Photos | Thousands take part in fifth annual SunnyPride rally and march

Over 3,000 people lined Queens Boulevard to celebrate the LGBTQ communities of Long Island City, Sunnyside, Blissville, Astoria, Woodside and Maspeth during the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District's fifth annual SunnyPride rally and march on Friday, June 12. [caption id="attachment_613596" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613584" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613586" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613585" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613598" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613595" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613593" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613592" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613587" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613599" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613594" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] Organized alongside multiple other community partners, SunnyPride began with a political program at the Sunnyside Arch before the marchers, led by the Fogo Azul Drum Corp, went down Queens Boulevard toward Lowery Plaza, where a Queer Makers Market was set up. [caption id="attachment_613589" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Fogo Azul Drum Corp led the marchers of SunnyPride. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613588" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613583" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] In addition to the Fogo Azul Drum Corp, some of the other performers during this event included drag queens Darylin LaFontaine and Princess Bytch, as well as the Drye/Marinaro Dance Company and more. [caption id="attachment_613590" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613591" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] Several local elected officials were also on hand to take part in SunnyPride, including Council Member Julie Won and Assemblymember Claire Valdez. Additionally, Brian Romero, who is running in the Democratic primary for Assembly in the 34th Assembly District, was also present. [caption id="attachment_613580" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Brian Romero was presented with a City Council Citation by Council Member Julie Won at SunnyPride. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] "In the last four years, I've dedicated $95,000 for our drag artist expression, also liberally known as a drag story hour, because every child deserves to grow up knowing about love and creativity in all expressions," Won said. "We've also spent tens of millions of dollars supporting all LGBTQ hub services and mental health, also $5 million for our NYC 988 hotline, dedicated support for the LGBTQ community. We've also passed the strongest LGBTQ legislative packages in the country. The Affirm Act protects anyone who comes from New York for gender affirming care and is being sued under anti-trans laws in other states." [caption id="attachment_613577" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Council Member Julie Won presented a Proclamation to Queens Community Board 2 Vice President Eric Narburgh during SunnyPride. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613578" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Wong presented a Proclamation to 30th Assembly District Leader Melissa Sklarz. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] [caption id="attachment_613579" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Drag Artists for Artistic Expression NYC also received a Proclamation from Won. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud[/caption] "This month, as we celebrate pride, as we have fun, as we get out in the streets, we remember and honor the long-standing assistance that makes New York City trans LGBT queer communities strong, vibrant and beautiful," Valdez said. The Queer Makers Market featured more than 50 vendors on hand, as well as free HIV testing and other community tabling.