When it comes to how to best celebrate Pride in 2023, RuPaul's Drag Race competitor Pandora Boxx sums it up as "Our rights are being threatened once again. We must stand up and fight, yet again." For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pride this year is a celebration of history. It is also an important show of strength against the wave of anti-gay, anti-trans, and anti-drag bills that have been introduced in state legislatures around the country.
On June 23-24, Playbill and Times Square Alliance are hosting Pride in Times Square–a festival of concerts, performances, sing-alongs, and interactive installations celebrating NYC Pride Weekend. Ahead of the festivities, we asked the event's participants to reflect on what Pride means to them this year. Scroll down to read more of their reflections.
Brandon Gwinn (Writer)
What does Pride mean to you?
PRIDE to me means not letting bigotry, hatred or fear dictate the way we move through the world. Tolerance isn't enough. We as humans need to change and break the cycle of hate that historically has had us misunderstand, abuse or disenfranchise others because they are different. PRIDE is a march of many steps in that direction.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square?
Times Square is the heart of New York Theatre and therefore the heart of the American Theatre. To stand in this historic spot and nod to the many queer folx and allies who make up the theatre community is so important. I am thrilled to be a part of the Playbill, Broadway and theatre communities gathering in this iconic square to celebrate all LGBTQ+ folx and allies who have a song in their heart or taps on their shoes. Get ready to Sing out, Louise! Sing out!
Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
This month, I’ve been thinking a lot about Pride. It’s meant something different to me at different stages of my life. But it’s always been about celebrating the legacy of people who didn’t feel ashamed of who they were, and who were willing to fight to prove their worth.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square?
Especially this year when our community has faced unprecedented legislative attacks, having Pride events and showing up in numbers and practicing radical acts of self-love is vital to our survival.
James T. Lane (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is honoring the history of the pioneers who rioted in the streets demanding human rights for queer people. I am particularly brought back to that time and reminded of those early sacrifices each June. As a queer Black man, it’s truly something that stays with me throughout the year. We get to celebrate our freedom today because of the courageous acts of those who fought for us yesterday.
What made you want to be part of Pride in Times Square?
Being able to participate is a beautiful come full circle moment for me. I used to stand in Times Square looking up at the names of the shows on sale at TKTS and hope to one day be a part of the theatre world. Playbill was a place where I’d look for auditions and the latest musical theatre news. That these two things, which have meant so much to me, are now aligned is a beautiful blend of the aspects of my life as an artist. And to be able to host with L. Morgan Lee.
Madison Rose (Recording Artist)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means community. It means coming together with my chosen family to feel loved and supported for exactly who we are.
What made you want to be part of Pride in Times Square?
Pride in Times Square is so major! I’ve been so blessed since moving to NYC, so to give back in the center of it all is a dream come true.
L Morgan Lee (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is knowing that every step you take is on the shoulders of generations of others who put their blood, sweat, tears, hopes, and dreams into the fight for a world where you could step at all. Pride is flying in a world that wants to keep you on the ground. Pride is seeing through the applause and knowing the truth. Pride is seeing the importance of specificity in understanding the many facets of our beautiful community. Pride is acknowledging the danger that many in our community face, and not moving in ways that perpetuate that danger. While Pride for many can be loud, for me it is quiet. It is taking notes. It is focusing to see each step on a possible path forward. Pride is what lights that path. Pride is the joy of knowing what is possible when we get ego and privilege out of the way and actually listen to each other. Pride is holding on to the hope that that will happen.
Brandon Contreras (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means authenticity. It means boldly and bravely being yourself in the face of world who both doesn’t always accept you, and proudly embraces you. Pride is not only about Queer revolution, it’s about Queer joy and love acceptance. It’s about meeting the world and introducing yourself to it in all your splendor.
What made you want to be part of Pride in Times Square?
I’m so honored to be apart of this year’s Pride in Times Square. I feel grateful and seen by so many people who’ve spoken my name in rooms I’m not in, saying that I’m a proud, out queer Latin person who wants the world to enjoy this beautiful event. I think it’s important to be there, to show my face, to show people who look like me that they belong and that there’s a place for you here, beside me and with me, and with US. If you can see it, you can dream of being it! I’m very lucky.
Eric Ulloa (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is the smile that beams across my face when I think about how lucky I am to be a gay man and how I've never wanted it any other way.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Times Square is THE gathering spot of all walks of life from all over the world. Speaking and raising up our community in front of all of these people plants seeds that they will unknowingly take home with them. Seeds that will continue to germinate into new mindsets of compassion, understanding and a larger capacity for unbiased humanity.
