Queens Community House Celebrates Intergenerational LGBTQ+ Community at 2026 Queens Pride Parade

On June 7, Queens Community House (QCH) proudly joined thousands of New Yorkers at the 2026 Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival in Jackson Heights, continuing a tradition of participation that stretches back to the 1990s.

This year's march highlighted the power of intergenerational community, as QCH participants and staff from Generation Q (QCH's LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center), LGBTQ+ Youth Services, and the Queens Center for Gay Seniors marched together through Jackson Heights. Their presence reflected the shared strength, resilience, and sense of belonging that connects LGBTQ+ people across generations.

QCH's contingent was led by LGBTQ+ Youth Services, Generation Q, and members of Queens Center for Gay Seniors, one of the nation's longest-running programs dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ older adults.

Held annually in Jackson Heights, Queens Pride is the second-oldest and second-largest Pride parade in New York City. Founded in 1993, the event has become a cornerstone celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility, advocacy, and community in Queens. This year's parade also featured New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani among the many elected officials, advocates, and community leaders in attendance.

The parade followed another significant Pride Month event for the organization. Earlier in the week, Bo-Andrea Bogats (Director of QCH LGBTQ+ Youth Services) represented QCH at Queens Borough President Donovan Richards's annual Pride celebration at Queens Borough Hall, speaking on behalf of the organization and reaffirming QCH's commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ Queens residents.

"One of the things that makes Queens Community House special is that we have the privilege of supporting LGBTQ+ people across generations," said Ben Thomases, CEO of Queens Community House. "When members of Generation Q march alongside participants from our Queens Center for Gay Seniors, we see the full power of community. Pride reminds us that everyone deserves spaces where they are welcomed, celebrated, and connected to one another."

For decades, QCH has worked to create welcoming and affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ people can find community, support, and opportunity. Participating in Queens Pride is one reflection of that commitment.

Through Generation Q, LGBTQ+ Youth Services, and the Queens Center for Gay Seniors, QCH provides safe spaces, leadership development opportunities, social connection, advocacy, and supportive services that help LGBTQ+ individuals thrive at every stage of life.

As Pride Month continues, QCH remains committed to fostering communities where LGBTQ+ neighbors can connect, be celebrated, and know they belong—today and for generations to come.

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About Queens Community House:

Queens Community House is one of the borough's largest nonprofit organizations, committed to serving the diverse neighborhoods of Queens. Serving more than 30,000 children, youth, adults, and older adults every year, QCH provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. Through a broad network of programs, QCH offers Queens residents a needed support system at every stage of life, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to change their lives for the better and become active participants in their larger community.