On June 28 and June 29, Playbill will host our third annual Playbill Pride event in Times Square. Presented by Playbill and the Times Square Alliance, the must-attend event is set to feature performances from Broadway stars, a nighttime disco dance party, and more. The weekend will close June 30 as the Playbill Pride Float returns to the NYC Pride March, with supporting partner Heritage of Pride.
To celebrate this year's Pride celebration, we asked this year's Pride participants, LGBTQIA+ community members and allies alike, to reflect on what Pride means to them. Read answers, from those who will appear at the June 29 events below. Learn more about Playbill Pride here. Read part one of this series here.
Marti Cummings (Activist & Drag Star)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is about celebrating the intersectionality and beauty of our community. LGBTQIA people are a part of every race, gender, nationality, religion. We are in all parts of humanity and as many try to erase us it is important to show up loudly and proudly as our authentic selves.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year? Performing with Pride In Time Square is such an incredible opportunity to show our community to a wide range of people who may never get to experience queerness. This is a way to celebrate pride, but also educate those who may not know us.
Britney (Javier Flores)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is a way to express who you are, and it allows you to feel comfortable in your skin and body, and not be afraid of what people think of you.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It is important to be part of Playbill Pride in Times Square because we all get to showcase our talents and show the art of drag and the art of Pride.
Katrina Lauren Colon
What does Pride mean to you?
What Pride means to me is comfort and people not knowing you but embracing you into a loving community.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s important to be a part of the Pride in Times Square
because I always loved giving thanks to my community that has brought me nothing but happiness
Genesis-Exodus
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is a jolly time filled with evolution and awareness. It’s a multifaceted event where everyone is welcomed and accepted.
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 because I adore the city and want to give back to my community in the form of art and vocal! Times Square is literally the center of it all who wouldn’t be overcome with joy and excitement!
Brandy Light (Brandon Francis)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means celebrating what your identity means to you and how you perceive yourself.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It's to show everyone in the heart of NYC the power of Pride Month. We all come together to celebrate our differences and rejoice!
Elle Prado
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is living fully and authentically, free from the fear of judgment. Although judgment is inevitable, being brave enough to be yourself anyway!
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Being a part of Pride in Times Square is such a huge deal! As a musical theatre performer and fan, working with a company like Playbill in the heart of Broadway is an absolute dream come true. Broadway gives so many queer people a home and I’m so thrilled to share my art and have a good time with all of the wonderful people that will be there!
Yuhua Hamasaki (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
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.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Performing 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!
Leslie Salinas
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means to be proud of who you are and to never be ashamed of who you are or what you are.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s important to be part of Pride in Times Square because it’s an accomplishment to do something that LGBTQ+ people feel they can identify with and enjoy.
Scarlet Envy (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me means diving unapologetically into my brightest, boldest self. It means transcending cold adversity with summer joy. Pride is a celebration of how far we’ve come and where we need to go. Pride is a surprise visit from an old friend playing the theatrical soundtracks to my most romantic summer memories. Pride is disco in the park and protests and parades in the street. Pride is often times a reminder of loss. Sometimes though, Pride simply means dancing in the afternoon sunshine.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s important for me to be part of Pride in Times Square this year because visibility is everything—especially in these times where wars both culturally and literally rage. A Pride celebration in the most famous square in the world is iconic and sends an important message to an adverse world. Being part of the show-business of Pride in New York is a dream come true! Are you hiring for New Year’s Eve Ball Drop yet?
Gioconda (TikTok Sensation)
What does Pride mean to you?
For me, gay Pride is a time when all our dreams blossom.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
New York is a city that has accepted me, is testing my strength, which gives me hope, which gives me a chance to fulfill my dreams. Times Square is the heart of my beloved New York City. And I want to give the residents of my beloved city my creativity, surprise tourists and maybe even inspire someone, as once my idols inspired me. I think it will be unforgettable. Now I am the producer of the best drag cabaret in New York City (Lucky Cheng's). I want to be a representative of this wonderful club. And to make New York proud of us
Jesse Nager (Founder The Broadway Boys, Motown)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is a celebration of living authentically in your identity independent of outside influences or opinions.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Times Square has always been a beacon of creativity and progress. Being a part of this weekend is the continuation of the spread of light and success!
