Assembly Resolution No. 590

BY: M. of A. Gonzalez-Rojas

COMMEMORATING the 31st Anniversary of the Queens
LGBTQ Pride Parade on June 4, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
profound impact of those exemplary organizations and events within the
great State of New York that proactively work toward the empowerment of
diverse communities and the importance of such work, which benefits all
citizens of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the Nation, should
be rightfully commended; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 31st Anniversary of the Queens LGBTQ Pride Parade to be
celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Queens LGBTQ Pride Parade is the second oldest and
second largest Pride parade in New York City; the parade, which takes
place every year on the first Sunday in June, was established in 1993 by
Daniel Dromm and Maritza Martinez to increase awareness of the LGBTQ
population in Queens and honor former resident Julio Rivera; and

WHEREAS, Julio Rivera was a 29-year-old Puerto Rican bartender
raised in the Bronx who was living in Jackson Heights when three
individuals from a local gang brutally attacked him due to his sexual
orientation on July 2, 1990; doctors at Elmhurst Hospital later
confirmed his death, and residents of Jackson Heights have worked
relentlessly since then to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ
community not only in Jackson Heights but across New York City; and

WHEREAS, Queens Pride marked the beginning of local LGBTQ activists
founding social services organizations and strengthening the LGBTQ
community's political agenda; since then, the number of organizations
that provide services to members of the LGBTQ community has increased;
and

WHEREAS, Queens Pride promotes awareness and education of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community in Queens, and
serves as a safe space for those within the community to celebrate their
identity, as well as honor those who have passed; Queens Pride is and
will continue to be an essential parade for residents throughout New
York City; and

WHEREAS, Our society benefits from the purposeful efforts of
individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for
others and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 31st Anniversary of the Queens LGBTQ Pride Parade; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the New Queens Pride.