Justin Nelson (Executive Director, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is a moment to celebrate our diverse identities, reflect on the progress we have made, and renew our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Pride is a powerful reminder that our voices matter, and that together, we can bring about positive change.
What made you want to be part of Pride in Times Square?
I am honored to be a part of Pride in Times Square this year. This event brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations from all walks of life, united in their support for the LGBTQ+ community. By participating in Pride in Times Square, we have the opportunity to showcase the economic power and resilience of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and allied organizations. It allows us to amplify our message of economic empowerment, equality, and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals. Additionally, this event allows us to connect directly with LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, bars, and cafes, and present them with much-needed financial support through our Community Impact Grant Program in partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund.
Pepper MaShay (Recording Artist)
What does Pride mean to you?
I found the love of my life and I'm living my best life at 70!!
Pandora Boxx (Drag Queen)
What does Pride mean to you?
This year Pride is more important than ever. With all the legislation being passed, our rights are being threatened once again. We must stand up and fight, yet again.
What does performing in Times Square for Pride mean to you?
Times Square is the epicenter for entertainment in NYC. It's such a thrill to be a part of NYC Pride, and to do it in Time's Square is a chef's kiss.
Yuhua Hamasaki (Drag Queen)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is taking ownership and being prideful of who you are meant to be and it shouldn't be celebrated just one month of the year, but 365 days of the year.
What made you want to be part of Pride in Times Square?
Performing in Times Square is going to be such a powerful moment because Times Square itself is such a landmark. It means more visibility for queer people because everyone from around the world comes to Times Square and we get to showcase that!
Jackie Cox (Drag Queen)
What does Pride mean to you?
To perform amidst the lights of Times Square during Pride is an incredible feeling of joy and belonging. Here, in my hometown for over 10 years, in my very own neighborhood, in the heart of New York City, I am proud to be a part of something greater, where everyone is welcome and where we can celebrate the unwavering spirit of Pride.
Jes Tom (Comedian)
What does Pride mean to you?
I used to take Pride for granted, but in the current rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, I can't anymore. Pride is a party AND a riot!! It's radical for queer people to have fun!
What made you want to be part of Pride in Times Square?
I'm excited to finally perform in Times Square and join the legacy of so many New York legends such as Off-Brand Elmo and Giant M&M.
Anthony Murphy (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means remembering the sacrifices of those before us and celebrating the joy they would have to see where we have come! Pride = Joy
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Times Square is a magical place that I fell in love with when I first visited NYC when I was 8 years old. To be able to celebrate NYC Theatre & Pride is a special moment I feel honored to be a part of! I’m also excited to see all the other shows fierce performances! #proudshowqueen
Nancy Zamit (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me is a month of celebration and love for a group of people that deserve to be loved and celebrated always.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square?
I will always take every opportunity to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community. This is the heartbeat of our industry we are talking about! We must all openly and loudly elevate and advocate for them. It is an honor to stand together at Anthems of Pride.
Kolby Kindle (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is a protest. Yes, it is a month of celebration and liberation, but it also a time to remember all of those who came before us. The ones who put themselves on the line for equality. A time to remind society that the fight for equality is still in motion. Pride is also a time to express authenticity and to be unapologetically yourself.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?It is important for me to be a part of pride in Times Square this year because NYC is my home, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this melting pot. To also be in the same city as the Stonewall riots, is so powerful. I’m so honored to represent The Play That Goes Wrong as well.
Clyde Voce
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me means living authentically in the creative, loving and expansive truth of who I am.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
The more representation the better. Especially with what’s happening in my home state of Florida, it’s my duty and honor to show up for those being silenced. To let them know they’re not alone, that there is endless support and that there’s a beautiful community of people fighting for their right to be!
Marti G Cummings (Drag Artist)
What does Pride mean to you?
For me, Pride is unapologetic queer joy shining through.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It is important for me to be a part of this event in Times Square because as our community faces attacks across the country, to be a non-binary drag artist in the crossroads of the world loud and proud for the world to see means so much. It is truly an honor.
