‘Virtual Pride 2020’: Where and how to watch NYC's star-studded special event honoring the LGBTQ+ community
Due to the ongoing global health crisis and civil unrest in the US following the death of George Floyd, NYC will not witness its annual LGBTQ Pride Parade in June 2020. The event is organized every year on June 28 to celebrate the Christopher Street Liberation Day. However, the special broadcast event called ‘Virtual Pride 2020’ is being organized instead to honor the pride month. The program is said to include special performances by notable personalities. Here’s everything you need to know about ‘Virtual Pride 2020’ ahead of its premiere.
Where to watch
The star-dubbed virtual event will be streamed by NYC Pride on June 28 from 2 pm on WABC Channel 7 and ABC News Live. NYC Pride will also televise a virtual rally, which will see transgender journalist Ashlee Marie Preston and transgender actor Brian Michael Smith serve as hosts.
NYC Pride’s official website states, “LGBTQIA+ rights and human rights are under attack by the current political environment. Join NYC Pride, community activists, organizers, politicians and more for a virtual Rally on Friday, June 26, from 5 pm - 8 pm on Facebook and YouTube! This nontraditional Rally event comes at a time when conversation, education and activism is needed most.”
Special performances
‘Virtual Pride 2020’ will see special performances by Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe, ‘Pose’ actor Billy Porter, singer Debrah Cox, and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ star Monet X Change. The event will also feature four grand marshals including ‘Schitt’s Creek’ fame Dan Levy and human rights activist Yanzi Peng, Victoria Cruz, and NYC-based organization Ali Fornet Center which aids homeless LGBTQ youth.
News
Talking about ‘Virtual Pride 2020’ which marks the 50th anniversary of first pride March in 1970 and its prominence, Schritt’s Creek’s Levy said, “The NYC Pride March is such a pillar of our community, and I am incredibly honored to be recognized alongside the other grand marshals on its 50th anniversary."
"While the physical circumstances are less than ideal, our community has always come together in the face of adversity, and this year’s broadcast is no exception. I am so inspired by the opportunity we’ve been given to celebrate together,” he added further.
