The History of Brooklyn Pride
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Brooklynites have traditionally crossed over the bridge to Manhattan seeking the gay community. In 1996 several Brooklynites looked to create a new opportunity, whereby local organizations, businesses, friends and supporters of equal rights for all could come together in solidarity and celebration and bring visibility to the multi-cultural gay community in the borough. A new organization was founded – Brooklyn Pride, Inc.
Over the years, Brooklyn Pride has grown to become the largest and most prominent organization serving Brooklyn’s LGBT community. Although Brooklyn Pride’s primary mission is to produce the borough’s annual pride events, the organization actively works to bring pride year round to every Brooklyn neighborhood.
Brooklyn Pride is a 501(c)(3) wholly volunteer-managed, tax-exempt, non-profit organization working for and on behalf of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Brooklynites and all others who support the struggle for equality of this community. In the spirit of Stonewall, Brooklyn Pride welcomes the participation of all the residents of Brooklyn and the outer boroughs, regardless of age, creed, gender, gender identification, HIV status, national origin, physical, mental or development disability, race religion or sexual orientation.
Brooklyn Pride is a proud member of the International Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Coordinators (InterPride), a not-for-profit organization that provides support to over 200 groups that plan Pride events around the globe. Brooklyn Pride is also a member of Northeast Regional Pride (NERP), an association of Pride committees in the Northeast.
Mission Statement
The mission of Brooklyn Pride, Inc. is to produce Pride and community events that commemorate, educate, promote and celebrate the spirit of the Stonewall Riots. This is a year round endeavor, culmination with an Annual 5K Fun Run, Multicultural Festival, Parade and Pride after Party.
A significant percentage of the net proceeds from these events are invested to support other organizations and events that celebrate the strength, diversity and reaffirm the value of all LGBT Brooklynites, groups and all others who support the struggle for equal rights.
Brooklyn Pride is the premier LGBT community based-service organization in Brooklyn, serving the 47 neighborhood communities, from Bath Beach to Wingate.