Steven Huynh (New Victory Theater’s Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas)
What does Pride mean to you?
For me, Pride involves accepting, honoring, and celebrating my personal identity and is a reminder to accept, honor, and celebrate others—to champion inclusivity through recognizing and embracing our differences, listening and educating myself on lived experiences that aren't my own, and wholeheartedly supporting my friends', families, colleagues', and peers' most authentic selves.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Being a part of Pride in Times Square is important to me because it's an opportunity to gather together joyfully and share the experience of welcoming and celebrating one another!
Darius Anthony Harper (The Preacher’s Wife)
What does Pride mean to you?
What does Pride mean to me: Pride has meant many things to me over the years! Being an out and proud queer person used to mean having a duty to show up for others. To be a voice for the voiceless and to let them know they are not alone. Today pride is a radical calling of sorts. A calling to let the ever-increasing oppressive systems know that we are a thriving community, and we aren't going anywhere.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
I am so honored to be a part of The Big Broadway Disco! To create, share and hold space for peoples who have similar lived experience to me is my artist mission. Bryan Campione is an incredible community fosterer and has always reached back for me. Showing up as my authentic self and participating helps me feel like I’m doing my part in reaching back so that we can all move forward, together. Happy Pride!
Justin Nelson (Founder/CEO – NGLCC)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride represents a celebration of identity, resilience, and community, but it also underscores the significant economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. For me, Pride is about visibility and validation, not just on a personal level, but within the business world as well. It highlights the progress we've made towards equality and the ongoing work needed to ensure inclusive workplaces and markets.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Times Square is not just a landmark; it represents the economic heartbeat of New York City, a city known for its diversity and inclusiveness. It is vital for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to gather here to celebrate our achievements, advocate for continued equality, and showcase the substantial contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses to the global economy. This year, it’s more crucial than ever to highlight our community’s vibrant diversity and the economic strength we bring to the table.
Michael Williams (Titanique)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means having a space and community that makes you feel safe enough to express the fullness of who you are.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Being a part of Pride of Times Square is important because New York is the biggest cultural nexus in the US. All eyes look to New York as the place where so much of our country's progression and growth begins. We have an opportunity to model what Pride can and should be for everyone across the nation.
Peppermint (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Head Over Heels)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is an opportunity for the community to learn more about itself and our intersectionality. There are corners of the community that in addition to celebrating, are also in need of the most support considering the current attacks against our community.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
I love the support that Playbill provides the entire community and being on the Playbill stage in Times Square is the perfect way to celebrate Pride!
Jan Sport (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me is being authentically yourself and not giving a hoot what anyone else thinks!
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s super important for me to be performing in Times Square because it is the center and heart of the city and deeply sunken into my roots. I’ve been coming here all of my life as a New Jersey native, to see incredible musicals and I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the incredible artistry that’s all around us!
Mike Borowski
What does Pride mean to you?
While Pride is a time to celebrate, it's also a time to band together against the divisive forces actively plotting to take away our hard-earned rights. It's important to come together and dance, but also stand strong and make our voices heard.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
I'm so excited to be back for Pride in Times Square! It's the brightest, most celebratory outdoor Pride party in the world!
Bryan Campione (Host, Big Broadway Disco)
What does Pride mean to you?
Standing up for your truth. Honoring all those past, present and future, that identify as their own unique self. And remembering Pride is different for everyone.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
This is my third time executive producing the event and hosting on the stage; and each year it is such an honor. Looking out at the audience and seeing the joy on people’s faces (and them dancing!) is one thing, but hearing the incredible performances and amazing DJ brings a sense of community like no other. It’s one of my favorite days of the year and I hope you too can join us for the celebration!
Galyana Castillo (Sweeney Todd)
What does Pride mean to you?
As a married bisexual woman, Pride means embracing and celebrating every facet of my identity without reservation or apology.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Visibility. It is so important for our community, especially in these divisive times, to be out in the streets to be the beacons for what queer love IS. It gives others the hope and courage to step into their truths and know that there is a family ready and willing to embrace your truest self.
