels quite natural to be out and about during Pride season, but I think it's a demonstration for everyone else. And even more so this year, I think folks need to know what that liberation looks like. New York is the bastion for that.

[David Fuerst]

Well, right before we get into all of the specific Pride events, does Pride have a different feeling and a different meaning this year? This year's theme is Rise Up Pride in Protest.

[Kaz Alexander]

Absolutely. I think this year especially is an opportunity for everyone to voice their concern, voice frustration, voice your desire for a life of equal liberty. Just like every other citizen. LGBTQ folks in the US have had a hard lot for, for all of the sort of history of our country, but we are seeing decisions at the level of the Supreme Court. We're seeing decisions and executive orders from the federal government that challenge those Liberties and challenge sort of the freedom that many people have fought really hard for. So this year is a continuation of that fight. And our theme, rise Up Pride in Protest, is just a call to action. Everybody has a duty to rise up and share what's most important to them. And the challenge is not just our own. We expect to see our allies, our supporters, and those who believe in freedom for everyone.

[David Fuerst]

Well, just looking at today's Supreme Court ruling, as detailed in the Associated Press, the Supreme Court rules that Maryland parents who have religious objections can pull their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ storybooks. The justices reversed lower court rulings in favor of the Montgomery county school system in suburban Washington. The high court ruled that the schools likely could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material. I could ask you about this latest ruling, but let's look back to the history of Pride. It started as a protest. Can you talk about that history?

[Kaz Alexander]

Absolutely. We're in our 41st year at Heritage of Pride, which is the organization that pulls together all of the events related to New York City Pride this week and weekend. But it's really a long and storied history of an organization, but also of a community that has been fighting for the liberation of LGBTQ folks. And to be clear, you know, the Gay Liberation March and the marches that were led over the first few decades have always included folks from every part of our community. Not just gay folks, not just lesbians, not just allies, but trans people. And so we are continuing to uphold the history and the legacy as an organization and as a community. And also we want to recognize that no part of our community should be erased.

[David Fuerst]

Well, you know, the movement began as your website details, with the Stonewall. Stonewall uprising of 1969. One year later, the first New York City Pride March was organized by the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee. Marches have continued every year since. Let's start talking about the way to celebrate. You know, there's no one way to celebrate Pride, but what are your thoughts about how people celebrate? Maybe the variety of ways people approach this weekend and this moment?

[Kaz Alexander]

Absolutely. I am a firm believer that Pride is not just a party, it's also a protest. Some of us, I'm a black gay man. I protest with my life and just living every day. So showing up for some people is more than enough. Some folks like to celebrate by partying. Some folks like to share what they're most passionate about. They like to live out loud, live and in color. And so we welcome Everybody, this is probably the most inclusive space. New York is recognized for being a place where people can be themselves. So the colors are not just the colors of the rainbow, they are the colors of folks self expression. It's what I love most about being in New York at this time. But also as I mentioned, you know, it is an opportunity to protest for what you believe in or against what stands in your way. So we welcome all different ideologies. Anybody is welcome to be themselves this weekend and and I just love that part of what we're able to offer folks.

[David Fuerst]

Well, maybe you can quickly walk us through some of the highlights. There's a great guide to a lot of the pride events at WNYC's news site, Gothamist.com, which I'm using right now to lead us through the weekend.

[Kaz Alexander]

Absolutely.

[David Fuerst]

Let's start with today there is a Pride kickoff party at the Brooklyn Navy Yard called Heritage that starts at 3:00. And then tonight there's this concert, the start of a two day Ladyland Festival with Cardi B and FKA Twigs at Under the K Bridge park in Brooklyn. Can you talk about these events?

