Queens Pride 2024 Brings Vibrant Diversity to NYC Streets

New York City is a great place to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, and there are several opportunities for carrying your rainbow flag during the month of June, which is pride month. 

You can see some wonderful visuals from Queens Pride in my Instagram Reel. 

The first major pride event in New York City every year is Queens Pride, which takes place on the first Sunday of June in Jackson Heights, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the United States and the world (its residents include one of the largest concentrations of LGBTQ+ people as well as folks from countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe and elsewhere). 

Queens Pride also happens to be the second-largest pride event in the city; Manhattan's is obviously much larger, but the event in Queens is a lot of fun and features a parade and festival with live music and lots of food. 

The parade includes an array of participants — including politicians, nonprofit organizations, political groups, banks and other companies (and, interestingly, a large contingent of people representing Terminal 4 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport). Generally, however, the parade has far fewer corporate sponsors and participants than NYC pride in Manhattan. 

The five gay bars in Jackson Heights also get packed on the day of Queens Pride, opening early to welcome revelers. Even bars, restaurants and other businesses that aren't specifically targeted at LGBTQ+ people fly flags and get lots of extra business. 

If you're planning your pride vacation for next year and you're in the mood for something authentic, colorful and decidedly international, consider a trip to Jackson Heights for Queens Pride.