Get to know one of the honorees for the Queens Pride Parade as they are announced as grand marshals

The 2024 New Queens Pride Parade is approaching, and the grand marshals have been announced. Among them is Amber Ferrer, an LGBTQIA+ advocate from Jackson Heights. She was surprised and honored to be chosen, as she has dedicated herself to supporting her uncle’s gay bars, Friends Tavern and Viva La Heights. Together, they provide a safe and welcoming space for the community, offering support, resources, and events throughout the year.

Ferrer views Pride as a holiday season in Jackson Heights, where the parade represents both resistance and celebration. The event began in 1993 as a response to hate crimes and has since grown to showcase the diverse and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in the neighborhood. Joining Ferrer as grand marshals are Billy Green, a high school teacher, and New York State Sen. Leroy Comrie. The New Queens Pride celebration will take place on June 2nd, bringing together the community for a day of pride, unity, and inclusivity.

As an advocate and connector within the LGBTQIA+ community, Ferrer has worked with her uncle to create a welcoming environment at their gay bars. They strive to make everyone feel valued and supported, whether they are from another country or struggling with their identity. Through events like food drives and health resources, they not only provide entertainment but also essential assistance to those in need. Ferrer sees their bars as a place where “everybody knows your name,” fostering a sense of community and belonging.

For Ferrer, being chosen as a grand marshal for the New Queens Pride Parade is a testament to her dedication to advocacy and leadership in the LGBTQIA+ community. She views the event as a time of celebration and unity, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to commemorate their identities. With the support of her uncle and the community, Ferrer continues to work towards creating a safe and inclusive space for all, ensuring that Pride remains a beacon of light and hope for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Jackson Heights and beyond.

The Queens Pride Parade holds special significance for Ferrer, who sees it as a time of joy and unity in her community. She and her uncle have dedicated themselves to providing a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, offering support, resources, and events throughout the year. By being chosen as a grand marshal, Ferrer’s leadership and advocacy work are being recognized, highlighting the importance of her contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.

In conclusion, the upcoming New Queens Pride Parade will honor Amber Ferrer, an advocate and connector within the LGBTQIA+ community of Jackson Heights. Alongside her uncle, she has created a safe and welcoming space at their gay bars, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. The parade represents a time of celebration and unity, showcasing the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in the neighborhood. With Ferrer and other grand marshals leading the way, the event promises to be a joyful and inclusive celebration of identity and pride.