If you’re planning to attend an NYC Pride event this year, you can rest assured knowing that your safety is a top priority. The organizers of NYC Pride have announced a brand new set of policies surrounding safety, wellness, accessibility, sustainability and more that aim to reinforce and reassert their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all event goers and the greater community.
New NYC Pride Policies
The policies being announced continue NYC Pride’s ongoing efforts to acknowledge and be accountable for public safety measures that have brought irreparable harm to transgender, womxn, black, indigenous and peoples of color that have engaged in NYC Pride events. Here are some of the new policies that you can expect at NYC Pride 2022:
Ban on Law Enforcement Exhibitors
Beginning in 2021, NYC Pride has publicly banned corrections and law enforcement exhibitors from marching in their uniforms and participating in recruitment activities at NYC Pride events until at least 2025. This action was a step in the path of transformative justice affirming our commitment to eliminating violence, harm, and abuse at NYC Pride events.
Safety
NYC Pride is committed to creating safer spaces for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and BIPOC LGBTQIA+ communities. These actions include:
- Partnering with the NYPD to develop a comprehensive security plan
- Training all security personnel in best practices for de-escalation techniques
- Partnering with PrideFest to set up privately staffed security checkpoints at the entrance points of Pride events to ensure safety of attendees and workers alike
Wellness
NYC Pride seeks to contribute to the well-being of the community through our events and programming. We take active steps to be readily prepared with EMS and First Aid, as well as hydration stations, mental health services, content trigger warnings, and more. We also acknowledge the roles that alcohol and/or drugs may play at Pride events and encourage moderation and self-care.
Accessibility
NYC Pride is committed to making our events accessible to the full community. These accessibility measures include:
- Providing ASL interpreters
- Ensuring entry/exit points are in accordance with ADA guidelines
- Dedicated areas for wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Gender-neutral ADA bathrooms with appropriate signage
Sustainability
NYC Pride recognizes its unique opportunity to implement environmental best-practices that will minimize our footprint and serve as a model for large events throughout the city and nationwide. Some sustainability measures being implemented include:
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Partnering with local farmers for food supplies
- Providing bins labeled for compost, recycling, and trash
COVID-19 Protocols
The coronavirus pandemic forced NYC Pride to shift into virtual formats for 2020 and 2021. While we are pleased to return to a fully in-person format for 2022, we are learning to live in an environment with recurring spikes in COVID-19 case numbers. NYC Pride is committed to bringing the community together in person with basic safety precautions in place to ensure we can celebrate Pride with the lowest possible risk. These new COVID-19 protocols include:
- Requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result from all event attendees, workers, and performers
- Requiring the use of face masks in all indoor event spaces, regardless of vaccination status
- Enhanced sanitation procedures for all event spaces
NYC Pride 2023 Schedule of Events
If you’re already excited to attend NYC Pride in 2023, here’s the full schedule of events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sat Jun 17 | The Rally |
| Sun Jun 18 | The Brunch |
| Sat Jun 24 | Youth Pride |
| Sat Jun 24 | Teaze |
| Sun Jun 25 | Press Conference (10am) |
| Sun Jun 25 | The March (12pm) |
| Sun Jun 25 | PrideFest (11am to 6pm) |
| Sun Jun 25 | Pride Island, Christina Aguilera headliner (2pm to 10pm) |
| Sun Jun 25 | Bliss Days |
In Conclusion
All in all, NYC Pride is taking major steps to ensure that all event goers feel safe, welcome, and celebrated at upcoming events. These policies and protocols are in line with NYC Pride’s ongoing commitment to creating a world that is inclusive, respectful, and affirming of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
FAQ
Q1: Will there be security checkpoints at the entrances to NYC Pride events?
A1: Yes, NYC Pride is partnering with PrideFest to set up privately staffed security checkpoints at the entrance points of Pride events to ensure safety of attendees and workers alike.
Q2: Will NYC Pride events be accessible for all community members?
A2: Yes, NYC Pride is committed to making all events accessible to all members of the community. Accessible accommodations include ASL interpreters, dedicated areas for wheelchairs and mobility devices, gender-neutral ADA bathrooms and more.
Q3: What are the COVID-19 protocols for attending NYC Pride events?
A3: All attendees, workers, and performers at NYC Pride events will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result. Additionally, face masks will be required in all indoor event spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Q4: What is NYC Pride doing to minimize their environmental impact?
A4: NYC Pride is taking measures to minimize their environmental footprint by reducing single-use plastics, partnering with local farmers for food supplies, and providing bins labeled for compost, recycling, and trash at events.
Q5: What’s the full schedule of NYC Pride events for 2023?
A5: The full schedule of events for NYC Pride 2023 includes The Rally, The Brunch, Youth Pride, Teaze, The March, PrideFest, Pride Island, and Bliss Days.