Brighton Beach Pride is returning for its eighth annual community celebration on Sunday, May 19.
RUSA LGBTQ+, a community-based non-profit network for the Eurasian LGBTQ+ immigrant community in the United States, announced this year's march will start at 11am at Reigelmann Boardwalk in Brighton Beach, according to a news release.
Speakers for this year's event include Adam Eli, founder of the activist group Voices4 and author of the book The New Queer Conscience, Renat Davletgildeev, activist and journalist of the “Dozhd” and “Khodorkovsky Live” TV channels; Justin Brennan, member of the New York City Council; Anne Northrop, Queer Nation journalist, veteran of the LGBTQ+ rights movement; and Marissa Solomon, trans activist, producer and Coney Island native.
RUSA LGBTQ+ stands in opposition "to the draconian laws that suffocate the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other nations," the organization said in a press release. "These laws, which aim to erase our presence and silence our voices, are a stark reminder of the struggles we face. Together, we stand firm in our resolve to fight against these injustices, advocating for freedom, dignity, and equality for our community everywhere."
In the face of Russia's unjust aggression, Brighton Beach Pride 2024 extends its unwavering solidarity to Ukraine.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with those whose lives are threatened by this conflict. We stand against the forces that seek to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and peace, and we raise our voices in support of the courageous individuals fighting for their country's future," the group said.
Additional events include a community gatherings for signage making and art therapy, taking place Sunday, May 12 at noon, in Central Park, Sheep Meadow (1802 65th Street Transverse, New York) and on Saturday, May 18 at 1:00pm at the Brighton Beach Public Library, 16 Brighton 1st Rd.
After the march on May 19, there will be an open-to-all afterparty at the restaurant and rooftop of Zula, 3052 W 21st St., starting at 4:00pm.
For more information, visit rusalgbtq.org.