Jaime Jarrett (Composer)
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is the joy I’ve found in embracing my identity and in connecting with other trans folks. Pride is the rage I feel towards the systems that have harmed and continue to harm trans folks, and the people and institutions who hold up these systems. Pride is learning to be kind to myself in the moments where my gender-ful joy is less readily available. Pride is figuring out how I can be useful in undoing systems of harm, and finding both persistence and patience in that practice. Pride is showing up for others as my full self, and welcoming their full selves, as well.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
While I have experienced the relentless push of straight and cisgender theatre makers to make musical theatre that is more palatable to straight/cisgender audiences, my most joyful and sincere work comes from listening to my community and from my own self-reflection. Support and generosity from the queer and trans community have given me the opportunity to write about transgender superheroes, orchestrate songs that celebrate the unique strengths of gender-expansive vocalists, and connect with change-making artists. My community is who I make queer and trans musical theatre for, and why I’m able to make it in the first place. It fills my heart to get to celebrate Pride by sharing joyful trans musical theatre with fellow queer and trans folks.
Samy Nour Younes Figaredo (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
For me, Pride is as much a verb as it is a noun. To live authentically in the face of stigmatization, violence, and malice—as scary as it can be, I have to commit myself to it every day.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
I'm excited to be part of Pride in Times Square for the first time ever, and to perform a song that I love by a creator whom I also deeply admire. Representation of LGBTQ+ people also means amplifying their voices and stories, and I choose to center narratives written by and for our community in my work. People tend to push back on centering LGBTQ+ stories and voices because it's "too specific," but I'd argue that there are experiences that are both specific and universal at the same time. People can connect to stories about vulnerability, loneliness, growth, healing, accountability, etc. I hope it'll bring us all a little closer together. If not, I hope people enjoy the music.
Nora Schell (Actor)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is, of course, a time to celebrate, especially in this current climate that is moving backwards at an alarming rate. But for me personally, it is a moment to educate myself and reflect on those who came before us who made this celebration of our existence even possible. Pride is not simply a parade “for the gays,” it’s a month dedicated to acknowledging the timeline of LGBTQIA+ marginalization, and how far we have come. For so long, we weren’t allowed to be visible, we were considered illegal, defective and wrong. Pride is a time for us to let the world know we will never return to the shadows and outskirts of society EVER again, no matter how hard our nation is currently trying to make that happen.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s important for me to be a part of Pride in Times Square this year because I am a fat Black non-binary femme who has refused to let my voice be silenced within my field, and within this world. I’m someone who is proudly queer, but more importantly, proudly human…and I will never allow myself or others to be treated as lesser than. My music is a combination of escapism, joy and pain, and it’s important for my voice to be heard through my words as opposed to those of a musical or play. I will always own the immense privilege I have in regard to how I physically present and the background I came from, but I believe the best way to utilize this privilege is to stand up and speak LOUDLY as an ally to those more systemically marginalized.
JJ Maley (Producer)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means choosing my truth over my safety.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
With over 520 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced just in 2023, it is imperative to find places to celebrate our community and show our humanity, brilliance, and worth.
George Strus
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride marks a substantial moment of personal reflection—celebrating the transcendent contributions of queer people who have paved the way, uplifting and empowering my queer peers and contemporaries, and ideating on how I can play my part in setting up future generations of queer people for abundant success, unabashed bliss, and liberation.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, has declared a state of emergency for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ Americans. Not even four months into the year, 2023 became a record year for anti-trans legislation in this nation; according to Trans Legislation Tracker, 49 of the 50 US states have proposed over 550 anti-trans bills thus far. They are trying to eradicate us: our identities, our contributions, our rights, our existence... but they are incapable. Their wave of hatred and bigotry will prove unsuccessful. So long as we continue to raise our voices and celebrate the beautiful facets of our queerness that they fear, they will fail.
Truth Future Bachman (Composer)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is an action rooted in love. Love for ourselves, our community, and our shared future. To be proud is to enact a radical spell that says "we claim space, we embrace one another, and we will not be moved." Pride is a revolution of the heart. It inspires freedom, expansiveness, and change so that as we heal our hearts and declare our love publicly, we heal the whole planet.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Times Square is one of the most visible spaces in the entire world—and the theatre, one of the most accepting of all people. To sing for and about queer and trans people of the world in such a public way is an honor and a milestone. Being part of Pride in Times Square is monumental because it connects us to our flock, our tribe, and creates a global community.
Lianah Sta. Ana (Actor)
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Being part of Pride in Times Square this year allows me to use my voice, speak and sing my own words alongside and in celebration of fellow queer artists.