[Kaz Alexander]

Fantastic. Yeah, absolutely. So, you know, we start off with a celebration on Sunday. We will get to our march and protest, but we really want to ring in this weekend by having people come out and really be in celebration of freedom. So the Heritage Day party is at Dougl Greenhouse at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. We start at three but we go all the way into the night. So it's a great way to kick off the weekend. As you mentioned, we have a concert series in partnership with Ladyland. So we will be under the Brooklyn Bridge. So we're out in Brooklyn tonight and for folks that know me, I love a good fiesta. So we will be out and starting off the weekend on a high note if folks are really interested in finding out all of the different events that we have. We actually have a new app that just got released this week. So you can download our NYC Pride app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store. So it's available for everybody to sort of follow along with many different collaborations and events that we have all over the city. Those are just some of the main ones. And throughout the weekend you can also go on our website and download our Pride Guide which I know folks have worked really hard to pull together all of the events that are happening in New York City. We want everybody to be able to feel the shine that comes with this weekend. So there is something for everyone.

[David Fuerst]

Well, we're speaking with one of the co chairs of NYC Pride, Kaz Alexander. And there's an event called Youth Pride at the South Street Seaport that's happening tomorrow from noon to 6pm there's also the New York City Dyke March happening in Bryant park that starts at 5pm tomorrow. That is very much described as a protest march, not a parade. Can you tell us about those events?

[Kaz Alexander]

Absolutely. So Youth Pride is my favorite. I'm an educator by trade. We are built as an organization on the idea of volunteerism. And we have almost 1,000 volunteers that work on pulling together this week and weekend. And Youth Pride is really a beautiful hallmark for our young people and a safe space for young people, young adults to come. For many, it may be their first pride. And we know that the large protests and the large marches might be a bit overwhelming. So, you know, we invite folks to come with their families, completely safe space, down to the South street seaport and Pier 17 tomorrow afternoon. We have a Trans Rights youth rally to kick off in the morning at 11am and we'll be there all afternoon. So, you know, bring your young folks to experience what pride might feel like first, Pride might feel like for them. And then as we mentioned, as you mentioned, there are many other events, including the Dyke March. Again, liberation is for everyone. So we want folks to be able to find their place and feel comfortable throughout the weekend.

[David Fuerst]

And then finally, there's the official NYC Pride March happening on Sunday. It starts at 11am at 5th Avenue and 26th Street. It goes past the Stonewall Inn, wraps up at 7th Avenue and 15th Street. Kaz, what are you going to be doing during the march?

[Kaz Alexander]

I will be front and center on fifth Avenue.

[David Fuerst]

Nice.

[Kaz Alexander]

Just making sure that things flow. This is the largest gathering annually of individuals, humans, citizens, people in the United States. So we're really excited to see everybody come out and as I said, be their authentic selves. But I will be right there on fifth Avenue for hours. On hours. But we also are broadcasting our televised broadcast of the march and the festivities at the same time. So sort of producing that in tandem and working through that. We have a wonderful production team that helps to pull that together. And concurrently, we also have Pride Fest. So we have many events happening at the same time. Our annual street festival, one of the largest gatherings of of people, food, fun, stage, live performances, wonderful activities for young people and families. That's just south of Union Square at the exact same time. And we'll be out there till about 6pm on Sunday afternoon. So again, there's something for everyone if you want to protest. If you want to come to the march, if you want to be at our street festival, we welcome you and.

[David Fuerst]

We'Re just going to be pulling for good weather. Can you shout out that website one more time?

[Kaz Alexander]

Yes, absolutely. Our website is nycpride.org and please download our app and you just type in NYC Pride into the Apple Store or Google Play Store and you'll see all of our events. There are many more than I was.

[David Fuerst]

Able to list so many of it. Kaz Alexander, one of the co chairs of NYC Pride, thank you for joining us and have a great weekend.

[Kaz Alexander]

Thank you. Very excited to see everyone out there.

[David Fuerst]

And that is all of it. I'm David Firce. Alison Stewart will be back on Monday. She'll be talking with actor Morgan Spector, the star of the HBO series the Gilded Age. Happy Pride. Have a great weekend and thank you for listening.

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