NYPD Commissioner Criticizes Exclusion of LGBT Officers from Pride March

On Sunday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch voiced her disapproval of the city’s choice to prevent LGBT officers from wearing uniforms and carrying weapons during Manhattan’s Pride march. This criticism came just before she participated in the Pride celebration in Queens.

Tisch stated, “Once again, we have banned NYPD officers from marching in uniform later this month,” referring to the decisions made by the organizers in Manhattan. She described the decision as “hypocritical and a slap in the face to the NYPD and the spirit of pride.”

She urged New Yorkers to speak out against what she called “Heritage of Pride’s aggressive and xenophobic stance on this issue.” Tisch’s remarks were made prior to her joining the Queens Pride Parade alongside armed members of the Gay Officers Action League, affirming that carrying weapons is an integral part of the uniform.

Heritage of Pride, the organization behind the Manhattan event, had initially communicated this policy to the Gay Officers Action League in 2021, in light of the George Floyd protests and growing anti-police sentiments. Initially set for four years, the ban’s duration was meant to be reconsidered later on.

Despite this, organizers maintain that officers can participate without their service weapons. According to a statement from Heritage of Pride, their members voted “by a significant margin” against making an exception for this year’s event.

“As always, like other march participants, GOAL members are welcome to participate in the Pride March in accordance with safety rules and guidelines,” the organization stated, adding that they encourage GOAL to look for a compromise. They acknowledged the desire of LGBTQIA+ officers to celebrate openly, yet emphasized that their members repeatedly expressed the need for an unarmed march.

Meanwhile, Mayor Zoran Mamdani has yet to issue an official statement regarding this issue. City Hall did not respond when asked for comments about the matter.

Heritage of Pride expressed its commitment to working with the NYPD and other agencies to ensure safety at the upcoming event on June 27, which is expected to attract millions.

This marks the second year that Tisch has defended GOAL officials; last year, she joined former Mayor Eric Adams in criticizing the regulations put in place by the organizers. While campaigning during last summer’s Pride march, Mayor Mamdani interacted with protesting GOAL members. However, he has not publicly commented on the current policy.