Gay Pride Week 2009

New York City will celebrate Gay Pride Week from June 20-28, 2009. As always, it will be an action-packed week of events to celebrate the LGBT community, commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and support the ongoing fight for gay liberation.

The theme surrounding this year’s list of events is “Paint the Town Ruby – Stonewall 40." The 1969 Stonewall demonstration stands as a defining moment in the history of the Gay Rights Movement.

In past years, more than 750,000 people participated in Pride Week events. This year's 2009 New York Gay Pride Week events include:

• LGBT Pride Rally: Pride Week kicks off with a rally featuring community performers and speakers in Bryant Park (42nd Street and 6th Avenue).
  Saturday, June 20th, 2009
  2 PM to 6 PM, Bryant Park[BR} Admission: FREE



• Rapture on the River: This dance is for the ladies. All proceeds benefit Pride Week events and community organizations.
  Saturday, June 27th, 2009
  6 PM - 11 PM at Pier 54 (13th St. at the Hudson River).
  General Admission: $25 in advance, $35 at the door (VIP $45)



• The Love Ball: RuPaul’s Drag Race meets A Chorus Line in a runway competition, dance party, and Judy Garland tribute to benefit HERITAGE OF PRIDE.
  Saturday, June 27th, 2009
  10 PM until dawn at Nokia Theatre, 1515 Broadway in Times Square
  General Admission: $60 through June 18th, $70 from June 19th through June 27th, $125 for VIP backstage access and open bar



• LGBT Pride March: The annual gay pride parade starts at 5th Avenue and 52nd Street and ends at Christopher and Greenwich Streets. This year's grand marshals are Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, and Dustin Lance Black.
  Sunday, June 28th, 2009
  12 PM until whenever. Moment of Silence: 2 PM
  Admission: FREE



• Pridefest: This free family street festival will feature vendors, entertainers, and community activities.
  Sunday, June 28th, 2009
  11 PM to 7 PM.
  Admission: FREE



• The Dance on the Pier: The Dance on the Pier was born out of a time when LGBT persons could not dance openly and proudly together. This year's party will feature fireworks and the music of Phillip Kimball, Jack Reina, and Corey Craig.
  Sunday, June 28th, 2009
  4 PM - 10:30 PM at Pier 54 (13th St. @ the Hudson River)
  Admission: $50 until May 31, $705 from June 1-27, $85 when purchased day of (though tickets are likely to sell out quickly).

Learn more about Gay Pride Week, Heritage of Pride, and how you can get involved.