INTERPRIDE and NYC PRIDE Huge World Pride Success

Small and large Pride organizations from over 108 nations came to NYC for the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots back in 1969. Tampa PRIDE was Proud to have been a part of the Worldwide Pride organizations and participating up in the NYC Pride weeks of events.

Along with the great pictures taken by the 100’s of Tampa Bay attendees I am giving a log on what some of the behind the scenes were being done.

In years of preparation and getting over 108 countries to come and participate in this historic event, this was the first time in the 19 years of the InterPride organization having a World Pride Conference, this was the first conference to be held in United States. Hand in hand it was a great experiencing event young or old.

Tampa PRIDE was representing the Tampa Bay area and were #20 in the march line up with 58 groups participating in our contingent. As the world watched on ABC TV live it was a show of over 6 million that were in and on the NYC streets to historically participate.

For the Opening Reception there were outstanding concerts by Cher, Cyndi Lauper and hosted by Whoopi Goldburg with Chaka Chan, Billy Porter & 20 other international artists performing. There were major parties going on nightly all over the Big Apple.

We were happy to have been to the Opening InterPride Reception on board a huge party boat that have 500 aboard with partners from EuroPride, Fiere Canada Pride, CAPI, Mid East Pride and African Pride organizations. Mayors of the next World Pride 2021 in Copenhagen and Sweden and Denmark & Sweden Foreign Deputies spoke on behalf of their next 4 million person conference. Boating past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan and the sites of the majestic city.

Everywhere you looked in New York there were rainbows. The city could not have been more welcoming. From small flags to HUGE WALLS, New York City went way out for PRIDE.  Wouldn’t it be Great if every community did this? Here are just a few examples. ENJOY!!!

Tampa resident Lenny Cristino hosted the Tampa Pride delegation at his NYC home. The views from the penthouse balcony were incredible! The Freedom Tower, Chrysler Building & Empire State Building were all in view. The VIP guests were all so welcoming.  Thank You Lenny for a night we will never forget!!

Photo from Nicholas Cardello

There were approximately 150,000 participants in the NYC World Parade. Estimates for the crowd sized were 3 to 6 million! WOW Tampa PRIDE was very PROUD to represent!!! Our group started with about 35 people then many more people joined us. The total thru the parade was about 65+.  Carrie West, President of Tampa Pride is also a committee member with InterPride.  Tampa PRIDE was Proud to walk with the InterPride Group. The group was 15^th in the total line up. In the InterPride group there were 58 groups from across America and the World.  Orlando and Miami were also in this group. The Parade started at 12:05 and our group stepped off at 12:20. Other groups in the parade were just stepping off at 10PM. (we were very lucky) The 3 mile parade route took about 2 ½ hours to walk. Along the way we spotted many people from Tampa Bay on almost every block. The crowds were very lough but we could still hear people shouting Tampa!!! It was a once in a lifetime even for us, that we will never forget. It was our honor to represent Tampa PRIDE!!!