Pride in Park Slope

There’s something special about celebrating Pride in NYC – the history, the grassroots movements, the fabulous festivities!

Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.”
Barbara Gittings, American LGBTQ Activist

The Stonewall Rebellion at the landmark Christopher Street Inn on June 28th, 1969 gave fuel to the fire of LGBTQ+ liberation for years to come. We remember historic New York trailblazers from Marsha P Johnson and Slyvia Rivera, who together founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, to self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” Audre Lorde, to artistic advocate and activist Keith Haring, to so many more who paved the way for leaders today.

While together we have accomplished so much, there is still work to be done. Being part of Pride events throughout this month give us the opportunity to be activists, advocates, and allies. To celebrate and better what makes our community historic, rebellious, diverse, and full of joy.

Here are some neighborhood Pride events going on throughout the month. Whether you’ll be attending, volunteering, or donating we encourage you to check out and get involved with the amazing organizations that continue to work throughout the year to support the LGBTQ+ community here in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Pride Kick Off Party

June 7th, Monday 5:00-8:00 at Out of the Closet

AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Brooklyn Pride are throwing a rooftop cocktail party to kick-off Pride week! Hosted at Out of the Closet Thrift Brooklyn, where 96 cents of every dollar directly funds AHF’s programs, their housing services, and on-site pharmacies and free HIV testing. Drink, mix, and mingle supporting a great cause! More Information

Brooklyn Pride 5K Run/Walk

June 12th, Saturday 10:00-12:00 at Prospect Park

This is the 25th Annual Brooklyn Pride LGBTQIA+ 5K partnered with Maimonides Medical Center and Front Runners New York. Register for the race or donate to earn your t-shirt and swag. Then Saturday morning join the race or show up to cheer on the runners. Let’s go! More Information

Pride Mini-Street Festival

June 12, Saturday 12:00-5:30 at Old Stone House

After the 5K, the party continues to everyone’s favorite Old Stone House in Washington Park. Vendors and organizations will be set up, plus music for everyone – rock, hip-hop, and even some Drag Performances! Support local businesses, artists, and mutual aid groups. More Information

Drag Queen Story Hour

June 15 & 23 (Virtual), 18 (Walt Whitman Library), 24 (Dumbo Archway)

Drag Queen Story Hour is a wonderfully fun time for kids to imagine, learn, and make new friends. Partnered with Brooklyn Public Libary, there are virtual and in-person storytimes for ages 3 to 8. Kids can enjoy songs and stories read by a glamorous queen while learning about gender fluidity and self-expression. More Information, Follow On Instagram for Live Events

Drag Queen’s Makeup Tutorial Hour

June 16, Wednesday 3:30-4:30 (Virtual)

Tune in to the live stream on the Drag Queen Story Hour NYC Instagram page for a makeup tutorial from Cholula Lemon. Kids and teens of all genders and makeup experience levels will get something out of this workshop. You can follow along to learn new techniques and tips for fabulous eye makeup looks! More Information, Follow on Instagram for Virtual Live Event

Ice Cream Social Celebrating Pride Month

June 17th, Thursday 6:30-8:00 at Prospect Park

There’s no better way to celebrate in summer than with ice cream! Join the METRO New York Library Council Uncle Louie G’s then head over to Prospect Park for an ice-cream social. An evening of sweet treats and even sweeter friends! More Information

Brooklyn Community Pride Center

Self Care, STD Testing, Support Programs, and More Donate Now

Throughout Pride Month and every month, Brooklyn Community Pride Center hosts a vast arrange of events, from self-care days, meditation and yoga classes, support groups, and game nights. On Wednesdays, they partner with Brooklyn G.H.O.S.T. Project to distribute food, clothes, and other resources to Trans and Gender Non-Conforming community members. On Thursdays, they provide Free HIV testing and safe sex kits. All programs can be found on their calendar and you can visit their website for more information on how to get involved and donate. Brooklyn Community Pride Events, Brooklyn Ghost Project

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Sofia Pipolo

Sofia Pipolo is an independent filmmaker and writer, graduated from Marymount Manhattan College. Her interest in both media and social outreach allows her to think and create diversely. She covers stories on art, culture, and community businesses for Park Slope Reader, Give Me Astoria, AFTRPRTY, and other publications. Her portfolio can be found at sofiapipolo.wordpress.com.