Joe Biden’s former White House press secretary has been appointed as grand marshal of NYC Pride.
Karine Jean-Pierre made history as the first openly LGBTQ press secretary to a president during her stint from mid-2022 to Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
NYC Pride is an annual event described as the largest of its kind in the world, celebrating LGBTQ communities with tens of thousands of participants and millions more spectators who line the streets of Manhattan.
A spokesperson for the event, Chris Piedmont, described Jean-Pierre as the perfect fit for the role.
‘It goes back to that trail-blazing career that she’s had in politics and representing the community at the highest microphone that exists,’ Piedmont said.
The theme for this year’s event, to be held on Sunday, June 29, is ‘Pride in Protest.’
Kazz Alexander, co-chair of NYC Pride, said the event celebrates justice and equality for queer communities living on the margins.
‘The challenges we face today, particularly in this political climate, require us to stand together in solidarity.
‘Pride is not merely a celebration of identity – it is a powerful statement of resistance, affirming that justice and equity will ultimately prevail for those who live and love on the margins.
‘We must support one another, because when the most marginalized among us are granted their rights, all of us benefit.’
The 2025 event calls LGBTQ communities and their allies to ‘rise up in defiant celebration, advocacy, and solidarity.
‘As we face rising hostility and dangerous legislative attacks, we are reminded of our roots – Pride began as a protest.’
Fellow co-chair Michele Irimia added: “In the face of increasing discrimination, we must continue to push forward. As New Yorkers, we know: Pride is resistance, Pride is activism.’
The comments and theme make an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back and in some cases eliminate policies beneficial to trans and LGBQ communities.
In part, he cracked down on the definition of biological sex, in which the United States recognizes two sexes, male and female. He also banned transgender women from competing in female sports and has removed DEI targets in workplaces.
In 2024, Madonna spoke of her adoration of the celebration, noting: ‘Aside from my birthday, New York Pride is the most important day of the year.’
Jean-Pierre has kept a relatively low profile since passing the baton onto Trump-appointed press secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking on several panels and accepting awards recognizing her leadership.
But she did speak out days after the end of the Biden administration, revealing she was effectively ‘working two full-time jobs’ as she cared for her mom who was privately battling colon cancer.
The 50-year-old would drive to New York ‘every weekend I could to see my mom’, and then returning late at night in order to catch ‘a few hours of sleep’ before returning to the White House.
‘I’m the first Black press secretary. The first person of color press secretary. The first openly queer press secretary. The first Haitian American immigrant press secretary. The first press secretary to be all of the above,’ she wrote in an op-ed for Vanity Fair in January.
‘Being a first meant that my responsibilities were beyond those in the job description, the load heavier. I bear a certain responsibility to the communities I represent.’
Jean-Pierre said she was conscious that she never wanted her mother’s sickness to be misconstrued as ‘an excuse’ while she was working.
She is yet to comment on her new appointment.