New York City’s Pride Month ended on a high note as Tony Award nominee Luke Evans helped illuminate the Empire State Building with the colors of the Inclusive Pride Flag in a special ceremony celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride.
The Welsh actor joined leaders of The Trevor Project and Stonewall In Gives Back Initiative on Sunday night to flip the switch that will paint one of the world’s most famous landmarks in rainbow colors. The annual lighting celebrates Pride while recognizing the LGBTQ+ community’s continued fight for equality and support.
Evans is currently starring in Dr. Frank-N-Furter. rocky horror show He was accompanied to the celebration at Studio 54 by James Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, Stacey Lentz, CEO and co-founder of the Stonewall in Gives Back Initiative, and his dog Lara.
A proud tradition that continues to shine
Every year since 1990, the Empire State Building has marked LGBTQ+ Pride with a special tower light. In 1990, there was a successful campaign for a landmark to recognize this community. More than 30 years later, the annual display remains one of New York City’s most visible Pride traditions.
This year’s illumination partners are: trevor project And the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative connects this celebration with organizations that work year-round to support LGBTQ+ people.
After the ceremony, Evans visited the Empire State Building’s Observation Deck Experience before taking photos from the iconic 86th floor observation deck overlooking Manhattan.
Luke Evans reflects on Pride
Mr. Evans spoke at the ceremony and emphasized the importance of visibility and acceptance.
“It’s about bringing humanity together so we can all live happy, free and joyful lives. Celebrating Pride, this iconic New York landmark, the Empire State Building, sends such a positive and unifying message to New York and the world.”
The actor has remained a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ representation throughout his career. His appearance in Lighting Ceremony came in a year of professional excellence, earning him a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut.
Message to LGBTQ+ youth
The ceremony also highlighted the mission of The Trevor Project, the nation’s leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
CEO James Black spoke directly to the LGBTQ+ youth watching from New York and beyond about the importance of this moment.
“We are sending a clear message to all LGBTQ+ youth: There is a community working for them. There are people fighting for them. We will not rest until you know not only that you are loved, but that all of your dreams are fully yours to claim.”
Black went on to connect symbolic lighting to the organization’s daily operations.
“Every day at The Trevor Project, we hear from LGBTQ+ young people who need that reminder. There is more work to do, but today is a day to celebrate how far our movement has come, and we are determined to keep moving forward together. To all the LGBTQ+ young people who see this skyline tonight: This light is for you. We see you, we believe in you, and the world is brighter because you are in it.”
Pride and New York’s historical connection
The lighting ceremony also served as a reminder of New York City’s central role in LGBTQ+ history. The Pride celebration commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, widely seen as the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Today, NYC Pride remains one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations, drawing millions of visitors while celebrating the activists who helped shape the movement.
Organizations like Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative continue that tradition by supporting grassroots LGBTQ+ nonprofits, while The Trevor Project focuses on crisis response, advocacy, and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth across the country.
A symbol that reaches beyond the skyline
The Empire State Building changes its tower color throughout the year to recognize major causes, holidays, and cultural milestones, but the annual Pride display has special meaning.
Found throughout much of New York City, this illuminated tower has become a familiar symbol that reflects both celebration and resilience each June. For Evans, the night highlighted the power of visibility at a time when many LGBTQ+ people continue to advocate for acceptance and equal rights.
Rainbow lights spread across the Manhattan skyline, and the ceremony provided more than just colorful photo opportunities. It was a reminder that Pride is both a celebration of progress and an effort to support future generations of LGBTQ+ people.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
