GenQ - For the not so straight individual

This pride seems to be a bit different in New York City. It seems that everyone is a bit more "proud" than usual. Every year gay New Yorkers search for the hottest float, because generally that's the group who throws the biggest party. For the younger gays, its usually wherever you hear the names Seth Gold, Alan Picus, Steve Sidewalk, and Charles Winters. These guys are known for putting on the best show during the pride march. Normally they partner with a popular gay night club and create the hottest party of the year in front of nearly a million people.

This year, all of these names are together again, however they're doing something a bit unique. They're standing with nearly 500 other young gay activists to support an openly gay candidate for New York Attorney General, Sean Patrick Maloney. That's right, they're saying goodbye to the typical nightclub nonsense to stand true to something in which they believe. This time they're supporting one of their own. They're standing behind an openly gay politician.

"It just seems to represent so much more," says Charles Winters the marshall for the group. "I can honestly say this will be the most meanful pride ever. I know I'm marching for a good cause, and I'm sure I'll have a great time while doing it." Winters and his GaySocialites group have pledged their support for Maloney by sponsoring advertisements and registering over 300 marchers from their organization. DJ Anthony Lago, the GaySocialites.com managing editor turned down several offers to work on various floats in order to show his support for Maloney. "I'm very excited to see these guys both younger and older marching for Sean. It keeps my hope in the gay community alive. We've got to get the word out about Sean, he's a candidate for all New Yorkers, both gay and straight," said Lago.

Peter Yacobellis, Director of Operations for the Maloney campaign says they are overwhelmed by the support. "We were excited to hear that this group of talented individuals was willing to come together to support Sean." Yacobellis says they've created a large float with a complete sound system, popular DJs, performers and hosts.

No other political candidate (gay or straight) has ever registered such a strong presence in the Heritage of Pride March. Most candidates work with other groups that have already endorsed them. This year Maloney, an openly gay candidate, is showing his pride by welcoming the largest expected group of marchers in Heritage of Pride history.

The Heritage of Pride March represents the innagural gay march as a part of the Stonewall Riots in New York City's West Village in 1969. Each year New Yorkers look forward to the most colorful celebration of the year, Heritage of Pride!

Check back this Thursday as queerplanet sits down, one-on-one, with New York's openly gay candidate, Sean Patrick Maloney. If you're interested in marching with the Friends of Sean Patrick Maloney this pride, you can email pridemarch@seanmaloney.com to RSVP.