Bianca DiSarro
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride for me is an important celebration of living out loud as your most true and authentic self.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
I’m most excited about being a part of Pride in Times Square to celebrate with my community through music and dance in a space that’s accepting of everyone.
Grant Evan (A Strange Loop, Boston)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means freedom to me! Being able to live, love and celebrate all the beautiful differences that unite our community is an honor and a privilege.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
This year is an election year. Now more than ever, we need to be on the front lines reminding people that we are present, we are their family, and that our voices matter. There's never been a more prescient time to be an artist in the center of a cultural moment like Pride!
Jay Armstrong Johnson (Parade)
What does Pride mean to you?
For me, Pride means visibility. It’s one thing to be a queer person in the world, but to publicly and unabashedly claim it as an identity for the world to hear and see and know is powerful. That simple proclamation can make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ members looking for hope and joy and community.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Some may claim Times Square (or NYC) in general is the center of the universe - and I happen to agree. To take part in Pride Times Square is to be seen and celebrated in one of the world’s most iconic places. If Pride is about visibility and acceptance and love and change, what better place to show one’s pride than at the center of the universe.
Eric Michael Krop (NBC’s I Can See Your Voice, Godspell)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me means being radically honest, radically accepting, and radically joyful in being who you are.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s important to me to participate in this year’s Pride in Times Square because I get to have fun with my best friend entertaining the people whilst having a GAY old time.
Paris L'Hommie
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me is an equal parts celebration of individuality, community, and protest. Pride began as a protest and fight for human rights. For me, continuing that legacy is the most important part of Pride.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It’s important to me for me to take part in Pride in Times Square because as a Non-Binary Black Trans Femme, my visibility is a protest and celebration in itself. Me expressing myself fully and truthfully can not only shine a light on those who might feel like they cannot be their true self, but it also disrupts the status quo of our heteronormative patriarchal society.
Tracy McDowell (Motown)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means being able to be your authentic self and celebrate life, love, and acceptance.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year? Because I get to celebrate my PEOPLE and give all the LOVE to my beautiful LGBTQ2+ community! (Oh and sing with my BESSSST FRIEND)!
Kristen Plati
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is a place where my LGBTQIA+ friends can feel seen, understood, safe and represented. Where they can celebrate their individuality and beauty- surrounded by loved ones, friends and even strangers.
Anne Fraser Thomas (Titanique)
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is not being afraid to express your true self, it's about embracing our differences.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
It is important to be a part of Pride in Times Square because Pride is a celebration of my people, my community, MY FAMILY!
King Queen
What does Pride mean to you?
As a proud member of the LBTQIA+, Pride means more than just the celebration of my own identity. Pride is the reason we can all exist as one with no hate and celebrate love that unites us all. My sister is currently transitioning, and I am beyond excited to be with her along this journey. Queer love for the win!
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
This year marks my 15th year of being out of the closet and in NYC. Being able to celebrate my art and love in Times Square this year would be the best start to my 16th year in this incredible city! This is also the first time I will ever be performing in Times Square, because there is plenty of room for firsts in this city!
Karley Wasaff
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride, to me, is a profound celebration of authenticity, resilience, and the vibrant spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. As a non-binary, pansexual, and polyamorous individual, it represents honoring our past struggles, celebrating our diverse identities, and committing to a future where everyone can express their true selves without fear.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
Performing at Pride in Times Square is a powerful affirmation of visibility and inclusion on one of the world’s most iconic stages. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our community’s strength and unity and demonstrate that we belong in every space, especially the most visible ones. Through my nonprofit, Kinetics with Karley, I provide free training and resources to BIPOC queer performers, helping them thrive in the nightlife industry and ensuring their unique voices and talents are supported and seen.
Ernest Terelle Williams
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me is the complete ownership, unapologetic confidence, and compassionate self-love in accepting all of the attributes that make up who you are and where you are in your life’s journey, at all times.
Why is it important for you to be part of Pride in Times Square this year?
As a native New Yorker from the Bronx who has worked several many jobs as a teenager in Times Square, it’s important for me to be part of Pride in Times Square this year because visibility is important, with no better place to do so than a main point of NYC, where so many people from all over the world will be able to witness this beautiful event and have the opportunity to take something from it.
