Gay Pride Events in the New York Metropolitan Area

June is Gay Pride Month and LGBT's and their admirers are celebrating all over the New York Metropolitan area. Gay Pride celebrations are taking place throughout the month of June in locations throughout the tri-state area, culminating with the big show in New York City during the last week of June. Staten Island, Queens and Asbury Park just wrapped up their celebrations this past weekend and other outlying areas of the city are preparing for their own parades and festivals. Check out what's coming up this month:

Brooklyn Pride

The 15^th Annual Brooklyn Pride Parade and Festival will be holding its celebration on Saturday, June 11^th with an evening parade, a fun festival and lots of entertainment. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features vendors from many different types of businesses catering to the LGBT community. Be entertained throughout the day as amateur and professional artists grace the stage in Prospect Park. The parade kicks off at 7:30 p.m. from 14^th Street and 5^th Avenue and continues past the reviewing stand at 4^th Street and 5^Th before finishing up at Union Street. For directions and more information about Brooklyn's Pride Event this Saturday, check out their website here .

Long Island Pride

One of the largest and most populated suburban areas in the metropolitan area celebrates its 21^st Annual Pride Parade and Festival this Sunday, June 12^th. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. along Main Street in Huntington Village, followed by the "crown jewel" of the day's celebration, the Festival in the Park. The Festival features all sorts of fun events and activities for everyone, including live entertainment, food, information booths and lots and lots of vendors. For more information on the Long Island Pride Festival, click here .

Other local Pride Celebrations this weekend include those in Rockland County in New York (click here for more) and Newark/Essex in New Jersey (check it out here ), both on Sunday, June 12^th. Get out and show your pride!

New York City Pride

New York City hosts one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the world. NYC's Heritage of Pride puts together a whole week's worth of festivities for everyone to enjoy. I had the opportunity to go for the first time last year and it was a great time! Here's a rundown of all that's happening:

The Rally, Saturday, June 18^th, 3-6 p.m.

NYC's Gay Pride Week officially opens with this rally, held for the first time last year at Central Park's Summer Stage in Rumsey Field at Fifth Ave. and 72^nd St. The rally is free and includes guest speakers and performances by several LGBT performing artists. This year's emcee is talk show personality Ross Matthews and featured performers include the cast of Broadway's '˜ Priscilla, Queen of the Desert ,' LGBT gospel choir Lavender Light , musical acts Lady Zen and Danny Blu , and a whole lot more.

Rapture on the River, Saturday, June 25^th, 3-11 p.m.

This 8^th Annual Rapture on the River Dance has become so popular it's been extended three hours. It's one of the most popular Pride events for women and featured deejays this year are Susan Levine and Mary Mac. New additions this year include comedic performances and a happy hour from 3-4, as well as a wet t-shirt contest. The party takes place at Pier 54, at 13^th Street and the West Side Highway Ticket prices vary, so check out NYC Pride's website below for more detailed information.

The March, Sunday, June 26^th, begins at 12 noon

The 42^nd Annual Pride Parade got its beginnings way back in 1970 and has gotten bigger and better each year. Grand Marshalls for this year's parade include Dan Savage and Terry Miller, of the It Get's Better Project , Reverend Pat Bumgardner of the Metropolitan Community Church of New York ( MCCNY ), and members of the Imperial Court of New York . The march calls attention not only to the plight of those whose lives have been devastated by AIDS and discrimination, but to celebrate the diversity that is the very essence of gay pride.

Pridefest, Sunday, June 26^th, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pridefest is the annual street fair associated with the Gay Pride Parade. The fair takes place on Hudson St., between Abingdon and West 14^th Streets. Shop at the many vendor areas, enjoy fine food and local entertainment, and have a great time with the community.

Dance on the Pier 2010, Dance 25, Sunday, June 26^th, 2-10:30 p.m.

Join superstar DJ's Ana Paula, Lina and Vito Fun for the grand finale of Gay Pride Week. The dance takes place at Pier 54, at 13^th Street and the West Side Highway. Enjoy great dancing and spectacular views under the stars all afternoon and evening. For ticket information, please visit the NYC Pride website below for more.

VIP Rooftop Party, Saturday, June 25^th, 2-8 p.m.

This special VIP event features legendary deejays Tracy Young and Dan DeLeon, open SKY Vodka bar (2-3 p.m.), drink specials, boys in underwear, water guns and more. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from above as you dance the night away and celebrate your pride. Tickets to this special event are limited. See NYC's Heritage of Pride website below for more.

Sources:

NYC Heritage of Pride

http://www.nycpride.org/