Brooklyn Pride is celebrating its thirtieth year in 2026, a testament in the celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in Brooklyn. One of the signature events, the Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade, has grown in size and popularity with each passing year. Given that this year is a milestone year for the event, we expect that this will be no different.

SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUP NOTE: One of the areas in which Brooklyn Pride has seen increased interest is with school and youth groups that would like to participate in the Twilight Parade. We absolutely love the energy that these groups bring to the event and are heartened by their presence, giving us hope for the future. However, this presents our organization with serious challenges, as we must ensure that we have all types of groups represented, recognize the space limitations with respect to holding areas and the overall duration of the parade itself. Furthermore, we must concern ourselves with the safety of all participants due to the parade’s later start time.

Due to these factors, the Brooklyn Pride Board of Directors has decided to approach this year’s selection of school and youth groups through a lottery drawing. This will allow for all groups that would like to be considered for inclusion a fair opportunity. Any group that is predominantly comprised marchers under the age of 18 will be selected through this process.

In order to be entered into the lottery, groups must complete the Parade application that is available through the Brooklyn Pride website by May 1, 2026. If the application is not received by this date, they will not be considered for selection. The Brooklyn Pride Parade Committee will conduct the drawing of selected organizations the week of May 3, 2026, and will notify each organization no later than May 8, 2026. Selected organizations will have until May 15, 2026, to accept or decline their invitation to participate. Should a selected organization decline their invitation, or fail to respond,

Brooklyn Pride will select additional organizations until all spots are filled.

We hope that you will understand the situation Brooklyn Pride must and will address as fairly as possible. We also would ask that you share this with colleagues that may be interested in participating in this year's parade.