As the sun set in Park Slope on Saturday, the streets were alive with anticipation for the annual Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade, the northeast’s only evening pride parade.
The parade kicked off around 7:30pm on Fifth Avenue and marched down from Lincoln Place to Ninth Street. The processional, hosted by Brooklyn Pride, included floats from community partners such as the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, Maimonides Health and local schools including St. Ann’s and Berkeley Carroll.
The twilight parade was the culmination of a full day of Brooklyn pride events. The day began at 10:00am with a 5K run and walk in Prospect Park, followed by the Brooklyn Pride Festival all-day street fair — with vendors, activities for kids, live music and performances from singing, dancing drag queens.
Elected officials including New York State Attorney General Leticia James and City Councilmembers Chi Ossé and Crystal Hudson were in attendance at the parade, showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hundreds of onlookers gathered on either side of the street, making their way in and out of the busy restaurants and businesses along the stretch of Fifth Avenue, all decorated in their own rainbow regalia. Though the event began around dusk, many parents and children were in attendance for the family-friendly event.
“The energy here today is great and I’m just happy to celebrate with my community," said Marlene Sanchez, a Brooklyn resident and onlooker.
Saturday night's parade fizzled around 9:00pm, but the streets remained lively.
Pride month this year comes as many states including Tennessee and Florida have passed laws limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens, but Brooklynites are not letting that get them down, one parade attendee said.
“Pride this year is really special, especially because of the attacks the community has been facing lately, it’s really important to celebrate,” said Brooklyn resident Henry Williams.
Brooklyn Pride is hosting a Youth Pride event on Saturday, June 17.
