This year marks the fourth year that the LGBTQ community and the Pride flag has been recognized by Mayor Mike Spano at Yonkers City Hall, with a flag-raising ceremony. But this was the first year that the City of Yonkers’ Mayor Mike Spano’s LGBTQ Advisory Board in conjunction with the Yonkers Downtown Business Improvement District (YBID) celebrated its the first ever Pride Weekend on June 8 and June 9.
At the flag raising and reception, the children of the AAA All Stars greeted guests with selected songs led by their directors Laura-Olivieri-Reyes and London Reyes. The event emcee was Angelique Piwinski, co-chairperson of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. Fellow Co-Chairperson Anthony Nicodemo provided the welcome address, and the Rev. Victoria Sirota of St, John’s Episcopal Church gave the invocation, followed by remarks from Spano and City Council Majority Leader Michael Sabatino.
Sabatino recognized the achievements of gay rights activist Edie Windsor, who passed away last year. The newest member of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board is 13-year-old Stella Higgins, whose parents proudly watched as Spano administered to her the oath of office.
Landon Cole, manager of 66 Main, was given special recognition for his work helping the committee with the first Pride Festival.
The gathered crowd gave a large cheer as the sun broke through the clouds just as the flag reached the top of the flag pole.
After the flag raising and reception on Friday June 9, a Yonkers Pride Kick off Party was held at 66 Main Street. Events on June 9 included the 1st Annual Yonkers Pride Festival on Main Street, and performances by PANDORA BOXX, ALEXIS MICHELLE, & BEBE ZAHARA BENET all from Rupaul’s Drag Race.
YoFi Fest presented five LGBTQ films at 66 main and an after party was held at Dolphin Restaurant. For more info, visit Yonkerspride.org
