NYC Pride marches from 1970s immortalized in photo exhibit

“From the closet! On the street!”

1975 American Avenue #1

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

Francisco Alvarado Juarez’s “The Right Place and Time” will one day become an important capsule of queer history.

Fifth 50 years after “Get off the closet! Go on the street!”, chanted at some of New York City’s first Pride Marches, and an exhibition of the same name will be exhibited at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L), presenting these earliest demonstrations. LGBTQ+ Liberation movement.

The gallery from May 8th to August 31st features 18 photos by Alvarado Juarez in 1975 and 1976, capturing pivotal moments from March on Christopher Street Revation Day. The exhibition also recognizes important figures such as Sylvia Rivera and celebrates the diversity of the movement.

The photographs are part of the first work by Alvarado Juarez, an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist born in Honduras, who still influenced his life and art for half a century. This is what he has to say about the images now and how he feels about the strange state of rights.

SupportersAlex Cooper contributed to this story.

Supporters: How did you get involved in photography and multimedia art?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Gay Liberation Parade, Christopher Street #1, 1976

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

Francisco Alvarado Juarez: After graduating from Stony Brook University with a degree in Hispanic literature and Ibero-American studies, he returned to New York City in 1974. No employment was found. These were difficult times. All I followed was discovering the photos and teaching myself it. I was interested in street photography. I travel around the city taking photos of New York’s diverse population. I began my career in visual arts as a photographer. Always restless to find new ways to express myself, he later learned painting, video and multimedia art. I’m basically a self-taught artist.

What was the first inspiration that inspired you to capture these LGBTQ+ events? Why did you go to them?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

At the beginning of the 1976 parade, the Gay Liberation Parade

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

I lived on 15th and 6th Avenues. In 1975, I was lucky to see the parade. I got my camera and joined the march. We went up 6th Avenue to Central Park and headed back. After that, everyone gathered on Christopher Street. The following year, I attended a celebration on Christopher Street before the parade. This gave me the opportunity to take more photos.

These marches are so new that you were worried about your safety at that point?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Gay Liberation Parade, Christopher Street #2, 1976

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

There were no safety issues during these parades. I did not witness any violence. People were just enjoying themselves and expressing themselves as much as they could.

What do you think about these images becoming such an important part of strange history?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

1975, the Gay Liberation Parade off the coast of the Avenue of the Americas Avenue

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

I was taking a photo. Make art. I hadn’t considered a historical record. It’s been 50 years since I took many of these photos. Now they are part of New York history. It is the first time in the series at the Hispanic Association Museum and Library, and is very pleased to be able to share it with New York and the world.

Why do you think these images still resonate so strongly?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Gay Liberation Parade, Avenue of the Americas #4, 1975

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

These images still resonate today as they are representations of honest and honest moments. The portrait reflects intimacy, beauty, and the human race of the people photographed. I can’t help but feel the “Jois de Vivre.”

When you took them, did you want people to get from your images?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Gay Liberation Parade, Christopher Street #1, 1975

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

I wanted to capture the moment without social prejudice. Let people express themselves freely and enjoy the moment.

What do you hope today’s people still get from the images?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Gay Liberation Parade, Avenue of the Americas #3, 1975

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

There is joy and optimism in these photos. Today we have begun a much darker period in our history. We can look back at this time and gain power from that optimism. You can also enjoy the artistic beauty these images represent.

How have these images still influenced your art today?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Gay Liberation Parade, Avenue of the Americas #5, 1975

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

I still get joy and energy when I see these photos. I feel lucky to be in the right place and time.

Is there anything else you would like your readers to know about these photos and your work?

The early NYC Pride March at the Hispanic Society Museum was called out from the closet to an original vintage photograph by Francisco Alvarado Juarez.

Christopher Street #3, 1976

Francisco Alvarado Juarez through the Hispanic Society Museum

I work in a variety of media: photography, painting, installation, or multimedia art. I hope people can see the different artwork I’m making. The easiest way is to check my website. www.franciscoalvarado.com