BY: Liliana Rocio Suarez Salcedo, Senior Editor.  37th Ave Jackson Heights Queens NY June 1^st 2025

The Queens Pride Parade formed in response to Julio Rivera’s murder and, more directly, to the 1992 homophobic outcry over the inclusion of gay and lesbian content in the Children of the Rainbow curriculum, which was designed to teach children tolerance of all of New York City’s diverse communities.

As a result, former New York City Council Finance Chair, Daniel Dromm, who was then a public school teacher in the borough’s Community School District 24 (where the controversy was centered), came out as openly gay and decided to counter the ensuing propaganda with a family-friendly celebratory parade that would promote LGBT visibility and pride, and be based in a neighborhood where many closeted gay people lived.

Daniel Dromm, Queens Lesbian & Gay Pride Committee co-chair, 1999. On November 22, 1992, the initial planning meeting was held in Dromm’s Flushing apartment, and the formation of the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee (QLGPC) followed soon after at a meeting of Queens Gays and Lesbians United (Q-GLU).

Co-chaired by Dromm and Cuban-born LGBT rights activist Maritza Martinez, QLGPC canvassed neighborhood gay bars for donations and support.

Dromm later recalled that some bar owners were resistant, “It was a very quiet lesbian and gay community — a large one but not a very visible one. [People were worried] that if they became visible, they would pay a price.”

The first Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival took place on Sunday, June 6, 1993, and an estimated 10,000 people attended.

The parade route ran from 89th to 75th Streets along 37th Avenue, which was painted with a lavender line.

The accompanying stage show featured drag queen and transgender performers, who were also pivotal beforehand in helping to raise money and promote the parade at the gay bars where they regularly entertained. Martinez gave a bilingual speech, with the following spoken in Spanish.

2025 NEW QUEENS PRIDE PARADE GRAND MARSHALSThe New Queens Pride Parade is proud to celebrate three remarkable Grand Marshals whose lives and work reflect the strength, diversity, and resilience of our community. This year, we honor Andry José Hernández Romero, a courageous gay asylum seeker and artist whose unjust detention and deportation have sparked a national movement for justice;

Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, a trailblazing immigrant leader and champion for LGBTQ+ rights, workers, and families; and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, a fierce advocate for queer liberation, reproductive justice, and intersectional equity.

Each of these leaders brings a unique story and vision to our celebration—reminding us that Pride is not just a moment, but a movement rooted in courage, solidarity, and the fight for liberation for all.

 Andry José Hernández Romero: We proudly recognize Andry José Hernández Romero as the honorary Grand Marshal of the New Queens Pride Parade—a courageous gay asylum seeker, artist, and advocate whose story has ignited a national outcry for justice.

Andry fled Venezuela in 2024 to escape brutal persecution under the Maduro regime, only to be wrongfully detained and deported to El Salvador’s notorious mega-prison, based solely on misinterpreted tattoos symbolizing his family and cultural heritage.

A gifted makeup artist and a beacon of resilience, Andry represents the very spirit of Pride: living authentically, demanding dignity, and refusing to be erased. As he remains unjustly imprisoned, we lift his name, his story, and our voices in solidarity, demanding his safe return and the protection of all LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas: Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas brings unwavering passion and purpose to her role as a Grand Marshal of the 2025 New Queens Pride Parade.

A fierce advocate for LGBTQ liberation, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and gender equity, Jessica has built a career rooted in intersectional activism and community power.

. She has championed progressive legislation and secured millions in critical funding to expand access to health care, support public education, strengthen tenant protections, and uplift working families.

Her leadership—both inside the halls of Albany and out in the streets—reflects her deep belief that every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and pride. Jessica embodies the spirit of Pride, reminding us that the fight for liberation is ongoing—and that our communities are stronger when we rise together.

Close to 140 groups marched in unity to honor pride month at 33rd anniversary of Queens Pride Parade Jackson Heights Queens NY-2025.

Political leaders in attendance included: Representatives from Governor’s office, Mayor’s office, in person political leaders included: Letitia James is the 67th Attorney General of the state of New York, New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli , Queens DA Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York City Comptroller, Brad Landers, New York City Council Speaker adrienne adams, NY State Senator Jessica Ramos, Justin Brannan NYC Council member and so many more.

See More in our World Liberty TV, LGBTQ + Channels, Blogs and Who is who of LGBTQ+ Communities, by clicking here.