Jack Miller a self-described big boy from Long Island grew up just three towns over, hed learn years later, from a new friend and fellow parade-goer, Anthony. The two met on one of the apps that caters to big men and their admirers, and they hit it off over their shared geography, love of community, and their health and advocacy work.Another coincidence: Anthony worked at Albert Einstein Medical Center of Montefiore in the Bronx, and Jack was a client there. Related Lessons from a lesbian feminist 1973 Pride-goer: We are at another turning point Speak up, be out and loud, resist publicly, and look for and support allies in decision-making positions. Anthony told me that he was going to be marching in the NYC Pride Parade with Montefiore, and once I heard that, I had to volunteer, Miller tells LGBTQ Nation. I felt the need to give back my time and energy for a great cause like NYC Pride. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today It was a hot and humid day in the 90s at NYC Pride in 2023, as the Montefiore float lumbered down Fifth Avenue smack in the middle of the miles-long parade. A DJ pumped out beats from the floats stage, only raising the temperature. They had about 30 people jumping on and off, handing out literature, condoms, fans, lollipops, and rainbows, Miller says. The energy, the music, the excitement, the sweat, and Pride of being in New York City was so phenomenal. Theres nothing like it. The people of this city are so proud and diverse! | Jack Miller, used with permission Miller says Pride is still a protest, just like it was back when Black trans women werent allowed to be in public or clubs in the Village, and Stonewall happened. I thank Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera for what they did they allowed me to be free today.Miller says hes lived too long to believe the president will get that far in his efforts to erase LGBTQ+ and other identities that arent straight white men like those the president surrounds himself with.Racism, white-washing history, xenophobia, transphobia these are the current administrations agenda. But trust me, my ancestors fought too hard to be eradicated. American history is Black history and gay history included, Miller says, despite an old bully in the White House whos pulling federal funding from state and local governments. However hot it gets, Miller says he will march, storm, yell, scream, and shout to make my voice heard.I will not be silenced. Pride in Pictures is LGBTQ Nations annual series celebrating Pride across the country.We asked our readers to send in their pictures and stories of Prideand we got so many rainbows. Keep an eye out for more heartwarming stories to get you ready for Pride Month 2025.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.