This year's Pride celebration in New York was particularly sweet - coming the same week as the Supreme Court decisions striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8 in California. Of course, the court could have gone further in defense of equal rights on the federal level, instead of still leaving a major civil rights issue up to the states, but it was a major leap forward - especially in contrast to the Court's shameful gutting of the Voting Rights Act on the previous day.
The Empire State Building was sporting celebratory rainbow colors in the fog.

On the day of the Supreme Court's ruling, Thursday, June 27, there was a rally on Christopher Street (near the intersection of Gay Street) to celebrate.

83 year old Edith Windsor was the star of the day (and the weekend and the year). What a hero! It was her legal struggle following the death of her wife, Thea Spyer, for the recognition of their marriage, that led to the Supreme Court decision.

The Stonewall Inn where the riots at the end of June 1969, 44 years ago, jump started the modern gay rights movement.

Everyone deserves the freedom to marry!

Even pervy straight politicians like this one!

Equality Now! from the fire escape.

Christine Quinn - mayorial candidate:

Sheridan Square:

Edie and Thea forever:

On Sunday, June 30, the huge Pride Parade down 5th Avenue started off - as it always does - with the roar of Dykes on Bikes!

It was a very colorful event.

A live parrot hat is only the beginning!

Mayor Mike Bloomberg in full politician drag. Everyone's got their costume!

An anonymous wizard with castanets.

Senator Chuck Schumer with a bull horn and a rainbow flag - watch out!

Governor Andrew Cuomo in khakis.

Yes! Thank you Edie.

Newlyweds.

Fifth Avenue putting on her queer face!

The N.Y.P.D. - we've come a long way from the Stonewall riots.

The F.D.N.Y - enjoying the party.

Firewomen and Firemen.

A buffalo with six-pack abs?

He was popular.

A gay marching band.

Flags and people of every country.

During a lull in the action we crossed the avenue to check out the view from the other side.

Anthony Weiner - pride goes before the fall!

The Royal Family.


Everthing from under the kitchen sink!

Look who's here! Mr. Peter Edlund gettin' his pride on!

Christine Quinn (again):

Had a big following.

A big gay dog.

Somewhere over the rainbow.

The Arab Queer Collective.

There was a lot to be happy about.

Whip your hair!

By the time the Renaissance Fair folk showed up we were beginning to get Pride fatigue.

Sadly, Russia is a dangerous place for LGBT people these days.

Act Up! Now and forever.

We wandered over toward Christopher Street and the river past the demolition of St. Vincent's hospital - soon to be the site of more super luxury housing.

Now Greenwich Village = Greenwich, Ct.

Proud partner Peter after the parade enjoying the Hudson promenade!

The top of the new World Trade Town was lost in the mist.

Fortunately, in NYC the parade is never over!

It was a very happy Pride.