K 1565: Commemorating the 34th Anniversary of Queens Pride Parade on June 7, 2026

 Assembly Resolution No. 1565 BY: M. of A. Gonzalez-Rojas COMMEMORATING the 34th Anniversary of Queens Pride Parade on June 7, 2026 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the profound impact of those exemplary organizations and events within the great State of New York that proactively work toward the empowerment of diverse communities and the importance of such work, which benefits all citizens of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the Nation, should be rightfully commended; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 34th Anniversary of the Queens LGBTQ Pride Parade to be celebrated on Sunday, June 7, 2026; and WHEREAS, The Queens LGBTQ Pride Parade is the second oldest and second-largest pride parade in New York City; the parade, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in June, was established in 1993 by Daniel Dromm and Maritza Martinez to increase awareness of the LGBTQ population in Queens and honor former resident Julio Rivera; and WHEREAS, Julio Rivera was a 29-year-old Puerto Rican bartender raised in the Bronx who was living in Jackson Heights when three individuals from a local gang brutally attacked him due to his sexual orientation on July 2, 1990; doctors at Elmhurst Hospital later confirmed his death, and residents of Jackson Heights have worked relentlessly since then to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ community not only in Jackson Heights but across New York City; and WHEREAS, Queens Pride marked the beginning of local LGBTQ activists founding social services organizations and strengthening the LGBTQ community's political agenda; since then, the number of organizations that provide services to members of the LGBTQ community has increased; and WHEREAS, Queens Pride promotes awareness and education of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community in Queens and serves as a safe space for those within the community to celebrate their identity, as well as honor those who have passed; Queens Pride is and will continue to be an essential parade for residents throughout New York City; and WHEREAS, Our society benefits from the purposeful efforts of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for others and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 34th Anniversary of the Queens Pride Parade; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be provided to the New Queens Pride.