Stonewall 50 – Photographing Pride

Rainbow Over Manhattan.

Photographing Pride and the LGBTQ+ Community Through the Years

I know, I know, this is my second post on photographing and covering Pride and related events, but there’s a reason for it. This June marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots (or “Rebellion” as some call it), so bear with me. Also, while I initially wrote this post about a month ago, I decided to add to it, to update you on a few new events and happenings.

NYC Pride 2018. Photo by Alina Oswald
NYC Pride March. Photo by Alina Oswald.

Over the years, I’ve photographed the NYC Pride March, JC Pride Fest, as well as other related events. I’ve also covered the LGBTQ+ community and not only during Pride Month. I’m often asked why I cover this subject? The short answer is: because I feel like I connect with the subject, with the story. (and for those wondering why I cover HIV and AIDS, the answer is similar) More on that in my upcoming, July cover story for A&U Magazine. (stay tuned)

New York City Pride march and related Pride photography, June 30, 2013.
New York City Pride March and related Pride photography, June 30, 2013.

But, for now, back to photography and photographing Pride. If you wonder what to photograph this particular Pride Month? The sky is the limit, really. Here are a few examples:

Photograph the NYC Pride March(es) there are two marches this year on the same day. So, charge your batteries, format your memory cards, and go out and photograph, rain or shine.

Volunteer to march with Visual AIDS in the Pride and distribute What Is 21st Century Liberation broadsheets [designed by Avram Finkelstein and Rodrigo Moreiro].

Artist and activist Avram Finkelstein, at the What Is 21st Century Liberation broadsheet launch party in NYC. Finkelstein co-designed What Is 21st Century Liberation broadsheet for Visual AIDS. Printed copies of the Broadsheet will be distributed by Visual AIDS during Pride March. Photo by Alina Oswald.
Artist and activist Avram Finkelstein, at the What Is 21st Century Liberation broadsheet launch party in NYC. Finkelstein co-designed the What Is 21st Century Liberation broadsheet for Visual AIDS. Printed copies of the Broadsheet will be distributed by Visual AIDS during Pride March. Photo by Alina Oswald.

Photograph celebrities (and others) at the NYC Pride:

Check out Pride-related events. There are plenty. Or check out Pride-related art shows.

Art exhibits like The Shed Open Call at Hudson Yards:

Stop by the Museum of the City of New York and check out the Pride exhibition, showing Photographs of Stonewall and Beyond by Fred W. McDarrah:

PRIDE: Photographs of Stonewall and Beyond by Fred W. McDarrah at the Museum of the City of New York. Photo by Alina Oswald.
PRIDE: Photographs of Stonewall and Beyond by Fred W. McDarrah at the Museum of the City of New York. Photo by Alina Oswald.

Check out the art in public spaces–art displays in public spaces in connection to this year’s World Pride:

Attend panel discussions on the history of Pride, LGBTQ+ history, and much more, such as Public Art and Activism: 1980s to Today panel discussion at Public Art Fund in NYC:

Avram Finkelstein on the panel at Public Art Fund. Photo by Alina Oswald.
June 3, 2019: Public Art Fund at The Cooper Union in NYC. Public Art and Activism: 1980s to Today panel discussion. Speakers included activists Paola Mendoza, Avram Finkelstein, and Joy Episalla. Photo by Alina Oswald. All Rights Reserved.

Photograph Pride Night:

Photograph Pride details:

Most importantly, this special Pride Month, have fun, celebrate, and remember those who came before us and made it all possible.

Happy Pride!

Happy World Pride!

And, as always, thanks for stopping by!

Alina Oswald

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