NYC Pride said it will increase its budget for security and first response, so it can independently build an emergency plan using private security and trained volunteers. 'It is demoralizing that (NYC Pride) didn’t have the courage to refer to GOAL by name in its announcement, referring to us only as ‘law enforcement exhibitors.’ The label is not only offensive but dehumanizing for our members.” 'So their response to activist pressure is to take the low road by preventing their fellow community members from celebrating their identities and honoring the shared legacy,” Downey said. GOAL President Brian Downey said NYC Pride is aware that the city will not allow a large-scale event to occur without police presence. The group cited the coronavirus pandemic, police brutality, the alarming murder rate for trans people of color, economic hardship, climate disasters, violent efforts to disenfranchise voters and 'our rights as a community being questioned.' The theme is “The Fight Continues,” reflecting the 'multitude of battles' the city and country face, NYC Pride said. June is Pride Month, and the annual parade is set to return this year on June 27.
