'Pride is a way for people to be out': Pride month begins

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Today marks the beginning of Pride Month.

It marks a time to celebrate the LGBTQ community worldwide and culminates in the city at the end of the month with the New York City Pride March. This year’s theme is “Reflect, empower, and unite.”

On Sunday- around 60,000 people will take part in New Queens Pride in Jackson Heights. 

David Kilmnick is with the LGBT Network, which runs the event.

He says, “Pride is a way for people to be out and about, proud, and allies to come out, be together, and support.”

“We have 150 groups marching. Festival and concert. Entertainment it’s going to be off the charts going on all day. 100 vendors as well.”

Last month, the FBI and the US Dept of Homeland Security warned of the possibility of foreign terrorist organizations targeting pride events.  Organizers say they are prepared.

Kilmnick adds, “We know the importance of working with the police department. We’re working very closely with the NYPD, and people will see the presence of the NYPD, but people will also not see everything that’s being done to keep people safe.”

This year also marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising on June 28.

The uprising in 1969 was the catalyst of the LGBTQ rights movement. 

Many people say it’s incredibly important to mark the anniversary. 

Michael Lovas, who was at the Stonewall Inn, says, “We need to remember if it wasn’t for people who were standing here walking from the park throwing bricks and shouting and being angry, we wouldn’t be here today.”

The New York City pride march will take place on June 30.

New Queens Pride kicks off Sunday at noon.