The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancelation of Pride parades across the country, but that’s not stopping organizers on Long Island from celebrating.
The LGBT Network on Long Island hosted a three-hour online Pride on Sunday that included a virtual parade and more than 70 performers and speakers.
The head of the network, David Kilmnick, said it’s the celebration’s 30th anniversary.
“It’s very important to celebrate Pride, that we’re out there showing our visibility, we’re showing our love, we’re showing our togetherness, we’re showing our community standing up for all injustices, particularly what’s going on with the world today.”
Kilmnick said going virtual made the event accessible to a global audience.
“Our Pride now is virtual, and in essence it’s global, so anyone can tune in and watch, and we’ve been bombarded with requests about how folks can share it, so we have people from all over the world that are participating in it.”
Kilmnick says the event gives members of the LGBT community and their allies an outlet to express who they are, and take a stand against injustice. Representatives from the NAACP spoke about racial injustice and how their organization aligns with the gay rights movement.
A recording of the parade is available on the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi6w3OstpHk" target="_blank">LGBT Network’s YouTube channel.
