Julian Gavino is just one of serveral models featured in NYC Pride's diverse visual campaing and theme, Unapologetically Us. (Photo Credit: Mike Ruiz)

NYC Pride Unveils 2022 Theme: ‘Unapologetically Us’

March 29, 2022 Vacationer Staff

Vacationer Magazine is absolutely in love with NYC Pride‘s theme this year, “Unapologetically Us.” NYC Pride’s visual campaign features a diverse array of LGBTQIA+ individuals and we’re here for it!

New York City Pride announced its official theme for 2022, “Unapologetically Us,” as the kick-off to this year’s events and programming. As the world begins to emerge from a pandemic that gave society a full reset and forced everyone to reconsider and re-prioritize their lives, NYC Pride is acknowledging that struggle and the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Many of us have focused on exploring our true selves, coming out to the world with vibrant, loving hearts, and souls open to the public – no matter how scary, unsure, or vulnerable it might have been. Others continue their journeys of finding a true sense of self and inner peace. The entire community should celebrate every person’s story and provide support so everyone can feel happy, healthy, and safe being… Unapologetically Us.

“Our community has been through tremendous hardships over the past few years, beginning with the pandemic, and continuing with a reckoning with social justice, threats to our democracy, and more recently armed conflict overseas,” said Sandra Pérez, executive director, NYC Pride.

B. Hawk Snipes (Photo Credit: Mike Ruiz)

Pérez, who was appointed Executive Director of NYC Pride in November 2021, added: “Compounding these struggles is the onslaught of legislation around the country that directly targets LGBTQIA+ individuals. In spite of these challenges and attacks, we are here to tell the country and the world: we will not be erased. We will stand together to face these attacks on our LGBTQIA+ siblings across the country and around the world. We will continue to love and live our truth and be our full and complete selves – and we are not going to apologize for it.”

Professional out and gay photographer Mike Ruiz captured the theme for NYC Pride’s visual campaign, which features a multitude of queer, trans, and BIPOC members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, including Julian Gavino, Sicily Sierra, B. Hawk Snipes, and Kirill Kabachenko. This year’s campaign is supported by Official Makeup Sponsor YSL Beauté.

The NYC Pride 2022 roster of events will take place during Pride Month this June. Among this year’s major events are the first fully in-person NYC Pride March in three years on June 26th. Groups and organizations are invited to register to march in this year’s event here.

Pride Island will make its long-anticipated in-person return in a three-day format from June 24th through 26th. PrideFest will take place on Sun June 26th in Greenwich Village. Exhibitors are invited to register for this year’s PrideFest here. The Rally will return in person on Fri June 24th. Party with Pride at Fantasy Days and Teaze on Sat Jun 25 and Bliss Days on Sun Jun 26.

NYC Pride is back to engaging youth and families fully in person with Youth Pride and Family Movie Night. Rounding out the calendar is The Conference, film festival Pride Presents, and culinary event The Brunch.

Sicily Sierra (Photo Credit: Mike Ruiz / NYC Pride)

“The past few years have been incredibly challenging for New York. Reviving the local economy is of vital importance, and tourism has long been the lifeblood of the city,” said Sue Doster, co-chair, NYC Pride. “NYC Pride has always been an important economic catalyst for the city, bringing in people from across the country to celebrate. We’re thrilled to be able to finally invite everyone back.”

NYC Pride is accepting applications for the Pride Gives Back grant, which is focused on financially assisting non-profit and community organizations within the local New York metro area looking to create programs/events in the 2022-2023 Pride season. The majority of NYC Pride-directed contributions will focus on programs and organizations that support LGBTQIA+ causes, and this year, NYC Pride specifically seeks to promote or enhance existing programs, innovate services to LGBTQIA+ populations, or make available resources that otherwise might not be accessible to vulnerable populations.

Kirill Kabachenko (Photo Credit: Mike Ruiz / NYC Pride)

For 2022, NYC Pride is looking to provide funding for programs specifically assisting the following segments of the community: Transgender Rights, Social Justice Movements and Reform, Health and Wellness, Youth Development, Elder Care, Education, Media and Performing Arts, Organization Sustainability and Development, LGBTQIA+ Visibility, and Public Policy and Advocacy.

To submit an application for Pride Gives Back, complete this form.

NYC Pride needs thousands of volunteers for this year’s events! Complete the volunteer interest form here.

For more information about NYC Pride 2022 visit: www.nycpride.org.

FULL CAMPAIGN CREDITS:
Models: Izzy Miz, Julian Gavino, Sicily Sierra, Alithea Castillo, Ezra Michel, B. Hawk Snipes, Yvonne MacInnis, Lijha Stewart, Kirill Kabachenko, Bambi, Clara Lu, Amara Velasquez, The Dragon Sisters, Thaddeus Coates, Odalina Duran and Keneta McKellar, Donnie Willis, and Julian Woodhouse