Great love and support in the community
Rochester residents came out in droves Saturday to show their support during the Rochester Pride Parade and Festival.
The celebration was more successful than ever before. Organizers said there were more than 250 marching groups and tens of thousands of people on the streets. The parade itself lasted more than two hours.
Celebrating Rochesterians pulled out all the stops when putting together their Pride outfits. Emily Dyson, who has been participating in Rochester Pride every year since moving to the city three years ago, beamed like a sequined cowgirl on the sidelines of the parade. For Dyson, Pride is about celebrating queerness and self-expression.
“Honestly, (pride) means everything,” said Dyson, who was overjoyed that participants felt free to be themselves. “It means that people like us have a place to belong.”
The parade’s new route along South Avenue is a welcome change, Dyson said.
“This is the best year yet,” Dyson said. “It’s much more open; I like the shade of the trees.”
Here is everything you need to know about the happy festive Saturday:
The crowd of jugglers, flag wavers, DJs, drag kings and queens, local politicians and their supporters, and other protesters have arrived at Beikirch Park for the Pride Festival. The parade has ended, but the party continues with food stalls, drag performances, and music.
Love is love: Video of the 2024 Pride Parade in Rochester, NY
Experience the sights and sounds of the 2024 Rochester Pride Parade and Festival.
As the parade enters its second hour, the sun beats down on South Avenue and participants enjoy every shady spot they can find. Some cool off under trees while others watch the floats from covered bus shelters. Despite the heat, spirits are as high as ever as parade participants head toward Beikirch Park for the Pride Festival.
Jahmir Simmons incorporated Pride motifs into every part of his look, from rainbows to glittery eye makeup to rainbow-colored shoe soles. Pride is a time to celebrate self-love, Simmons said.
“I came out seven years ago and I’m living my life to the fullest,” Simmons said. “It’s about loving yourself.”
Rochester Pride Parade: Huge turnout in support of LGBTQ rights
Footage from the 2024 Rochester Pride Parade and Festival, one of the most joyful celebrations of the year.
The festivities continue along South Avenue as spectators cheer on the floats and marchers as they roll by. Every few seconds, groups chant “Happy Pride” while queer pop anthems like Chappell Roan’s infectiously fun “Hot To Go!” play.
Three young participants – Ellyce Tonovitz, Leila Faber and Liza DeLooze – came to Pride to have a great time, hang out with friends and soak up the “positive energy”.
“It’s just cool to see so many different people here,” said DeLooze, who came to the Pride Parade for the first time this year. “It’s just a very diverse community.”
Paul Mier, who was there to support his family members, watched from the sidelines wearing a Pride hat and carrying a flag.
“(Pride) brings people together and makes everyone happy,” Mier said.
The parade has begun, with floats and marching groups moving slowly down Science Parkway, full of energy and excitement. Groups waiting for their turn hang out at the other end of the street, where loud music blares as participants chat and dance.
Numerous parade participants march alongside businesses and organizations they support. Cheryl Hayward and Ebony Burgess came with Monroe County’s Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the third year to celebrate inclusivity.
“What an opportunity to do just that (at Pride),” Hayward said.
Crowds have gathered along South Avenue in anticipation of the 2024 Rochester Pride Parade, with many seeking coveted shady spots on this warm Saturday morning. Paradegoers of all generations have come to witness the crowning event of Rochester Pride Month, wearing all manner of Pride gear, from flags and umbrellas to tassel skirts and bucket hats.
As lively music blares down South Avenue, a line of drag performers and other paraders in themed costumes turn onto Science Parkway, where the parade begins at 11 a.m.
One of the attendees, Malachi Wonderland, sat on a sunny sidewalk that he had decorated with a chalk inscription that read, “You are loved.” This year is Wonderland’s first Pride as an openly transgender man, and he’s here to “give more than he takes.”
“I waited 37 years to become the man I was meant to be, and I had to suppress every inch of who I was,” Wonderland said. “I don’t think any child should ever have to endure that.”
The festivals begin at 11 a.m. in Highland Park (coinciding with the parade), where there will be games, vendors, food trucks and live music until 6 p.m.
Tickets are required for entry to the festival. They cost $5 for general admission and $50 for VIPs (bar, lounge and private restroom trailer included). Children under 12 are free. No dogs or backpacks are allowed.
The event’s musical headliner is Nina Sky, a twin sister duo that blends R&B, dancehall, reggaeton, hip hop and pop influences. The duo got their big break in 2004 when “Move Ya Body” became a Billboard Hot 100 hit. Audiences will also hear music from DJ Citizen Jane, Ethan Soza, Kaylin Cervini, Adrienne Mack-Davis and Stunt Double. Several drag performances will light up the festival stage, including some from RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni and Miss and Mr. Gay Pride Rochester.
The Meatball Truck Co., Neno’s Gourmet and Wraps on Wheels are just some of the food trucks at the festival.
Drivers should avoid parking on the streets in residential areas surrounding the parade route, and organizers recommend carpooling.
Paid parking is available at two locations:
- Al Sigl Center (1000 Elmwood Avenue) – $5
- Grass lot between Al Sigl Center and Meadowbrook Road – $5
Free parking for people with disabilities is available at the Lilac Adventure Zone (249 Highland Ave.).
A shuttle runs nonstop between Highland Avenue and Science Parkway from 12:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The origins of the Pride Festival in Rochester date back to May 1971, when about 300 demonstrators took part in a sit-in – a so-called “gay-in” – in Genesee Valley Park.
In July 1972, the city began hosting the Pride Picnic. The picnic, which took place on July 13 this year, now marks the start of Pride Week in Rochester.
The first Pride Parade in Rochester was held along East Main Street on June 28, 1989 – the 20th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Organizers moved the parade to Park Avenue in 1991, where it was held annually until that year.
An adjacent Pride Festival was added to the celebrations in 1996 and took place at various locations in Rochester.
The 2024 Pride Parade has been moved this year from its longtime location on Park Avenue to South Avenue.
Organizers attribute this in part to last year’s success, when over 15,000 attendees and more than 200 marching groups attended, and in part to the restoration work along Park Avenue.
The parade begins at Science Parkway and heads north on South Avenue until it reaches Beikirch Park (1440 South Ave.) in Highland Park.
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