The Queer Liberation March, organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, is an act of resistance. Pride is, at heart, meant to be a protest, not the event or party that it has become in recent years. As the QLM website states, this protest “reignites the legacy of Stonewall”; we march for trans and BIPOC freedom, reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. Being at QLM is a freeing, moving and beautiful experience, as so many LGBTQ+ folks and allies come together to march for our rights.
This year’s march fell on an exceptionally hot June afternoon. The attendees took to Washington Square Park to cool off in the traditional fountain plunge and relax after a long day pounding the pavement. The crowd seemed larger than the last two years, with every inch of the park covered by folks lounging, chatting, resting and enjoying each other’s company. Next to the park was a blocked-off street with a float and a DJ, which started a dance party. There was joy and laughter in the crowd, and onlookers watched from their stoops. The march continues to bring together hope, action and representation of the LGBTQ+ community—that our lives matter, our bodies matter and we aren’t going anywhere.
(Clockwise, from top) Marchers on West 4th Street; two marchers share an embrace; dressed up at the march
A couple connects in Washington Square Park after the march
A marcher in a mesh top
Drummers drum on Sixth Avenue as others dance around them
(Clockwise, from top left) A post-march dip in Washington Square Fountain; a marcher with a dangling earring that says “Her”; a couple with matching “They/Them” shirts sit in Washington Square Park
Dancers above the party bus near Washington Square Park
(From left) Two people in matching rainbow cowboy hats rest in Washington Square Park; two people show off their nails and accessories
A couple hold hands during the March
Marchers hang out in Washington Square Park
