Gay pride celebrations are embracing virtual platforms this year as the pandemic shifts many traditional in-person LGBTQ+ events online. NYC Pride’s centerpiece event will be a two-hour broadcast special airing Sunday at noon across ABC platforms, featuring Billy Porter (“Pose”), Janelle Monáe, and other performers instead of the usual parade.
Numerous digital alternatives and a few real-world options offer ways to celebrate Pride’s legacy and future:
Global Pride 2020
This 24-hour international livestream unites LGBTQ+ organizations from over 80 countries, featuring Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, Nancy Pelosi, Laverne Cox, The Chicks, Olivia Newton-John, Adam Lambert, Kesha, and more.
Starts 1 a.m. Saturday | Free (donations support COVID-affected Pride organizations)
Amazon Pride Inside
Amazon Prime’s interactive festival includes Lady Bunny, Betty Who, and 16 “RuPaul’s Drag Race” queens offering performances, makeup tutorials, and virtual hangouts with friends.
Saturday & Sunday | Free
Porch Pride: Bluegrass Queer-antine Festival
Over 20 LGBTQ+ folk and roots musicians perform across this two-day digital event.
1 p.m. PDT Saturday & Sunday | $10 suggested donation
Queer Coney Circus Sideshow
Coney Island-themed Zoom show featuring sword swallowers, aerialists, and fire performers.
7:30 p.m. Saturday | Free (donations accepted)
Soundtrack for a Movement: Glitterbox Pride
Brooklyn’s House of Yes hosts a global dance party spotlighting Black and queer artists.
8 p.m. Saturday | Free
The House Party With Everybooty
BAM and New York Live Arts present drag, dance, and music—including Bill T. Jones and The Illustrious Blacks—to benefit LGBTQ+ health and arts groups.
8 p.m. Saturday
Club Quarantine
Celebrity-frequented queer dance party attracting surprise guests like Lady Gaga.
9 p.m. Saturday | Free
2020 Criminal Queerness Festival
Migguel Anggelo’s film “Maid in America” premieres, exploring immigrant dreams.
7 p.m. Sunday | Free
Jewish Queer Arts Festival
SOJOURN gathers authors, comedians, and musicians supporting LGBTQ+ artists impacted by COVID-19.
7-9:30 p.m. Sunday | Free
NYC Pride 2020: On Top of the World!
Nightlife icon Susanne Bartsch headlines with Amanda Lepore, drag queens, and DJs benefiting the Ali Forney Center.
6-9 p.m. Sunday | Tickets $10-$35
IRL Pride Bites
For those craving in-person moments:
- Boxers Hell’s Kitchen offers roof deck brunch with “Boxerita” cocktails and famously underdressed servers.
- Baked By Melissa donates 10% of rainbow Pride cupcake sales to NYC’s LGBT Community Center.
Boxers: 742 Ninth Ave., noon-11 p.m. Sat-Sun; BakedByMelissa.com for cupcake delivery/pickup