By Kathianne Boniello
Jackson Heights was transformed into a rainbow of diversity Sunday with everyone from politicians and drag queens to senior citizens and families turning out to either march or watch the borough’s 10th annual Gay Pride Parade.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall served as grand marshal, marching in the front of the parade and waving to the thousands of spectators lining 37th Avenue. This year’s theme was “Pride Worldwide” and featured a number of patriotic elements, including a drag queen dressed completely in red, white and blue and songs like “American the Beautiful.”
Behind Marshall dozens of Queens and citywide politicians, including City Council Speaker Gifford Miller (D-Manhattan) and former City Comptroller Alan Hevesi, a Forest Hills resident, took part in the parade. Interspersed throughout the throng of elected officials were several colorful but relatively demure drag queens, who danced and waved to the crowds.
Because former Borough President Claire Shulman had never marched in the borough’s Gay Pride Parade, Marshall — who joined the event as a city councilwoman representing nearby East Elmhurst — was the first sitting borough president to march in the parade’s history.
“I am proud to be here to celebrate gay pride,” Marshall said. “I strongly support equal rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation.”
For a decade Jackson Heights, one of Queens’ most diverse communities, has played host to the borough’s Gay Pride Parade. The event begins at 89th Street and 37th Avenue and extends for more than 10 blocks until it turns into a festival on 75th Avenue.
Bright sunshine and strong winds made for a pleasant event, one which many spectators praised for its welcoming atmosphere.
“I think it’s the best,” said Alberto Goldman of Richmond Hill. “I never miss it. I think what I see is that there’s no prejudice — they accept you or not.”
While parades always attract politicians trying to court the community, the 2002 Queens Gay Pride Parade had a healthy dose of elected officials in addition to Marshall, Miller and Hevesi. Those who took part included city council members Tony Avella (D-Bayside), David Weprin (D-Hollis), John Liu (D-Flushing), Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside), Helen Sears (D-Jackson Heights), Hiram Monserrate (D-Corona) and Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan). State Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette (D-Jackson Heights) marched as did former City Councilman John Sabini (D-Jackson Heights), who was ousted by term limits, and City Comptroller Bill Thompson.
Hevesi, who lost last year’s Democratic primary election for mayor and is now running for the state comptroller post, has marched in the Queens Gay Pride Parade each year since its inception.
“This is the most ethnically diverse street in the most ethnically diverse community in the world,” he said. “That’s a joy.”
As if to test the political salt of the borough’s gay community, parade organizer and longtime gay activist Daniel Dromm spent the day shaking hands and gaining support for his upcoming race for the Democratic district leader post in Jackson Heights-Corona-Elmhurst.
“I feel fantastic,” Dromm said after shaking dozens of hands along the parade route. “I think it’s wonderful. It brings the community of Jackson Heights together — every year it gets bigger and better and people cheer us on more.”
People come from throughout Queens and the metropolitan area to watch the community groups, political activists, musicians, dancers and drag queens strut their stuff.
Carlos Rosado of Brooklyn said the Queens parade outmatched Manhattan’s larger and more well-known gay pride parade.
“It’s just right,” he said. “It’s like one big family.”
Eva Torres of Woodside invites friends from as far as New Jersey to watch the parade.
“Everyone enjoys it,” she said, noting the diversity of the audience that included children and older adults. “It’s important that we’re all together.”
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
