Nonprofits host 2023 Bronx Pride Festival

The Bronx Pride festival, brought hundreds of people together to celebrate Pride through dancing, performances, prayer, services, and food. Destination Tomorrow, a nonprofit that focuses on  economic empowerment for LGBTQ+ people in the Bronx, was the main host of the event. 

The festival held earlier this month featured co-hosts Aja from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Jack Mizrahi, a writer for the tv show POSE.  Crowds formed around the stage to sing and dance alongside performers. When there wasn't anyone on stage, sounds of salsa, dembow, reggaeton, and house music radiated through the street.  

While performers took to the main stage, several booths with nonprofits and social service providers lined the sidewalks, offering flyers and merchandise to talk to attendees and get their message out of wanting to help the community. The Iris House, a nonprofit center for women living with HIV was among the booths providing social services.

“We have so many programs for the general population that promote prevention. Our goal is to provide support to our community,” said Ken DeJesus, director of testing and outreach at The Iris House. 

This year's festival theme, “investing in us,” was essential, according to Sean Ebony Coleman, founder and executive director of Destination Tomorrow. “We have heard a lot about equity recently. For us that means making sure our voices are included, and making sure we tell you what we need.” 

Destination Tomorrow is one of the few LGBTQ+ centers in the Bronx. Coleman discussed why  having a space like this is critical to the borough. “ No one should have to leave their neighborhood to find a safe and affirming space. It means everything to have these centers in the outer boroughs like the Bronx.” Coleman said. 

The festival was led in partnership with the In Living Color Coalition, a board of organizations in the Bronx that service LGBTQ+ youth in the borough.  Jonathan “Mel-Mel” Irish, a representative of the coalition within Destination Tomorrow, spoke about the group and its efforts. “The coalition works to host events, bring youth to each other’s spaces, and provide resources to the Bronx community.” said Irish. 

As attendees enjoyed the festival, Sage Rivera, chief development officer for Destination Tomorrow, noted the impact of the event for the nonprofit.

“ We are here to bring LGBTQ+ visibility to the forefront, Rivera said. “What bigger way to tell people that we are here than a festival?”