This Is a Protest: The 24th Annual NYC Dyke March

While Pride Month brings many parades and celebrations, the New York City Dyke March picks up where the Stonewall riots left off, with a nonpermitted protest stopping traffic on New York City streets to remind the public that queer identity remains an act of resistance. 

Thousands gathered for the march, which began at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue on Sunday at 5 p.m ended several hours later at Washington Square Park, the destination of the nation's first LGBT protest march. During the march, a moment of silence for the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando brought many protesters to tears, but the spirit of resistance returned as supporters in drag loudly sang "God is a Lesbian" from the sidelines, complete with lyrics on large posters. The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps marching band played pop hits including Katy Perry's song "Firework," bringing infectious joy to marchers who stopped in the street for the impromptu sideline concert. 

Photographs and text by Elizabeth Daley