Fall of Pride: Not a 'Gay' Day

Proverbs 16:18 says that pride comes before the fall or destruction. These words are deep, and it seems they took to reality during Pride NYC on June 30, 2024.  Gay Pride is an event rooted in New York City and Gay history. It is meant to be a "uniting" force where "diversity" is celebrated as one. However, it was not the case this time around without excluding previous issues in the past.  First, the parade was interrupted by pro-Hamas protesters, then some brawls took place related to the parade and an act of God forced the cancelation of the rest of the event. It was a huge rainbow dumpster fire. 

The recent events at Washington Square Park in New York City have brought to light the complex dynamics of public spaces and the challenges of maintaining safety during large gatherings. On June 30, 2024, what was meant to be a celebration of Pride Month ended in a series of unfortunate incidents, as multiple brawls broke out among the attendees. Whether it was the heat or sexual frustration, there was a lot of emotion and energy that triggered brawls at Pride NYC.  First, let us briefly introduce what this event is. 

What is Pride?

The history of NYC Pride is a tapestry of struggle, celebration, and community that has evolved significantly over the years. It all began with the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history. In the early hours of June 28, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar in Greenwich Village, New York, which was a safe haven for the city's gay community. This time, however, the patrons fought back, leading to several days of demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement.

The following year, on June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride March, then known as Christopher Street Liberation Day, was held to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. This march set the precedent for Pride parades not only in New York City but around the world. The event was a powerful statement against discrimination and a public display of unity for the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

In 1973, one of the early victories for the movement was achieved when the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM-II, its manual of mental disorders, recognizing that being gay is not a mental illness. This was a significant step forward in changing public perceptions and reducing stigma.  Note that the removal of homosexuality from the DSM-II was not based on scientific empirical studies, but due to political pressure and social engineering efforts. In the last decade or so, it was discovered that there is no "gay gene." Homosexuality is not rooted in biology or genetics, therefore, scholars in the 1970s had no way to verify whether it was natural or not from a physiological point. 

The 1980s brought the devastating AIDS epidemic, which had a profound impact on the gay community. NYC Pride became a platform to raise awareness about AIDS and to remember those who had been lost to the disease. The community rallied together, showing incredible resilience in the face of this crisis.

Heritage of Pride, the organization that now plans and produces New York City's official LGBTQIA+ Pride events, was founded in 1984. It took over from the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee, ensuring that the legacy of Stonewall and the fight for equality continued to be honored each year.

The NYC Pride March has grown exponentially over the years, becoming one of the largest and most well-known Pride events in the world. It attracts millions of participants and spectators who gather to celebrate diversity, progress, and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights.

The march itself is a vibrant display of activism, remembrance, and joy. It serves as a reminder of the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community has faced and the victories it has achieved. It's a time to reflect on the past, empower individuals, and unite for a future where everyone can live openly and authentically.

NYC Pride is not just a march; it's a series of events that include rallies, parties, lectures, and cultural activities that take place throughout June, known as Pride Month. These events provide a space for connection, education, and celebration. Each borough in NYC has its "pride" event which leads to the major even at the Pride March. As NYC Pride continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of hope, a beacon of inclusivity, and a testament to the power of the gay community. It's a celebration that honors the past, energizes the present, and inspires the future of the LGBTQIA+ movement. However, things are not looking so good now. 

The altercations, which included fistfights and hair-pulling, resulted in several arrests and left many concerned about the underlying tensions that led to such chaos. The New York City Police Department reported that 15 individuals were taken into custody for various charges, including assault and disorderly conduct. One man was even shot and taken to a local hospital. The violence stretched on for hours, with videos circulating online showing the mayhem that unfolded.  

Here are some of the videos posted on X (formerly Twitter):

Such events raise questions about the role of law enforcement, the responsibilities of event organizers, and the actions of individuals in ensuring that public celebrations do not escalate into violence. It also underscores the importance of community engagement and proactive measures to prevent similar situations in the future.

Washington Square Park, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance, is a symbol of the diverse and dynamic nature of New York City. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the freedom of expression and the joy of community. However, this incident serves as a reminder that with the privilege of such a space comes the duty to respect one another and the law.

As the city reflects on these events, it is crucial to engage in a dialogue about how to better safeguard our public spaces and ensure that they remain welcoming and inclusive for all. The spirit of Pride is presented as one of acceptance and celebration of diversity, and it is vital that this spirit is not overshadowed by acts of violence if the gay community wishes to remain respectable to the rest of society. 

The community, along with local authorities, must work together to address the issues that contribute to such disturbances. This includes examining the adequacy of security measures, the need for more effective crowd control strategies, and the importance of fostering a culture of non-violence and mutual respect.  This is in fact the symbolism behind the "Pride" flag. It is suppose to show diversity of different subcultures within the gay community but as one cloth, so to speak.

New York City's Pride celebrations are billed as a testament to the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ rights and the ongoing struggle for equality. It is imperative that the city continues to uphold these values and ensure that every individual feels safe and valued, not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.

Not only were there issues a Washington Square park, but the recent Pride parade in New York City, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, was marked by an unexpected interruption. A group of protestors advocating for Palestinian rights chose this high-profile event to make their voices heard, leading to a clash of causes on the streets of Greenwich Village.

The incident unfolded as the parade approached the iconic Christopher Street, near the historic Stonewall Inn, a symbol of queer activism and liberation. The protestors, bearing messages of solidarity with Palestine, disrupted the procession, leading to a temporary halt of the festivities. Their actions included splattering red paint on the parade route, on revelers and a float, symbolizing their protest against what they perceive as the pinkwashing of the Palestinian struggle by certain organizations participating in the parade.

This act of civil disobedience brings to light the complex interplay between different social justice movements. The protestors' message was clear: there can be no true liberation for one community if it comes at the expense of another. They challenged the attendees and organizers of Pride to consider the broader implications of their alliances and sponsorships, highlighting the intersectionality of human rights issues.

The New York Police Department responded to the situation by taking several individuals into custody, a move that sparked further debate about the appropriate balance between protest and celebration, and the rights of individuals to express dissenting views during public events.

The Pride parade, which has long been a platform for not only celebration but also for political action and advocacy, once again proved to be a space where critical conversations about inclusivity, solidarity, and justice were brought to the forefront. As the city reflects on the events of the day, it becomes evident that the path towards true equality and liberation is one that requires continuous dialogue, understanding, and the willingness to listen to diverse voices within the community.

The unfolding events at the NYC Pride parade serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by various marginalized groups and the importance of solidarity across movements. It underscores the necessity for inclusive platforms that respect and amplify all voices fighting for justice and equality.

In response to the interruption at the NYC Pride parade, the organizers emphasized their commitment to safety and the continuation of the event as planned. They acknowledged the increase in threats and harassment but stated that they would not succumb to fear. The organizers have reportedly enhanced their security protocols and are in close coordination with local and federal authorities to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the intersectionality of social justice movements and the importance of solidarity. The Pride organizers' stance reflects a determination to uphold the spirit of the event while navigating the complexities of diverse political expressions within the community. This approach underscores the ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces that respect and amplify all voices fighting for justice and equality.

Act of God against NYC Pride: Weathering the Storm

New York City's Pride celebrations are a vibrant and powerful expression of community and solidarity, a tradition that has been observed for over half a century. This year, the city prepared to host its 54th annual Pride March with the theme "Reflect. Empower. Unite." It was canceled during the Covid-19 Coronavirus lockdown but was later restored. However, the festivities faced an unexpected challenge this year 2024: severe weather conditions.

As the weekend approached, forecasts predicted a mix of heat, humidity, and severe storms, with a tornado threat on Saturday and more turbulent weather on Sunday evening. Despite these predictions, the spirit of Pride attempted a resilient stance. The march, a commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising and a demonstration for civil rights stepped off as planned on June 30, 2024, or so they believed.

Tens of thousands gathered, adorning the streets of Manhattan with a kaleidoscope of colors, embodying this year's theme. Grand marshals and community leaders led the way, reflecting on the journey of LGBTQIA+ rights, empowering individuals through visibility, and uniting diverse voices in a collective call for equality and joy.

The march began at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, near Madison Square Park, winding its way through iconic landmarks such as the Stonewall National Monument and the New York City AIDS Memorial before concluding at 16th Street. Participants and spectators alike braved the sweltering heat, which only seemed to fuel the march's energetic atmosphere.

As the day progressed, the weather took a turn. Dark clouds loomed, and the winds picked up, signaling the onset of the anticipated storms. The march attempted to continued as a testament to the enduring courage and determination of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, but nature had other plans. It began to rain and the weather turned for the worse forcing the Gay Pride parade/march to be canceled. The event's organizers, Heritage of Pride, had prepared for such contingencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees, however, these efforts were not enough against Mother Nature.  

https://t.co/4NkuK89nsb

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) June 30, 2024

An Act of God cancels NYC Pride

…as city warns of severe thunderstorms.

pic.twitter.com/QkkGIStCwU

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) June 30, 2024

Severe Thunderstorm is officially here and remainder of the NYC Pride Parade has been canceled due to weather.

Video by @yyeeaahhhboiii2 Desk@freedomnews.tv to license pic.twitter.com/9A4pN0Gej4

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) June 30, 2024

In past years, rainbows have appeared over NYC during Pride bringing homosexuals to claim God was on "their side," However, the weather at NYC Pride in 2024 shows otherwise. God seemed to have wanted the Gay Pride March to stop. 

The NYC Pride March is more than just a parade; it is a symbol of the ongoing struggle for queer liberation and the celebration of the progress made. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity—be it discrimination or a storm—the community stands strong, united by a shared history and hope for the future.

As the last floats passed and the crowds began to disperse, the rain started to pour. But the storm did not dampen the spirits of those who marched despite forcing a premature cancelation. Instead, it served as a metaphor for some of the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community has faced and overcome. The rain to some gay participants, like the obstacles of the past, was transient, and the message of Pride remained clear and undiminished.

The NYC Pride March of 2024 will be remembered not only for its jubilant celebration but also for its problems with crowds and planning for things in the face of a storm. However, to some, it is a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, it can weather any storm and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Pride is not just a moment in time; it is a movement for those who support it that continues to push forward, no matter what stands in its way.

As the gay community moves forward, it has to learn from these incidents and strive to create a more harmonious environment where differences are celebrated, and peace is maintained. It is only through collective effort and understanding that they can hope to prevent such occurrences and honor the true meaning of community and Pride.  If not, the events are all for show and perversion.  

: Source: Al Bawaba

: Source: MSN

: Source: Fox News

: Source: Yahoo News

: Source: India Today

: Source: Breitbart News

Multiple brawls break out at Washington Square Park in jaw-dropping scene (Video) | New York Post (nypost.com)

X

Multiple Fights & Chaos Break Out After NYC Pride Parade (tmz.com)

New York City Pride celebration turns into wrestling match at Washington Square Park - India Today

Man is shot and hospitalized after violent brawls break out at Washington Square Park after Pride Parade | Daily Mail Online

Massive Brawl Breaks Out At Washington Square Park During NYC Pride Celebrations | Times Now (timesnownews.com)

Woman attacked in shocking Pride parade beating caught on video | Fox News

"Brawl Breaks Out at New York City Pride Event, Police Shut Park" (mrctv.org)

Massive brawl erupts at Pride Parade march in New York (msn.com)

Wild Video Shows Chaos Unfold After Dem City Pride Parade | The Daily Caller

WATCH: Violent Brawls Erupt After NYC's Pride Parade (breitbart.com)

Parties and protests mark the culmination of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in NYC and beyond – NBC New York

Grand Pride Parade steps off, faces protest delay | ksdk.com

No pride: Anti-Israel marchers toss fake blood at human-rights float and block street, grinding NYC Pride parade to a halt (nypost.com)

(132) Pride Parade CANCELED due to Severe Weather in NYC - YouTube

Pride parade postponed due to weather (youtube.com)

Severe Thunderstorm Brings Pride Parade to a HALT while Celebrations Continue across NYC (youtube.com)

CUNY Failed to Protect Students During Palestinian Protests

Recent Developments in Campus Civil Rights: The Case of CUNY

The City University of New York (CUNY) has recently been under scrutiny following a series of investigations by the U.S. Department of Education, which found that the institution failed to adequately protect Jewish students from discrimination. This has raised significant concerns about the enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

The investigations were prompted by incidents that occurred in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. These events led to a surge in campus activism, which, according to some Jewish students, fostered an antisemitic climate. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded that both CUNY and the University of Michigan did not comply with Title VI requirements to investigate whether the protests created a hostile environment for students.

In one reported incident at the University of Michigan, a Jewish student's request for conflict resolution was denied after they reported harassment on social media. The university's response, citing free speech, highlights the complex balance between protecting civil rights and preserving freedom of expression. Similarly, at CUNY, the OCR found that the university did not take appropriate action regarding reports of antisemitic discrimination, leading to resolutions aimed at addressing these failures.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasized that hate has no place on college campuses and acknowledged the challenging moment for school communities across the country. The commitments made by CUNY and the University of Michigan to improve training about antisemitism and reevaluate past allegations are seen as a positive step forward.

Specific Incidents at CUNY: A Closer Look at Campus Civil Rights Issues

The City University of New York (CUNY) has been the focus of several federal complaints alleging a failure to protect students from discrimination. These incidents have brought to light the challenges that institutions face in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Here are some specific incidents that have been reported:

1. Brooklyn College: In the fall of 2020, white and Jewish students in the Graduate Program for Mental Health Counseling reported being bullied and labeled as "privileged." When a student raised a complaint, they were allegedly advised by the deputy director of the program to "keep quiet" and "keep their heads down".

2. Hunter College: During two Zoom sessions of a Hunter College course in 2021, students and professors reportedly hijacked the meeting to read a statement calling for the decolonization of Palestine and demonizing Israel. This incident left several students expressing fear in the Zoom chat. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that Hunter College concluded without interviewing students present that the disruption did not deny access to education.

3. CUNY Law School: A video from 2020 showed a CUNY Law School student holding a lighter flame close to a sweatshirt with the emblem of the Israel Defense Forces, claiming she was going to set it on fire. The complainant alleged that this constituted antisemitic harassment and that the response from the Law School was inadequate.

These incidents, among others, prompted the U.S. Department of Education to investigate and conclude that CUNY did not comply with Title VI requirements to investigate whether the protests created a hostile environment for students. The resolution agreements require CUNY to reassess their policies and practices to better protect students' civil rights.

The settlements and the ongoing federal monitoring are steps toward ensuring that CUNY addresses these issues adequately. It is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsiveness from educational institutions to uphold a safe and inclusive academic environment for all students. The details of the settlement and the specific steps that CUNY will take to actively address discrimination are crucial for the university community and will be closely monitored by stakeholders and civil rights advocates.

This situation underscores the importance of clear policies and proactive measures to protect students from discrimination. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and responsiveness from educational institutions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

The resolutions agreed upon by the universities will require them to reassess their policies and practices to better protect students' civil rights. These agreements serve not only to rectify the current issues but also to set a precedent for how similar incidents should be handled in the future.

As the conversation around campus civil rights continues, it is crucial for universities to engage in open dialogue with their communities, establish clear guidelines, and provide adequate resources to address and prevent discrimination. The actions taken by CUNY and the University of Michigan will be closely watched as indicators of the broader commitment to upholding civil rights in higher education.

Sources:

Probe finds Michigan, CUNY failed to protect Jewish, Muslim students - The Washington Post

Michigan, CUNY failed to protect Jewish students, Education Department investigation finds - JNS.org

CUNY and University of Michigan mishandled Gaza protests: Feds (usatoday.com)

NYPD Storms Hamilton Hall

In a recent turn of events, the NYPD took decisive action at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall. This response came after a series of protests that escalated to the occupation of the university building. The NYPD's intervention led to over 100 arrests, but it was reported that there were few injuries during the operation.

The situation at Columbia University is a complex one, involving the delicate balance between the right to protest and maintaining public order. The protests, which were initially sparked by anti-Israel sentiments, had reportedly turned into an occupation of Hamilton Hall, leading to the university's decision to request police intervention.

The NYPD's approach was tactical and aimed at minimizing confrontation. Officers in riot gear used a Mobile Adjustable Ramp System to enter the building through a second-floor window, a strategy that underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with such situations.

This incident raises important questions about the nature of protest, the role of law enforcement, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in handling dissent. It also highlights the need for dialogue and understanding in resolving conflicts that arise within a community.

Source:

NYPD 'storm Hamilton Hall' after Columbia University protest amid reports tear gas fired inside - The Mirror US

NYPD Storms Columbia’s Hamilton Hall After Pro-Hamas Protesters Illegally Took Control Of Building | The Daily Wire

New video shows what happened when NYPD entered Hamilton Hall | CNN

Columbia University Agitators

The Columbia University campus has become a focal point for protests, reflecting a broader wave of demonstrations that have swept across college campuses in the United States. The recent protests at Columbia are centered around the complex and deeply contentious issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with students and other groups expressing their stances through occupation and demonstrations.

The situation escalated when protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, leading to a significant police presence and nearly 100 arrests. The university administration has requested the NYPD to maintain a presence through May 17th, indicating the expectation of ongoing tensions. These events are part of a larger pattern of campus activism that has seen students demanding their institutions divest from entities connected to the Israeli military operations, while also raising concerns about antisemitism and student safety.

This is not the first time Columbia University has been the site of significant protests. The university has a history of student activism, dating back to the 1968 protests against institutional links to the Vietnam War and civil rights issues. The current protests are a continuation of this legacy, as students exercise their right to free speech and assembly, bringing attention to international issues and their impact on campus life.

The university's response to the protests has included suspensions and a firm stance against divestment from Israel, which has been a central demand of the protesters. This has led to a complex dialogue about the role of academic institutions in political matters, the rights of students to protest, and the responsibilities of universities to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how the protests will resolve and what long-term impact they will have on the university and its community. What is clear, however, is that the spirit of student activism is alive at Columbia, as students engage with pressing global issues and seek to influence the policies and positions of their institution.

Source:

Columbia University sets midnight deadline for talks to dismantle protest encampment | CNN

Columbia faculty joins student protests despite bipartisan criticism | The Hill

Some Jewish Students Are Targeted as Protests Continue at Columbia - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Student protesters begin dismantling some tents as negotiations with Columbia University progress - ABC News

Trayvon Protests

Hours after George Zimmerman was found not guilty for manslaughter, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in many cities around the United States.  They are crying foul.  To them, the verdict should have been guilty.  They are basing this on the idea that race was involved. 

Unfortunately, there is a social stigma that seems to follow African Americans.  They seem to be the target of injustice and abuse.  Those who fight for civil rights such as, Al Sharpton claim that Blacks are not given justice.  When they are killed, their killers are freed.

Al Sharpton is no stranger to controversy.  He is known for race baiting and seems to be present almost instantaneously whenever an African American is abused or killed by a member of another race and there is media attention around the incident.  Prior to the verdict, Sharpton has been inciting riots by claiming that Trayvon was being denied justice because of the color of his skin. The media as well has played a role in race being the issue during the trial.  They began to air reports claiming that Zimmerman was profiling Trayvon for wearing a hoodie and for being Black.  The media fed the people this lie and those who are gullible believed it and are now unhappy with our judicial system.

According to the 911 tapes, Zimmerman never describe Trayvon as Black until the operator asked him the race of the one he spotted in the neighborhood.  Trayvon was not profiled based on the evidence.  The media was wrong in presenting this to the public.  Moreover, Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have to stop race baiting. America has come far in erasing prejudice from our way of life and opening old woulds will not help.

Thousands are protesting throughout the United States ignoring President Obama's call for calm and reflection.  In California, a police car was vandalized, in New York protestors disrupted traffic and in other cities, vandalism has been reported.  In Baltimore, a Hispanic man was beaten by a group of black men as they shouted, "this is for Trayvon."

All this violence is on the hands of Sharpton, Jackson and the media.  People who are upset at the verdict must understand how our system works.  Zimmerman was judged by a jury of his peers.  They observed the evidence and found him not guilty because the evidence indicated that the whole incident was based on self-defense.  There was no evidence that Zimmerman was out to kill black boys.  

In Chicago, a 16 year old African American boy was killed by another African American for not joining a gang.  The media is silent on this.  Sharpton and company are no where to be found.  This double standard is troubling to say the least.

Sharpton and Jackson claim to be "reverends," but would Christ race bait?  Would Christ call for division?  Furthermore, Trayvon's parents have to speak out and call on peace and calm. I called on Sharpton and Trayvon's father to promote peace and calm.  May God bring peace to all and may we all be tolerant of one another.  

I am sorry for your loss.But you must call on Sharpton and all to forgive. Bad decisions were made by all involved. @BTraymartin9 #nojustice
— Sacerdotus (@Sacerdotus) July 14, 2013

Would Christ incite racial tension and riots? You need to call all to unity, not division. @TheRevAl
— Sacerdotus (@Sacerdotus) July 16, 2013