Sunday, June 26, was Pride Day in New York City.  Close to 2 million people watched hundreds of thousands of marchers within about 485 contingents (groups and floats) make their way down 5th avenue, 8th Street and Christopher street, from Midtown to Greenwich Village.

My favorite Quaker, Ed

Some years Ed and I watch the parade go by, some years Ed and I join the Quaker contingent (Ed is a Capital Q Quaker, to the manor born, and I as his husband am called a Friend of a Friend, as in I’m the significant other of a member of the Religious Society of Friends).

The Quakers are considered the first religious community to support the modern Gay Rights movement, having offered sanctuary and refreshments during the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and having marched in the very first Gay Pride Parade the following year.

Me, 7 years ago, watching the parade go by

When you march in the parade, you only get to see a small fraction of all the other groups marching.  However you do get to celebrate with all the many colorful, diverse, happy people up and down Fifth avenue and over to Christopher Street.  This photo diary shares that experience.

Oh, and of course there will “Pride” themed musical accompaniment, because that’s what I do around here…

Love and Pride – King

Gathering at 41st Street before being led into the Parade line-up

My shirt shows half the Yin/Yang symbol.  (It makes more sense when Ed wears the shirt with the other half)

The Pridetrooper – very popular marcher

Pride (In the Name of Love) – U2

Flyaway  balloon

Finally we were threaded into 5th avenue, into the parade.

Can you spell Q – U – A – K – E – R – S ?

Groups on other side streets waiting to join the parade.

SAGE elders parade in double decker comfort

Ed went to Union Seminary with this priest.

Cowgirl Pride – k d lang

Surely you recognize this landmark…

Passing the Flatiron building.

20 blocks marched so far.

About half the route covered.

Wear Your Vanity with Pride – When Pigs Fly

Approaching Washington Square Park, where we’ll turn right down 8th Street.

Another water provider, including a rainbow tutu-ed Episcopal Priest

My old dorm, back in the day

A man and a rainbow…

Turning right onto 8th street

Telemundo

Memorial for the victims of the Orlando massacre.

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Stonewall National Monument