(FREEPORT, N.Y.) - In observance of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) joined with advocates and community members at “Pride on the Mile” – Freeport Village’s first-ever official Pride Month celebration – along the Nautical Mile on Saturday, June 10.
Presented by the Sparkle on Stage Cultural Center and the Joseph Anthony Smith Voice Studio in partnership with the LGBT Network, the event featured an array of performances at the Halfway Down Restaurant, vendors and community health resources at Sparkle on Stage, and an evening “Drag-Aret” at Sparkle on Stage starring LaBelle, Bella Noche and Ivy Stalls.
In addition, Legislator Mulé’s longtime friend and fellow 1980 Uniondale High School graduate, Christian Cooper, hosted a voter registration drive. Cooper, who came to national prominence after being targeted with false and racially charged accusations while birding in Central Park in 2020, is the star of “Extraordinary Birder” on the Nat Geo Wild channel and Disney+ and author of his memoir, “Better Living Through Birding”.
“The success of Pride on the Mile was a beautiful reflection of Freeport’s embrace of LGBTQ+ people and their many contributions to our community throughout the year,” Legislator Mulé said. “However, this level of acceptance is not replicated in every part of our country, and we must all must remain vigilant and engaged in the ongoing quest for full equality. I thank everyone who contributed to the success of this inaugural event, and I am excited for future pride celebrations in the Freeport community.”
PHOTO CAPTION (PHOTO 1) – Legislator Mulé with Joseph Anthony Smith, a co-organizer of Pride on the Mile, on Saturday, June 10.
PHOTO CAPTION (PHOTO 2) – Legislator Mulé and Christian Cooper, center, is pictured with volunteers who registered Freeporters to vote during Pride on the Mile on Saturday, June 10.
PHOTO CAPTION (PHOTO 3) – The event was a part of the LGBT Network’s Pride Month celebrations across Long Island and in Queens.
PHOTO CREDITS – Office of Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé