The rainbow celebration floods the streets of Manhattan, and Italy is there. The slogan rings loud and clear: Italians were born in these ways too.

Drawing inspiration from the famous song by one of the world's iconic LGBTQ+ figures, Lady Gaga, whose Italian-American roots undeniably bring her closer to the tri-color community in New York, the Comites of the tri-state area – the committees representing Italians abroad – are marching for the second consecutive year in 2023’s NYC Pride Parade with a specific message: "Italians were born this way too."

Amidst a crowd of approximately two million people, at the end of June - a month entirely dedicated to equal rights for all - the flag of our beautiful country will wave alongside the rainbow flags in defense of the LGBTQIA+ community.

It all began 54 years ago in the heart of Greenwich Village when police violently raided a gay bar, The Stonewall Inn. Thus followed six days of rioting which eventually led to the Gay Rights Movement. There, at that monumental landmark, Italy's sanctioned presence will be strong and visible. New York’s Consulate General and the United Nations’ Italian representation are officially joining us in solidarity and support.

"As the President of the Civil Rights Commission of the Committee of Italians Abroad in New York - Com.It.Es. NY - I couldn't be prouder to march once again at the NYC Pride March," declared attorney Claudia Carbone, always vigilant in representing the Italian and Italian-American community of the tri-state area. "For the second consecutive year, we will march, representing our entire community, in an event that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion; a significant opportunity to demonstrate our tangible support for LGBTQIA+ rights, highlighting how the fight for equality knows no borders or barriers."

Echoing her sentiments, Riccardo Costa, President of the Business, Territory, and Made in Italy Commission, who is also responsible for LGBTQIA+ rights within the Comites New York, stated, "For the second consecutive year, Italy participates in the world's most famous Pride Parade. Last year, we made history as the Italian flag waved triumphantly in the NY Pride March. Today, we aim to change that history because the events unfolding worldwide remind us that fundamental human rights can be taken away depending on the prejudices of people in power. Today, more than ever, we are proud to be here, proud to raise the Italian flag alongside the rainbow flag."

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 25th, at 11:30 am. The parade starts at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue. Its route passes by the Stonewall Inn, the bar where it all began in 1969, as it progresses through the streets of New York City.

JOIN US AND MARCH WITH PRIDE