Coming just days after the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and reinstated Gay Marriage in California, Sunday’s cloudy Gay Pride Parade in New York was one of the largest in recent years. Headed by grand marshal and DOMA plaintiff Edie Windsor, it was a literal celebration of the week that was, full of families, couples, young kids, partying singles, and everyone in-between dressed in traditionally over-the-top rainbow garb. From anti-frackers to ascendant trend-setters, the Cut caught up with some of the parade’s viewers along the route and marchers themselves to ask them about the pride, DOMA, and their hopes for the future.
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Meghan Furman, hair stylistWhy are you here today? Because I love my gay people.
Photo: Yana Paskova
Parade-goers dressed as
The Golden GirlsPhoto: Yana Paskova
Julia Bruno, RetiredHow long have you been coming to pride? Since it first started in the seventies, when it was just a love-in in Greenwich Vil... Julia Bruno, RetiredHow long have you been coming to pride? Since it first started in the seventies, when it was just a love-in in Greenwich Village. It was just a love-in or a kiss-in or whatever they called it. I guess it’s been 40 years. How has it changed? Look at this! Look at this, look at this. You can’t even get it in one eye … you can’t even see it all. But now I’m a born-again American. My father fought in World War II so we could have freedom, and now I have freedom!
Photo: Yana Paskova
Wayne Hirst, visual manager for Salvatore Ferragamo What are you proud of? Gay marriage equality, of course!
Photo: Yana Paskova
Vanessa Green, studentWho’s your queer hero? Lady Gaga. What are you proud of? I’m proud to be trans.
Photo: Yana Paskova
New York Governor Andrew CuomoPhoto: Yana Paskova
LuAnn de Lesseps, entertainerTell me why you’re here today. To support love and marriage and equality and celebrate! And my girlfriend’s on a fl... LuAnn de Lesseps, entertainerTell me why you’re here today. To support love and marriage and equality and celebrate! And my girlfriend’s on a float today! What are your thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling last week? I think it’s awesome. I think it’s awesome. Why shouldn’t people have the same rights as others? It’s about love.
Photo: Yana Paskova
Emily PollackWhat are you proud of? My parents. My parents are gay. They’re not married — we live in New Jersey. February was their 30th an... Emily PollackWhat are you proud of? My parents. My parents are gay. They’re not married — we live in New Jersey. February was their 30th anniversary, though.
Photo: Yana Paskova
Frances Goldin, literary agentWhy are you here today? Because now my daughter and her partner can get married. But whether or not that had happe... Frances Goldin, literary agentWhy are you here today? Because now my daughter and her partner can get married. But whether or not that had happened, I have been at the gay pride parade since its inception because I’m a strong believer in gay rights.
Photo: Yana Paskova
Ray EngPhoto: Yana Paskova
Daniel, age 8What are you proud of today? I’m proud of all these people who came. Not so long ago, like, a couple of years ago, there wasn’t thi... Daniel, age 8What are you proud of today? I’m proud of all these people who came. Not so long ago, like, a couple of years ago, there wasn’t this much people. There were a little bit, right? But now, there are more people supporting. And that’s what I’m proud of. I feel like the world has changed.
Photo: Yana Paskova
Parade-goers marchPhoto: Yana Paskova
Citi Bike spottingPhoto: Yana Paskova
Martin Sanchez, window display artistWhat are you proud of today? The whole equality thing. That people are able to have a little more liberty... Martin Sanchez, window display artistWhat are you proud of today? The whole equality thing. That people are able to have a little more liberty. And I think it’s a start. It’s progress from what it was 30 years ago.
Photo: Yana Paskova
Kent Chua blows up balloons before the Gay Pride Parade.Photo: Yana Paskova
FashionPhoto: Yana Paskova
New York Senator Chuck SchumerPhoto: Yana Paskova
Police officers watch the paradePhoto: Yana Paskova
An audience gathersPhoto: Yana Paskova
Jim Saslow, art history professor at CUNYIs this your first pride parade? Oh honey. I’ve been in the parade since before you were born. This is ... Jim Saslow, art history professor at CUNYIs this your first pride parade? Oh honey. I’ve been in the parade since before you were born. This is my 40th parade. Sort of an anniversary. What are you proud of today? I’m proud that all of us survived to the point where it’s not such a fight to survive anymore. Photo: Yana Paskova
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