State landmarks will be lit in the colors of the Pride flag Sunday night to mark the start of Pride Month in New York.
The designation began decades ago as a tribute to those who took part in the Stonewall Inn riots in 1969.
State officials announced Sunday that the Pride flag will be raised at the State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza and the Governor’s Executive Mansion.
Many events will be taking place across the state this month, including the New York City Pride Parade, which is among the largest and well-known in the world.
“New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement — members of the community have marched for equality since 1969, and every year one of the world’s largest Pride marches takes place in New York City,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we are fighting to protect LGBTQ+ rights and protections — all New Yorkers deserve to be safe, heard and valued regardless of who they love or how they identify. New York is proud of its history and will always celebrate Pride.”
A full list of locations that will be illuminated and display the Pride flag can be found on the governor's website.
In Western New York, thousands came out for the 2025 Buffalo Pride Parade on Sunday. It stepped off from Elmwood and Forest Avenues before finishing up at Elmwood Avenue and Allen Street.
Buffalo Pride says its mission is to raise awareness and provide access to events that help bring people together.
The Rochester community also celebrated Pride Month with a special event on Sunday with a Latinx Pride celebration at International Plaza. The free celebration featured music, performances, food and family-fun activities.
The city's Pride parade and festival is slated for Saturday, July 19. More information can be found on the City of Rochester's website.
In Central New York, the town of Dewitt hosted a Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony at the town hall on Sunday. That event featured speakers, music and performances.
The region's Pride festival and parade will take place in Syracuse on June 21, starting with a parade at 11 a.m.
You can find the full schedule of Central New York Pride Month events happening later this week at CNYPride.org.
The Capital Region will host its Pride parade and festival at Albany's Washington Park on Sunday, June 8. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. Click here to learn more.