Andy Cohen kicked off NYC Pride in Empire State style

Andy Cohen lit up this iconic New York skyscraper in rainbow hues for Pride.

Andy Cohen poses with binoculars on the deck of the Empire State Building.
What a view!

Happy Pride from Andy Cohen and New York City!

On Thursday (June 26), the Watch What Happens Live host lit the Empire State Building in dazzling rainbow colors, kicking off the Big Apple’s weekend of Pride celebrations.

The spire of the iconic skyscraper, which stands 102 stories and is the city’s eighth-tallest building, will glow in Pride flag colors coinciding with NYC’s Pride March on Sunday.

It’s an unmistakable symbol of inclusivity that Cohen (who seemed to be sporting a 2004 Madonna tee) does not take for granted.

“Rainbows are not scary,” he said. “Rainbows are beautiful things. Rainbows should be embraced, and I’m so excited that the city will be bathed in the light of the rainbow on Sunday night, as it should be.”

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Also in attendance were Stacy Lentz, CEO and co-founder of the Stonewall Gives Back Initiative, and Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter, who lit up the building in 2022 to honor her mother’s 100th birthday.

“As you know, our community, especially our trans and nonbinary community across the country, has been under attack,” Lentz told the crowd. “I hope that this Pride, we remember that Pride was a protest and we need to fight and make sure we leave no one behind in our community.”

Before heading out, Cohen received his commemorative statue of the building, capping off what has been an emotional week. The 57-year-old also bid farewell to the West Village penthouse he has called home for 22 years.

“Life in New York City is so unique, and one of the joys of it is the bond you build with the folks you’re around daily, by virtue of where you live,” he wrote on Instagram.

Below, some highlights from Cohen flipping the switch.

Andy Cohen poses in sunglasses on the balcony of the Empire State Building.
Cohen takes in some Empire State views.
Andy Cohen poses flipping the switch to turn rainbow lights at the Empire State Building.
Pull the lever!
Andy Cohen poses with binoculars on the balcony of the Empire State Building.
It’s giving Pride Month.
Stacy Lentz, Andy Cohen, and Lorna Luft pose next to a model of the Empire State Building.
Stacy Lentz, Andy Cohen, and Lorna Luft
Andy Cohen poses with his hands in his pockets in front of the Empire State Building lookout windows.
Before the rainbows take over New York City this weekend.