Mark Your Calendar to See Janelle Monáe Perform in NYC’s Virtual Pride

With in-person Pride celebrations canceled, Janelle Monáe, Billy Porter, and other stars will perform during New York City’s virtual broadcast event.

Pride will be a little different this year. For decades, the LGBTQ community has spent Pride in the streets, marching for equal rights and celebrating love. 

The threat of COVID-19 has made large gatherings dangerous in 2020. As a result, New York City has canceled the NYC Pride March for the first time in the event’s history. Instead, WABC Channel 7 will air a special broadcast on Sunday, June 28.

 Singer, actress, and LGBTQ icon Janelle Monáe will perform during the virtual event. Monáe was originally scheduled to headline Saturday night’s concert, but plans changed when the festivities were canceled. Still, she seems in good humor about the broadcast, retweeting NYC Pride’s post and joking about her shower habits.

Deborah Cox, Billy Porter, and Luísa Sonza will also take the stage during the unique broadcast. Hosts from WABC will be joined by special guest Carson Kressley, the T.V. personality known for his roles as a judge in RuPaul’s Drag Race and fashion expert in the original Queer Eye.

It’s disappointing that so many Pride celebrations must be canceled this year for safety. Still, the spirit of Pride and the fight for equality march on. Whether you’re a New Yorker or a New Yorker at heart, save the date to watch Janelle Monáe and other talents celebrate NYC Pride this June.