Diversity Rules Magazine

Diversity Rules Magazine| Apr 2023| 15 NYC Pride announces the official theme for 2023, "Strength in Solidarity," as the kick-off to this year's events and programming. Amidst a backdrop of in- creased a acks against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the form of legisla on and physical violence that directly targets trans and BIPOC indi- viduals, NYC Pride seeks to spotlight the power and resil- iency of the community and its allies. This year's theme high- lights the cultural significance of the LGBTQIA+ community within the fabric of modern society, while acknowledg- ing every individual's unique- ness and ability to wield tre- mendous power when united with others. In a world where pla orms of hatred and vio- lence are upheld and even celebrated, NYC Pride seeks to illuminate the good that can and has been accomplished through upli ing and suppor ng one another. Fear and in mida on only serve to isolate and diminish the community and its allies, but when individuals unite, Strength in Solidarity is truly unlim- ited. "Many individuals within our community are recog- nized for their unyielding crea vity and ingenuity, and when we blend the individual threads of our commu- nity with those of our allies, together we can see the magnificent tapestry our combined effort produces," said NYC Pride Execu ve Director Sandra Pérez. "The fact that 91% of an -LGBTQIA+ bills in 2022 failed to become law is an example of our strength in solidar- ity. Yet already in 2023, lawmakers across the coun- try have introduced nearly 400 bills restric ng the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ people, including two in Connec cut and six in New Jersey. Many of these bills directly target trans people and their families. These a acks against our community re- quire not only us but especially our allies to vocally and visibly reinforce commit- ments to embracing our individual talents, empowering our col- labora ons, for fy- ing our bonds, and joining as a cohesive community of LGBTQIA+ people and allies so we can persevere and thrive." "Following the successful return to fully in-person programming in 2022, NYC Pride is thrilled to con- vene again and to celebrate every facet of our vibrant community, both within New York City and beyond," said André Thomas, NYC Pride Co-Chair. "The blood, sweat, and tears of the LGBTQIA+ community is a founda onal component of the iden ty and culture of New York City and our na on. We look forward to upli ing the individual and collec ve efforts of all LG- BTQIA+ people—especially those among us who are the most marginalized—and showcasing the com- munity's contribu ons to everything people know and love." The NYC Pride 2023 calendar will feature legacy events including The Rally on Saturday, June 17 as well as the annual NYC Pride March, PrideFest, and Pride Island on Sunday, June 25. More informa on about NYC Pride events can be found at nycpride.org/ events. More informa on about NYC Pride, including how to volunteer, can be found at nycpride.org. New York City Pride Announces Theme "Strength In Solidarity"

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