Photo: Brooklyn Borough President's Office
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and local LGBT community members raised the rainbow flag over Borough Hall this afternoon to kick off Pride Week. Brooklyn will host many events including a “Drag Rugby” Saturday, 5pm, at the Old Stone House (JJ Byrne Park, between 3rd and 4th Streets and 4th and 5th Avenues).
Beep Markowitz also took the opportunity of today’s ceremony to make his stand on Marriage Equality, saying, “We are engaged in a fundamental right for equal rights—the right of same-sex couples to enter in legal marriages,” said BP Markowitz. “Now I admit there was a time a few years ago when I was on the wrong side of this issue. But then it became clear to me—as it should be to everyone else—that love is love! It really is that simple.”
Here’s the official press release for Brooklyn Pride:
BROOKLYN PRIDE’S 15TH ANNUAL PRIDE CELEBRATION: “THE MANY FACES OF PRIDE” SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Visit www.brooklynpride.org and www.lgbtbrooklyn.org for updates.
MONDAY, JUNE 6
7:00pm Interfaith Service
Union Temple of Brooklyn (17 Eastern Parkway)
A spiritual group comprised of many faiths comes together to a worship service of the LGBT community.
Speakers: Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman, Revs. Ann Kansfield & Jennifer Aull and Bishop Zachary Jones
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon Street)
Pride Reception (by invitation only)
LGBT art exhibit, “Lights of Color,” in the Brooklyn Borough Hall Community Room
Hosted by the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
PRIDE Fundraising Dance at Langston’s
$10. All door proceeds go to Brooklyn Pride
10:00pm–4:00am
1073 Atlantic Avenue (between Classon and Franklin Avenues).
Sponsored and hosted by Club Langston
Co-Hosted by: GMAD (Gay Men of African Descent), Brooklyn Men (K)onnect and Shades of Lavender
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Pride Day 2011
Prospect Park at Bartel-Pritchard Square
15th Street and Prospect Park West
Pride 5K Fun Run (registration begins at 8:00am)
A fun event for the LGBT community and friends in a festive, healthy and inclusive environment. A portion of the proceeds go to a local LGBT organization.
Multicultural Festival (11:00am–6:00pm)
It’s more than your usual street fair! Featuring stage performances, family zone, shopping and great food. Most importantly, it provides opportunities for the community to learn about community organizations, issues and business.
Kids Space (12:00pm–4:00pm)
Kids come join the fun at Brooklyn Pride with your own space! We will have sing a song, puppet making workshops, story time, bookmaking and much, much more!
Drag Rugby Game (5:00pm)
Old Stone House (JJ Byrne Park, between 3rd and 4th Streets and 4th and 5th Avenues)
Brooklyn Women’s Rugby and the Gotham Knight’s RFCs have teamed up with Brooklyn Pride to present a Drag Rugby Game at the Old Stone House. The game is free, but donations to Brooklyn Pride are always welcome. Come down for a fun time and a great sport.
5th Avenue Pride Happy Hour (5:00pm–7:00pm)
Brooklyn Pride and the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID are co-sponsoring the first ever 5th Avenue Pride Happy Hour. For two hours, participating bars and restaurants will offer food and drink discounts. Sit and grab a bite to eat while you wait for the parade festivities to start.
Night Pride Parade (7:30pm kickoff)
5th Avenue – from 14th Street to Sterling Place
Join the fun with the first “Night Time Parade in the Northeast,” a celebration of our pride and heritage
Grand Marshals: Revs. Ann Kansfield & Jennifer Aull – Greenpoint Reformed Church; Carl Siciliano, executive director, Ali Forney Center
THE BROOKLYN COMMUNITY PRIDE CENTER WILL BE SPONSORING THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
MONDAY, JUNE 6
8:00pm, Brooklyn Arts Exchange (421 Fifth Avenue)
Benefit reading of “Sorry…” a new play with music by Steve Fisher inspired by the life of Tyler Clementi, the gay 18-year-old freshman at Rutgers University who jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge after his roommate live-streamed him having an intimate encounter with another young man. Donation: $50, includes wine and cheese reception with the cast and creative team. Tickets: http://lgbtbrooklyn.givezooks.com/events/benefit-reading-of-sorry
7:00-11:00pm, Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture (53 Prospect Park West)
In partnership with and held at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, BCPC will host “Out in Brooklyn,” a teen dance with food, music and safe solidarity for queer and questioning youth. Free.
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Pride Day 2011 (Prospect Park at Bartel-Pritchard Square)
11:00am-6:00pm, Brooklyn Community Pride Center at the Festival. Representatives and volunteers from BCPC will be available to answer your questions about the Center and its programs.
1:00pm-4:00pm, Family Fun & Frolic in the Park. Join other LGBT families for an array of exciting activities.
7:30pm-9:00pm, Pride Parade. Join representatives from the Brooklyn Community Pride Center and partnering organizations as we march down 5th Avenue!
9:00pm-2:00am, Brooklyn Lyceum (227 4th Avenue between President and Union Streets)
Post Parade Pride Party. DJ, cash bar, prizes and a live performance by Brooklyn Indie band Tayisha Busay. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets: http://lgbtbrooklyn.givezooks.com/events/post-parade-pride-party
SUNDAY, JUNE 12
11:00am, Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture (53 Prospect Park West)
“Nurturing Pride in Brooklyn.” Brooklyn Community Pride Center Executive Director Marianne Nicolosi will share the growing pains and pleasures of establishing the borough’s first LGBTQ Center.
THURSDAY, JUNE 23
7:00am-9:00pm, Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture (53 Prospect Park West)
“Getting the Love You Want,” an introductory couple’s workshop for the Brooklyn LGBT community sponsored by BCPC. For additional information, contact:jzimmerman@lgbtbrooklyn.org
