Warning: Undefined array key "sharing_networks_networks_sorting" in /var/www/wp-content/plugins/monarch/monarch.php on line 3904
Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/plugins/monarch/monarch.php on line 3904
New York’s annual Pride Week is already underway, but there’s still time to enjoy the festivities and celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling!
On Sunday, New York’s annual Pride March will mark its 45th year of waving rainbow flags, ultra-not-conservative-outfits and most importantly, the human right to love. But 2015 will welcome a parade like no other.
We can still expect the same level of Dionysiac festivities, except with the recent legalization of same-sex marriage, June 28’s parade will be a historic event.
Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir Ian McKellen are this year’s grand marshals.
Continue the celebrations with PrideFest, the LGBT street fair filled of vendors, entertainers and activities, all in the name of equality.
Photo: Courtesy of Flickr user Bob Jagendorf
To prepare for the weekend that will go down in history, read why members of the downtown community and even the Downtown staff are so prideful for the victory of love.
The happiness for today’s victory transcends Americans of all backgrounds, especially for Russian-born Alex Reznik, founder of fitness company Complete Body.
Reznik is just as elated as any other American, for when he was younger, same-sex marriages in Russia was considered a crime.
“Now we have equal legal protection for our families and kids,” Reznik said.
Today’s announcement came to a surprise to many, even to the people whose lives would change based on the decision.
“I think most people in America knew it was inevitable but I didn’t expect this to happen so soon,” Renzik said. “It is a great event to celebrate and it is another reason to appreciate being American.”
Downtown’s beauty editor, Dawn Nicole, had the following to say about the new nation-wide right to same-sex marriage:
“Today’s decision will have a monumental impact on the future of same-sex relationships in America. Judgment is a comfortable response to the unknown, as a society we judge even those we love and often we judge ourselves.
The promise of less judgment allows people to truly be who they are, gay or otherwise. Hatred and anger are simply the offspring of ignorance and fear. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I heard the announcement.
The universal language of love is hard to deny, it is getting people to converse that is sometimes difficult. We are now one step closer to a stronger, more unified society and that makes my heart smile.”
Reznik agreed that the decision is indication that America is progressing to becoming a “more accepting country.”
It was time for the extend civil rights to the LGBT community.
Reznik said this delay was the reason for why many of his friends moved to where same-sex marriage was already legalized, such as Canada and the European Union.
“I’m happy that United States joined other leading democratic countries,” Reznik said. “I think in a few years from now… the younger generation will not view [same-sex marriage] as something unacceptable or abnormal. I hope it will also drastically decrease amount of LGBT teenagers who commit suicide due to bulling and unacceptance by the society.”
As John Lennon so famously said, “It matters not who you love, where you love, why you love, when you love or how you love, it matters only that you love.”
– by Nisha Stickles