FDNY Commissioner to Lead Queens Pride Parade

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Correspondent | New York LGBT News

NEW YORK — (February 27, 2026) — FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore has been named one of the grand marshals for the 2026 Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival, organizers announced this week.

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The New York LGBT Network, which assumed leadership of Queens Pride in 2022, said Bonsignore reflects the event’s longstanding tradition of honoring leaders whose work embodies courage, public service, and commitment to community.

Bonsignore made history less than two months ago when she became the first openly LGBTQ individual to lead the New York City Fire Department. Appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, she brings more than three decades of experience to the role.

Watch Queens Pride Parade Returns June 7th via CBS News New York

She began her FDNY career in 1991 as an EMT before advancing to paramedic and later serving as chief of the EMS Academy at Fort Totten. In 2019, Bonsignore became the first woman and first openly LGBTQ individual to serve as chief of EMS.

“To stand at the front of a parade fueled by love, resilience, and authenticity is a privilege,” Bonsignore told Gay City News on Feb. 27. “Let’s march!”

Organizers have not yet announced the remaining grand marshals for this year’s event.

Queens Pride 2026 Details

The 2026 Queens Pride Parade will take place on June 7, moving west along 37th Avenue from 89th Street to 75th Street. The Multicultural Festival will be stationed at the end of the parade route on 75th–77th Streets and 37th Road.

Festivities begin at noon and conclude at 6 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Unstoppable Pride,” underscores the continued strength and visibility of LGBTQ communities in New York and beyond.

“In a time when LGBTQ+ people continue to be targeted in schools, legislatures, and courts, our community remains unstoppable — in our love, our leadership, and our fight for justice,” said New York LGBT Network President and Founder David Kilmnick. “Unstoppable Pride reflects a simple truth: we are here, we are present, and we are not going anywhere.”

Marchers, vendors, and community organizations can register at newqueenspride.org.

For continued coverage of LGBTQ civic leadership, Pride events, and New York community developments, stay with JRL CHARTS — your trusted source for local and national LGBT News.