(WABC) NEW YORK On Sunday for the 52nd annual Pride March, thousands of people were expected to line the streets of New York City.
Unapologetically Us is the theme of this year’s event, which will begin amidst fresh concerns about the potential erosion of freedoms achieved through years of activism.
The annual march is held just two days after a conservative Supreme Court justice said that the court could revisit the 2015 recognition of the right to same-sex marriage in a decision that struck down the right to abortion.
After a year of legislative setbacks for the LGBTQ community, including the adoption of legislation in several states restricting the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity with young people, that warning shot came.
Some are advocating for pride parades to go back to their roots, becoming overt civil rights marches rather than blocks-long street gatherings, as anti-gay attitudes reappear.
In response, organizers disclosed on Saturday that Planned Parenthood would serve as the march’s organizer.
According to organizers, “Our voices will be heard – for the LGBTQ persons affected and the millions with whom we stand in solidarity.”
The parade in New York City is put on by the organization Heritage of Pride, and according to spokesman Dan Dimant, this year’s march will still be fun with floats and “people dancing and celebrating.”
“For many, pride might mean different things. And it’s a protest for a lot of people. And for many, it’s a reason to celebrate. We provide opportunities for individuals of our community to feel proud in a way that speaks to them “said Dimant.
The Stonewall insurrection, a spontaneous street uprising brought on by a police raid on a homosexual bar in Manhattan, was commemorated with the inaugural Pride March in New York, then known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, in 1970.
Today, there are worldwide celebrations that take place all year long in numerous nations, with June hosting many of the largest parades.
This report made use of data from the Associated Press.
The broadcast special for the NYC Pride March, co-hosted by Angelica Ross and WABC’s Ken Rosato, Lauren Glassberg, and Sam Champion, will air for the sixth time on ABC 7 on Sunday, June 26 from noon to three o’clock ET and will also be available online at abc7NY.com, on ABC News Live, and through the ABC7 New York Connected TV Apps on streaming services like Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.