Celebrating Generations of Pride with AARP New York

Fifty-five years ago on June 28, police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. In the 1960s, it was not unusual for police to raid establishments where the gay community gathered. However, this time, the patrons resisted. The police lost control of the situation and six days of riots ensued, marking the beginning of a movement. A year later, the community took to the streets for the first Pride March.

This year’s Pride March begins at noon on June 30 at 25th Street and 5th Avenue, according to Heritage of Pride, the organizers of the event. Marchers head down to Christopher Street past the Stonewall National Monument. NYC Pride’s 2024 theme is “Reflect. Empower. Unite.” And AARP New York will be there honoring this history with a contingent of our own.

This year's theme: "Reflect, Empower. Unite," highlights the importance of the NYC Pride March as the intersection of Queer liberation and joy." The theme inspires individuals, advocates, community leaders, and allies to reflect on the challenges they have collectively overcome and empowers them to actively shape our shared future.

But first, on May 31, AARP was on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange for the closing bell with representatives from Pride Live and the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC).

AARP is a founding sponsor of the SNMVC that tells the story of the birthplace of Pride. We will be there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 28. SNMVC will celebrate a grand opening June 2024. The new visitors center is across the street from the Stonewall Inn, a National Historic Landmark.

People from around the world visit this special place on Christopher Street. To get ready for the march or just to learn from the comfort of your home, the New York Adventure Club will take AARP members and guests on a virtual tour. LGBTQ+ History of Greenwich Village, from Whitman to Wigstock will tell the story of the bohemian neighborhood, the famous residents of Greenwich Village, like Oscar Wilde, Eleanor Roosevelt and James Baldwin, and the gay rights movement.

The virtual tour will be led by Andrew Lear, an LGBTQ+ historian, who will explore 150 years of LGBTQ+ history in Greenwich Village. Lear will also talk about how Greenwich Village honors its rich gay history with monuments and memorials. To sign up for the June 18 tour from 6:30 to 8 p.m. ET, visit https://events.aarp.org/LGBTLegacy. If you can’t join us live, the full replay will be available for a week.

Be on the lookout in New York City for the AARP logo on a double-decker bus as part of our Pride Month celebration. AARP's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community reflects our core belief in the dignity, worth and potential of every individual.

Sweepstakes Ended on July 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
*Finally, we’ll also be having a Pride Sweepstakes. You can enter for a chance to win one of six $500 gift cards:

Official Rules:
Open to legal residents of all legal residents of the fifty (50) United States/District of Columbia. The Promotion runs from 12:00 AM ET on Monday, June 17, 2024, through 11:59 PM ET on Friday, July 5, 2024. Must be at least 18 years or older to participate. Void where prohibited.

Administrator: AARP New York

Click here to view the Official Rules for the Pride Sweepstakes.

In addition, AARP Long Island is excited to partner with Cox Media Group for this year's Long Island Pride events. After a fantastic Babylon Village Pride on June 2nd, we're gearing up for the 2024 Long Island Pride celebration on Sunday, June 9th, from 12 PM to 5 PM in Huntington Village.

Visit us at the Cox Media Group booth for AARP Long Island resources, giveaways, and more! Join thousands for the 34th annual pride parade, festival, and live concert, featuring five hours of entertainment, vendors, and family activities. The parade kicks off at noon at Clinton Avenue and Main Street, marching to Prime Avenue where the festival follows.

For more details, visit lipride.org.

To learn more about LGBTQ+ resources on topics such as news, finance, wellness and community, visit: aarp.org/LGBTQ

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