Hudson Valley Pride March Draws Thousands

NEW PALTZ – An estimated 3,000 people marched down Main Street in New Paltz on Sunday afternoon, to mark the 14th annual Hudson Valley Pride Parade. The event drew spectators from throughout the region, and halted traffic for nearly an hour.

Included among the participating groups were local high schools, congregations, civic organizations, and businesses. Most every Democratic congressional candidate for the NY-19th District also marched.

Jeff Rindler, executive director of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center in Kingston, organized the event.

“A huge turnout, it shows that the community cares and supports the LGBTQ movement,” Rindler said. “Last year it was pouring, this year it looks like there were close to 3,000 people here.”

Grand Marshall for the parade was Kingston activist Callie Jayne. She was joined by Woodstock student Hannah Peterson. Both were selected for their civic organizing. Jayne blew bubbles from the back seat of a convertible car, while cheering spectators blew air horns and waved rainbow flags.

Other spectacles included several drag queens, all gussied-up and dressed to impress.
“Stand Together” was the theme this year, a follow-up to last year’s “Taking A Stand.”

“We must not be silent when we witness attacks against our loved ones, friends and neighbors, because of our skin tone, immigration status, gender identity, age, religion, or sexual orientation,” Rindler said. “We respond to these challenges with unity, resiliency and solidarity for the fights of all marginalized people.”

The Pride March coincides with a month of celebration and special events. June 28, 1969 began the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City’s Greenwich Village, which marks the launching point for the modern LGBTQ liberation movement.