The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine will host numerous events with a spotlight on the LGBTQIA+ community next month, welcoming fellow New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to join together for a celebration of Pride. The theme of this year’s events, starting with the return of Pride Eve on May 31, 2024, is Pathways of Pride inspired by artist Anne Patterson’s Divine Pathways, a site-specific textile installation on view through June 2024. The Cathedral is inviting those from all ages, backgrounds, and identities to rejoice and celebrate in this safe space.

The full rundown of events for Pride at the Cathedral will include:

·       Pride Eve, A Pilgrimage to Pride, Hosted by the Greedy Peasant (Friday, May 31 at 7 pm) – This Pride Eve will kick off on May 31 at 7 pm, featuring crafts, cocktail hour, a thrilling 40-minute performance by the artist Greedy Peasant, and the lighting of the iconic Pride Lights. All are welcome for this special occasion with monochromatic fanciful dress encouraged. The suggested ticket price is $75, with options to pay more or less, and can be purchased here. Proceeds from the event will go to supporting the Cathedral’s free programming for the rest of the month.

·       Queer Redemption Book Launch: The Rev. Dr. Charlie Bell in Conversation with Dean Patrick Malloy (Thursday, June 6 at 6 pm) – Join Rev. Dr. Charlie Bell, Forensic Psychiatry Registrar, and priest in the Diocese of Southwark, as he discusses his new book, Queer Redemption: How Queerness Changes Everything We Thought We Knew About Christianity, in conversation with Dean Patrick Malloy from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in the Cathedral House. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event with reception to follow. Free ticketed registration is available here.

·       Intergenerational Book Talk and Panel, Featuring Author Chloe Davis and SAGE USA & Sunset Silent Disco (Monday, June 10 at 6 pm and 7 pm) – With the release of her new book, The Queens' English, The Young Readers' LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases, author Chloe Davis will present a book talk to readers of all ages at The Cathedral School at 6 pm on the LGBTQIA+ community’s myriad contributions to language. Also joining the conversation will be representatives from SAGE USA—an activist organization dedicated to providing advocacy, services, and support to older members of the LGBTQIA+ community—to add historical context. Then, from 7 pm to 8 pm, stay for the Silent Disco and dance to hit songs from over the decades beneath the setting sun! Guests can reserve their free tickets here.

·       Cathedral Pride Sunday (Sunday, June 23) – In addition to the Holy Eucharist and CCC Soup Kitchen, the Cathedral is excited to host several events for a full day of Pride.

o   Drag Story Hour (12 pm) – Local drag artists will join The Cathedral School for a special story time hour, sing-along, and craft session appropriate for parents and children ages 3-8 years old. Limited seating is available. All attendees are encouraged to register for the free event here.

o   Pride Family Picnic & Performance by the Queer Big Apple Corps (1 pm to 3:30 pm) – Bring the whole family to the Cathedral Gardens for a picnic on the peaceful Pulpit Green on the grounds, followed by a lively performance by the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band at 2 pm. All are welcome to picnic in the Cathedral Gardens and enjoy an afternoon of community and musical joy. Free registration is available here and participants are invited to bring their own blankets and refreshments. 

o   Pride Choral Evensong (4 pm) – Following a fun-filled afternoon, return to the Cathedral to experience a breathtaking Evensong service featuring LGBTQIA+ composers and vocals by the Cathedral Community Choir. Visitors are welcome to listen and sing.

For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.stjohndivine.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @StJohnDivineNYC.