By Mabel Pais

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, to celebrate the great diversity of the American people, and to wave their flags of pride high.”

“This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.” – US President, Joseph Biden

In his speech on June 1, President Biden stated, “Nearly 14 percent of my 1,500 agency appointees identify as LGBTQ+,” Biden said, “and I am particularly honored by the service of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the Cabinet, and Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate.”

Biden also signed an Executive Order on his first day in office that directed all federal agencies to implement fully all federal laws that prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, to include sexual orientation and gender identity. To read his entire June 1 speech, visit whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/01

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TRIBECA AND NYC PRIDE

“Tribeca’s collaboration with NYC Pride began in 2019 with an unforgettable day-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall,” said Tribeca Festival Senior Programmer Lucy Jane Mukerjee. “I’m thrilled to see the relationship continue this year, extending beyond the LGBTQ+ cinema within the festival lineup, to meaningful conversations and community screenings that center the queer identity and will be accessible for folks across the country.”

On Friday, June 18th, in partnership with NYC Pride, Tribeca presents ‘Pride Presents’ (formerly known as OUTCINEMA), NYC Pride’s annual LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. The dynamic program will feature ground-breaking shorts, docs and a feature film, culminating with a live discussion.

Stories that illustrate the struggles, the strength and the successes of the LGBTQIA+ community are some of the most critical ones to tell, and Tribeca is more than proud to play an integral part.

The curated selections for Pride Presents fit the bill perfectly:

“Kapaemahu” is an animated short that chronicles the plight of the Mahu, extraordinary two-spirit beings, known for their unique powers of healing.

“P.S. Burn This Letter Please” is a documentary film where former 1950s drag queens, now in their 80s and 90s, discuss how they survived in a time when being yourself meant breaking the law and inviting unforeseen conflict.

These are just two of the handful of vibrant and thought-provoking films that will be featured within the ‘Pride Presents’ slate of cinematic works.

For more information, visit nycpride.org.

MORE NYC PRIDE EVENTS

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – JUNE 17, FREE

Family Movie Night is back with family-filled fun!

Family Movie Night will make its debut in the digital space on Thursday June 17, 2021, featuring a 40-minute pre-feature film segment with LGBTQIA+ families discussing surrogacy, adoption, foster care and tapping into other resources both Queer families and individuals seeking these resources can benefit from. Key speakers include Vernon Leftwich and Ricardo Cooper, parents of two-year-old twins Harper and Knox Leftwich-Cooper who appear in this year’s NYC Pride 2021 visual campaign. Other key appearances include Gays With Kids, Family Equality Council, XChange for Change, and Miss Richfield 1981.

Hosted by the charming Miss Richfield 1981 (missrichfield.com), the event culminates in a family movie screening for all to enjoy! To learn more, visit nycpride.org/event/family-movie-night

“I feel honored to be a part of an event that serves as an opportunity to unite a community that may at times feel so isolated,” said Leftwich.“My family in particular looks different, even within this community, yet events like this show that we still have a place and I’m sure can find others much like ours. Additionally, it is a beacon of hope for all LGBTQIA+ persons who desire to have a family of their own.”

NYC PRIDE’s ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM: Transformative changemakers

JUNE 21, 22 & 23

This virtual conference, focuses on activism and issues impacting the community, streaming 3 days of riveting and important content June 21st, 22nd & 23rd.

3 DAY HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

NYC Pride presents the Human Rights Conference in its fourth consecutive year from June 21 through June 23, and the Rally on Friday, June 25. The Human Rights Conference, NYC Pride’s annual symposium of transformative changemakers in the queer community, focuses on developing new ideas and approaches to activism and community. Over the course of the three days, guests will experience a virtual gathering of creators, changemakers, historians, influencers, artists, and storytellers to explore the many intersections of the LBGTQIA+ community’s continued fight for equity and justice.

This year’s Human Rights Conference introduces a series of exclusive interactive Masterclasses, where guests join experts and tastemakers in the field of activism, fashion, culture, queer history, and more to share insight and expertise through live seminars. Powered by NYC Pride’s sponsors and community partners, these classes offer viewers a chance to learn and interact with presenters representing LGBTQIA+ excellence in their fields. To learn more, visit nycpride.org/event/humans-right-conference

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JCC NYC PRIDE

Thank You For Coming Out: Dr. François Clemmons, Officer Clemmons | Thurs, June 24 at 7:00pm

The second installment of the JCC Pride series follows François Clemmons. When he created the role of Officer Clemmons on the award-winning television series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Clemmons made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s program. In his memoir “Officer Clemmons,” he details his incredible life story, beginning with his early years, through his studies as a music major at Oberlin College where Clemmons began to investigate and embrace his homosexuality, to a chance encounter with Fred Rogers that changed the course of both men’s lives—leading to a deep, spiritual friendship and mentorship spanning nearly forty years.

Pride Shabbat and Rooftop Open Bar | Fri, June 25 at 7:00pm

Join the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan 20s + 30s, Tribe NY, and Aviv at B’nai Jeshurun for monthly in-person Shabbat experiences. On Friday evening, celebrate Pride with the LGBTQA+ community with an open bar happy hour, followed by Shabbat on the B’nai Jeshurun roof.

Virtual Jew York Pride | Sun, June 27

Jew York Pride, a collaboration between major Jewish LGBTQ+ organizations, including Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, is going virtual this year on Sunday, June 27, making it even more inclusive and accessible to Queer Jews across the United States and around the world. For 15+ years, Jew York Pride has been the focal point for LGBTQ+ Jewish teens and young adults during Pride Sunday in New York City. For more information, visit mmjccm.org

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LINCOLN CENTER SPOTLIGHT

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is proud to express its wholehearted commitment to the visibility, equality, and support of LGBTQIA+ communities—365 days of the year. For the month of June, it celebrates LGBTQIA+ stories, talents, and contributions by spotlighting artistic programming and vibrant campus activations. Stop by and experience the unwavering Pride flag colors light up a glowing Revson Fountain, shine bright across The GREEN, adorn the main stairs to Josie Robertson Plaza, and fly high in the sky.

From June 21-26, Restart Stages at Lincoln Center presents an array of gender-bending and genre-busting events, including the return of the sensational Taylor Mac and two new theater projects as part of National Queer Theater’s Criminal Queerness Festival, which supports the development and production of new works by international and immigrant theater-makers experiencing censorship and criminalization around the world. On June 25, be sure to come out and dance when DJ duo The Illustrious Blacks kicks off NYC Pride weekend with a silent disco on The GREEN! Formore, visit lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home/series/spotlight-on-lgbtqia-pride

Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness.