Image credit: Chris Weger

People who live in New York City like to think that their city is the center of the world, but in the case of this month’s Pride celebrations, it certainly is. This is because New York will play host to three meaningful events — World Pride2019, the commemoration of the 50th year of the Stonewall Uprising, and its own NYC Pride.

The celebrations will hit their peak on June 30. Not only will the New York Pride March be held on that day, Madonna also takes the stage to “perform a few songs” on Pride Island. The Queen of Pop announced her performance a few weeks ago on the Today show, saying that she “heard” the fans and that she would be “on Pride Island, where I was born.”

Watch a video of the announcement here:

Of course, Madonna has long been an ally to the LGBTQ community, a fact she one again made clear with the music video for her latest single, “I Rise.” Hailed as an “activist anthem” by the Advocate and made in partnership with Time magazine, the video includes video of a number of social justice movements and natural disasters. Not only is it meant to showcase the strength and tenacity of the human spirit, but also to remind us to continue to rise up against oppression and marginalization.

Watch the video below:

The iconic Grace Jones will also headline the Saturday show, with Pablo Vittar, Teyana Taylor, Amara La Negra, and DJ Johnny Dynell also performing.

While the Saturday and Sunday shows are definitely a highlight, Pride celebrations have been happening in New York throughout the month of June. OutCinema, a cinematic event celebrating LGBTQ film, was held from June 17 to June 19. A free family movie night was held on June 21, while Cosplay and Pride was held on the 22nd.

NYC Pride’s Human Rights Conference is being held starting today, June 24, up to June 25, featuring speakers Raquel Willis, Janet Mock, and Tracey “Africa” Norman. A GameChangers panel will also be held on June 25, featuring George Takei, Trace Lysette, and Leyna Bloom.

The WorldPride Opening Ceremony, meanwhile, will be held on the 26th of June, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featuring performances by Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter, and Chaka Khan, among others. A special rally to commemorate the 50th year of the Stonewall Uprising will also be held on the 28th.

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