Community Corner

Carson Kressley, Dan Levy To Join Virtual NYC Pride March

NYC Pride announced performers and grand marshals for its virtual broadcast, which will take place of its postponed June parade.

NEW YORK, NY — Hundreds of thousands of marchers won't be taking to the streets for this year's New York City Pride March, but that doesn't mean the parade's 50th year will go without a celebration.

NYC Pride has announced a star-studded list of Grand Marshals, performers and hosts for a WABC Channel 7 Pride broadcast meant to replace the in-person parade, which was postponed amid the coronavirus crisis.

The virtual celebration will include performances from Janelle Monae, Deborah Cox, Billy Porter and Victoria Cruz. It will be hosted by WABC's Ken Rosato and Lauren Glassberg with special co-host Carson Kressley, the organization said.

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"NYC Pride is a special place for so many. I couldn't imagine a year without celebrating with the fabulous LBGTQ people in New York," Kressley said. "...Pride is something we carry with us all year long, and though we can't be together in the way we are accustomed I'm grateful to be a part of it in this way."

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The broadcast will air from 12 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. This year, NYC Pride will celebrate its 50th anniversary of the first Pride March and also add a salute of frontline workers during the coronavirus to its celebration.

"Grand Marshals" for the broadcast will include Schitt's Creek star and creator Dan Levy, nonprofit for homeless LGBTQ youth The Ali Forney Center and activists Yanzi Peng and Victoria Cruz. Correspondents Sam Champion and Kemberly Richardson will also join.

“While we are saddened to not be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NYC Pride March in person, we are thrilled to still be able to recognize our Grand Marshals,” said March Director Brian J. Heck. “These inspiring pillars of the LGBTQIA+ community are leading the way as we begin the journey of the next 50 years of Pride."

The broadcast will air on WABC, Channel 7 and will also be available live on abc7ny.com.

The organization also said it is working on planning virtual versions of the month-long list of events that accompany the Pride March.

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