Proving that small acts of rebellion can blossom into change around the world, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City will be celebrated during the entire month of June with more than 50 events commemorating a half century of LGBTQIA+ liberation. For those too young to remember, in June 1969 the police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, and hauled patrons and employees out of the bar. That incident sparked six days of violent protests credited as the catalyst for worldwide gay rights movements. Clear your schedule to participate in World Pride NYC’s many star-studded events, lectures, and rallies produced by NYC Pride and coordinated with partners around the city. Don’t forget to pack your rainbow-colored attire and flags for the over-the-top June 30 Pride March along 5th Avenue. In anticipation of the fabulous festivities, several hotels are offering pride-inspired packages.
CROWNE PLAZA HY36
Located adjacent to Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District, the 251-room hotel is debuting a Stay With Pride Package that guarantees your celebration will start when checking in. Guests receive a curated in-room gift bag that includes pride-themed bandanas, fans, and Absolut Rainbow Vodka minis. For inspired couples looking to make it official on-site, the hotel’s Resident Ordained Minister can officiate an elopement of a lifetime. Paying homage to iconic authors, the hotel will also display famed works of classic and modern LGBTQ+ literature throughout the common area and in-suite for guests to peruse. For every package that is booked, a $5 donation will be made to a LGBTQ+ charity. Rates from $194, 646-928-3800, https://bit.ly/2H3GTAF
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THE JAMES NEW YORK-NOMAD
This stylish, 337-room luxury boutique hotel, located near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District, is offering the James Proud package. Along with marvelous amenities including a gift from 2(X)IST and Sundays nail polish, the package includes 20 percent off your stay and access to on-property activities happening throughout the month, including a Love & Lipliner event where iconic NYC drag queens will provide drag makeovers to guests and event attendees. The hotel is also hosting an open-to-the-public exhibit, ICONS. Each print in the exhibit will feature two subjects, a place, and face capturing the power of NYC’s LGBTQ influence. The hotel’s retail pop-up, 5Phere, will feature FEIGN, a local NYC androgynous fashion collection that is completely gender neutral. Package rates from $350. Use promotion code: JPRIDE. 888-526-3778, www.jameshotels.com/special-offers/pride-nyc-offer.
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THE REDBURY NEW YORK
Located steps away from the official Pride March route in the NoMad district, this 259-room hotel invites guests to celebrate “same Sex in the City” with its NYC Pride package. Includes two complimentary welcome cocktails at Vini e Fritti, the hotel’s Roman-style aperitivi bar; best available rate; and 1 p.m. late check-out, to allow extra time to recover from festivities. Guests can take advantage of exclusive room service offerings (like truffle pizza and bottled negronis) from Danny Meyer’s USHG Marta and access to a variety of wellness offerings through Redbury’s Modrn Sanctuary partnership, including in-room and in-spa complimentary and discounted services. Pay before you stay for 30-percent discount when booked seven or more days in advance. Rates from $129. 212-689-1900, redburynyc.com/nyc-pride
Necee Regis can be reached at neceeregis@gmail.com.