Lawmakers, leaders and ‘royalty’ celebrate Queens pride

By Walter Karling

Thousands of Queens residents joined leaders, lawmakers and local LGBTQ icons in Jackson Heights for the borough’s 27th Annual Pride Parade.

The annual event honors the borough’s LGBTQ community, and attracts prominent from around Queens and New York State, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, state Attorney General Letitia James and various state senators, assemblymembers and councilmembers.

Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and State Sen. Michael Gianaris

The Queens Pride Lions Club.

Ashley Hernandez pays costumed tribute to the late “Ms. Colombia,” Oswaldo Gomez, who died in October 2018.

Pride "Royalty" observe the parade from the reviewing stand. From left to right, Empress Annetique  Emperor Tony Monteleone, Emperor Fantasia and Empress Sugar B. Real.

A paradegoer brightens the route in Jackson Heights.

From left to right, Councilmembers Costa Constantinides, Brad Lander, Donovan Richards, Daniel Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer greets paradegoers.

Councilmembers Daniel Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer, who announced he will run for Queens Borough President.

Pride "Royalty" observed the parade from the reviewing stand and judged the participants as part of the annual “Queenie” award ceremony. Empress Annetique  Emperor Tony Monteleone, Emperor Fantasia and Empress Sugar B. Real were royalty for the day.

Ashley Hernandez paid special tribute to the late “Miss Colombia,” also known as Oswaldo Gomez. Miss Colombia, a legendary figure in Western Queens known for their vibrant and creative ensembles, died in October 2018.