June is LGBT Pride Month, marking the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, considered the birth of the Gay Liberation Movement, and a number of Pride season events, constituting an embarrassment of riches, have come to Q News’ attention and I’d like to share them with you.
On display through August 31, at New York’s Out Hotel, at 510 West 42nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues, is “Why Drag?,” an exhibit of Magnus Hastings’ striking and unusual photos of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and other drag superstars, including our own Bianca Del Rio, Australia’s Courtney Act photographed in a dumpster, Sharon Needles in a straitjacket in a hotel lobby, Willam, and talk about product placement, Adore Delano wearing a Budweiser swimsuit and carrying a Marlboro bag in front of a McDonalds. Bianca was recently named America’s Next Drag Superstar, beating out Courtney and Adore, at the “Drag Race” season six finale. Look for photos of Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat, Jinx Monsoon, and Maddelynn Hatter here, too. After the local display, “Why Drag?” will travel to other North American cities and a coffee table book, featuring many of the images in the exhibit, is in the works as well.
The annual Long Island PrideFest will take place on June 14 from 1 to 6 p.m. in Hecksher Park in Huntington and one of the featured artists performing on that day will be Billboard Magazine’s “Artist of the Decade” Kristine W (“So Close to Me,” “Everything That I Got”), offering songs from her “explosive” 13-track Fly Away Music album “New & Number Ones.” Edie Windsor, whose historic lawsuit led to DOMA, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, being declared unconstitutional last June, is the Grand Marshal for the Long Island Pride Parade. Taylor Dayne, Prince Poppycock, and Joe Murena are other scheduled performers.
Looking for something exciting to do on the day before New York City’s Heritage of Pride LGBT Pride March? Matinée North America’s outdoor Matinée New York Pride 2014 party, presented by Patrick Crough, Jake Resnicow, Tommy Marinelli, and Dance.Here.Now, takes place on June 28 from 4 p.m.to midnight at Governor’s Beach Club on Governor’s Island. Dance under the sun and the stars to music by veteran Roxy and Limelight DJ Boris, Matinée Spain All-Star Lydia Sanz, and Matinée New York City’s DJ Theresa. Free ferries to Governor’s Island will run from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Tickets from $69 to $128 are available from www.matineenyc.com. “Expect major performers, spectacular Cirque acts, and unparalleled sound and lighting, and of course thousands of the world's hottest men,” we’re told.
Later that night, go on to Supreme, Resnicow’s collaboration with Brandon Voss, at Capitale, 130 Bowery, between Grand and Broome Streets, formerly the Bowery Savings Bank and now an impressive ballroom and party space with a 65-foot ceiling supported by marble Corinthian columns. Azealia Banks and Chus + Ceballos will perform and DJs are Italy’s Danny Verde and Spain’s Steven Redant. Costumes by designers MarcoMarco—who designs for Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry—and Spain’s ES/Addicted will be on display, including on the go-go dancers at the June 29 Supreme Closing Party at the Liberty Theatre, 234 West 42nd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Visit www.SupremeFestival.com for tickets, including $149 New York City Pride Festival Weekend Passes for admission to Matinée, the Supreme Main Event, and the Supreme Closing Party.
Sounds like a busy, festive Pride Season!