The final weekend of June, a time known by many in the LGBTQ+ community as the last hurrah of Pride Month, is always a vibrant, chaotic, and joyous spectacle. Photographer Ryan McGinley captured the essence of these celebrations at four distinct events in New York City: the Drag March, Dyke March, Heritage of Pride, and the Queer Liberation March. Each event held its unique purpose, expressing a distinct aspect of queer and trans celebration, but the overarching feeling was one of boundless, sometimes chaotic, joy.
On Saturday, the 30th anniversary of New York City’s annual Drag March saw a gathering at Tompkins Square Park transform into a vibrant march to the Stonewall Inn. Simultaneously, the Dyke March, also on Saturday, proclaimed itself a “protest march, not a parade,” standing in solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine.
Sunday brought a mix of celebration and advocacy as Heritage of Pride celebrated its 2024 march with grand marshals Baddie Brooks, DaShawn Usher, Eshe Ukwell, Michelle Visage, Miss Major, Robin Drake, and . The day also witnessed thousands converging on Battery Park for the sixth annual Queer Liberation March.
McGinley’s lens captured the energy and spirit of these diverse celebrations, showcasing the unwavering commitment to equality and the joyous celebration of queer and trans identity. The images offer a glimpse into the heart of Pride Month, reminding us of the importance of community, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for justice.
