On Sunday, June 30th, SCAN-Harbor participated in New York City PRIDE festivities in a big way this year!
SCAN-Harbor staff, board members, program participants, and community members all came out to celebrate on a float that was part of the festivities coming down 5th avenue on Sunday. Over 100 people marched along with us, and over 20 people were on the SCAN-Harbor float, dancing and putting on a great show. The float featured a DJ, and a special guest MC from the Ballroom scene, Precious, worked the mic to create an entertaining and fun experience for everybody. SCAN-Harbor led with the theme of “We are Here’ for this event, commemorating the first time SCAN-Harbor has been able to participate with a float in the Pride Parade. SCAN-Harbor participates in activities like these to show unity and support for the communities and populations it serves, while also promoting a safe environment for all.
SCAN-Harbor’s WISH program is the only community-based program in Upper Manhattan/South Bronx serving the full spectrum LGBTQ at-risk youth of color, and is the only LGBTQ program in NYC based at NYCHA developments and NYC Department of Education buildings. WISH was launched in 2010 with the mission to provide a safe environment for LGBTQ young people of color to socialize, recreate, and be afforded a range of vital social service-related support. As part of this mission, WISH also provides space for members of the New York City Kiki ballroom scene, – a world where LGBTQ youths of color empower each other through competitions that feature dance, costume design, and voguing. WISH program director, Francisco “Chi Chi” Gonzalez is an ICON from the scene, who aims to make the space as inclusive as possible.
On July 27, 2024, SCAN-Harbor will co-host the New York City Premiere of the film “The Ball,” a feature-length documentary about the Kiki Ballroom scene, and its importance to the LGBTQ community, and its contribution to the entertainment industry. To learn more about the film, check out their website, and to register to come to the free viewing of the film at El Museo del Barrio on July 27th, 2024, click here!
More Images from the Parade:
