Christine C. Quinn Statement on LGBT Inclusive 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
"Throughout my childhood, attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade had been a staple for me and my family," said Christine C. Quinn, CEO of Win, formerly Women in Need, and the first openly gay City Council Speaker.
“Unfortunately, due to anti-LGBT exclusionary practices, my father and I were never able to participate in this celebrated event when I was an elected official. But due to the bravery and unwavering persistence of New York City’s LGBT community, in particular the Lavender and Green Alliance and ILGO, parade organizers have finally relented and created an event where all proud Irish New Yorkers can celebrate their heritage together. What this means is that the totality of who someone is as an Irish LGBT person, will finally be part of the greatest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world.
“I look forward to seeing Mayor de Blasio, other LGBT Irish New Yorkers and our allies on Fifth Avenue!”
Photo By David Shankbone (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons