Sign up for our Newsletter

Starting this June, RGNY will donate 20% of net profit proceeds from its Rainbow Rosé and other select Pride merchandise to Queerli for the rest of the year. (Photo Credit: Estefany Molina/RGNY Wine).

It’s officially Pride Month on the North Fork and the community is gearing up for a series of exciting events. Among the festivities this year is the North Fork’s first-ever Pride Parade, an event that’s emerged from the community’s desire to be able to celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusivity close to home.

Here’s what’s happening this Pride Month:

Project Your Pride at RGNY

Friday, June 9 | 7:00 p.m.

RGNY is kicking off the month’s festivities with its second annual pride event, a drive-in movie night. On Friday, June 9, the winery will be screening the film “To Wong Foo,” a 1995 comedy film about three drag queens who embark on a transformative road trip across America. Attendees can enjoy delicious sweets and savory eats from The Treatery as well as browse RGNY’s collection of Pride merchandise. 

“We are in the business of celebrating and love, so having us be a safe space and beacon for community members, to be able to come here and know that they can come here, is super important,” explained Erin Ambrose, Director of Events at RGNY. 

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Queerli, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating safer spaces and hosting LGBTQIA+ events across eastern Long Island. Starting in June and lasting for the rest of the year, the winery will also donate 20% of all Pride-related merchandise sales to Queerli. To maximize donation efforts, the winery will also be selling advertising spots to local businesses that will be played at the beginning of the movie. 

The drive-in movie night will be held at the Big Field. Attendees will be able to begin parking at 7 p.m. (enter through 660 Herricks Lane) and the film will start at 8 p.m. 

To reserve your spot, go to rgnywine.com.

Pride Party at Claudio’s Waterfront

Friday, June 16 | 9 p.m.

Claudio’s Waterfront in Greenport is hosting a pride party under the stars. This 21+ event features DJ Vivacious of RuPaul’s Drag Race, who will provide music for guests to dance and celebrate throughout the night. Doors will open at 9 p.m., with the music starting at 10 p.m. Tickets for the Pride Party are priced at $20 and those interested in securing a table reservation can do so by contacting Diane at Claudio’s Waterfront via email at [email protected]

Bingo Babes: Drag Bingo at Front Street Station

Saturday, June 17 | 7:30 PM

Front Street Station is hosting Greenport’s first drag bingo night on Saturday, June 17th. The event, featuring Tom Catt, Toni Homeperm and Stella Virgin, will officially start at 7:30 p.m., though participants are advised to arrive at 7 p.m. Entry is $10 (one drink minimum) and includes a bingo card. Additional bingo cards will also be available for purchase at $5 a card.

To secure a seat, text 516-384-7782.

North Fork Pride in Greenport

Saturday, June 25 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

On Sunday, June 24, LGBT Network is leading the North Fork’s first-ever North Fork Pride Parade in Greenport. The inaugural event will begin at noon with a parade starting at the corner of Front and Main street, followed by a festival in Mitchell Park. The festival promises a diverse array of booths staffed by local vendors and organizations, offering a range of engaging activities and entertainment for attendees to enjoy. 

In addition to the parade and festival, a Tea Dance will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Greenport American Legion, where 21+ attendees can enjoy an evening of disco tunes, dancing, giveaways and adult refreshments. 

“The significance of our North Fork Pride event is tremendous because it reminds people that LGBT people are everywhere, we’re part of everyone’s community, and we’re part of everyone’s families,” explained LGBT Network chief executive officer Robert Vitelli. “People want to feel safe locally, and they want that presence locally.”

LGBT Network, the nonprofit spearheading the initiative, describes itself as “a home and voice for LGBT people, their families, and support systems.” Founded in 1993, the Hauppauge-based organization has centers across Long Island and runs the official Long Island Pride Parade in Sayville. The organization has been organizing North Fork Pride alongside Greenport business owner Lori Panarello with the support of several local sponsors, including North Fork Women. 

“The excitement is palpable,” said Vitelli. “We don’t need to run to New York City to celebrate Pride. We can celebrate Pride in our front yards.”

For more information about registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit northforkpride.org.

Hosting a pride event on the North Fork? Email [email protected] and we’ll add it to the list.
X
X