New York City Airports, Parks and Subway Stations Are Celebrating Pride
Throughout June, New York City has been honoring the LGBTQ community for Pride month with a series of events and festivals. But for travelers in town next week for the official kick-off of the first-ever WorldPride in the US and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, you don't have to splurge on VIP tickets to experience the citywide celebration.
All around the city, tourists will discover a range of rainbow-colored tributes. At Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, for example, the largest Pride flat in the entire city is now on display. The 12 by 100 foot "banner" has transformed the steps of the state park, and will remain on display until June 30.
Even one of the dreariest, most mundane parts of the city — namely, the subway — have been brightened by cheerful Pride logos. The heart-shaped, rainbow subway routes icon can be found on 50 1-line trains for the entirety of June.
Pride posters with powerful messages banning "bigotry, hatred [and] prejudice" from the platform and encouraging commuters to "just love" and "open [their] heart" can be found across the city. Travelers can even get special Pride MetroCards at select stations (including Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center; 34th Street-Penn Station; Grand Central-42nd Street; Times Square-42nd Street; 14th Street-Union Square and West 4th Street-Washington Square among others) while supplies last.
There's even Pride-themed merchandise available at the New York Transit museum website and trio of storefronts. (Souvenir subway magnet, anyone?)
And yes, some iconic yellow cabs are donning NYC Pride decals, too.
This year, the spirit of diversity and inclusion begins from the moment you touch down in New York City. On June 14, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) revealed an exhibit at the Marine Air Terminal that pays homage to Stonewall and celebrates marriage equality. The exhibit will be on display until the end of the month. On June 20, Newark Liberty International (EWR) will host a drag brunch in Terminal C, and on June 28, the Port Authority will welcome special "Pride flights" from American Airlines at LGA and from Virgin at EWR.
“Diversity and inclusion is a key pillar of the Port Authority culture and values, and our focus this month on the LGBTQ+ community embodies our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said in a statement.
Feature photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.
