We all know that New York City is a safe haven for LGBTQ people – that’s why I lived there for so many years (five to be exact). But in June, the city takes it to the next level.
The town is literally transformed into a giant rainbow with so many events happening around Pride Month. From Kiehl’s to Macy’s, everyone throws the house out of the window to commemorate the vibrant LGBTQ community.
I remember attending my first Macy’s Pride + Joy in 2014. The honoree that year was Miss Fame. Honestly, I didn’t know much about her, other than she was a fierce drag queen! She looked stunning, so of course, I took a selfie with her. (I’m still going through my files to find that picture, bare with me)
I went with my friend Charlie, who I’d met at a networking event hosted by TheMenEvent. (They also collaborate with Macy’s every year for this party!) Those guys put together incredible soirees for the gay professional in the city. I even became roommates with one of the guys I met through them. Isn’t that crazy?
Since I just came back from California and I’m still organizing Pride travels to other destinations, I couldn’t be in New York last Tuesday for this. But here’s what went down:
In support of the work and mission of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis at Macy’s Herald Square, Comptroller Scott Stringer honored the stars of Netflix’s Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Karamo Brown and Bobby Berk, at the 2018 Changemakers Award ceremony.
Following the ceremony, attendees mixed and mingled with the Fab 5 and other supporters of equality while enjoying exciting entertainment provided by gender-bending duo MIDDLESPOON, the official DJ for Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour, DJ Mary Mac and host, Love & Hip Hop NY’s Jonathan Fernandez – who, by the way, started his career working at Macy’s.
Party people also witnessed the talents of one of American Idol’s top 10 finalists, Ada Vox, who performed “This Is Me”; as well as a special appearance by Hailie Sahar from the new hit show POSE! My sources also told me 2(X)ist turned up the heat with a couple of hunky shirtless models parading around.
The celebration included tasty cocktails, delectable bites, giveaways, and much more. It’s a total bummer I missed this because it would have been great to reconnect with Bobby Berk. Oh yeah! We go way back…Christmas gift wrapping anyone? Plus, it would have been my opportunity to make a move on Antoni (#swoon)
Photos Wilson Models
Jorge Gallegos
Not just a pretty face
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