New York City – Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has launched the WorldPride 2019 Ambassadors competition, ahead of the WorldPride and Stonewall 50 commemorations planned for June. WorldPride, the largest international LGBT Pride celebration, is coming to New York City in 2019, marking the first time it has been held in the US. The commemoration includes marches, performances and festivals that promote the LGBT rights movement, and the WorldPride Ambassadors selected to highlight the diversity of New York’s LGBTQ community will be invited to join “I Love NY” in New York City to be part of the celebration, including participating in the Pride March.

“From the Stonewall rebellion to the recent passage of GENDA [Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act], New York State has been at the forefront of the LGBTQ rights movement, making it the ideal destination for WorldPride this year,” Gov. Cuomo said. “Together with our WorldPride Ambassadors, we will show that there is no place for hate in our state as we celebrate the LGBTQ community and continue to fight for a safe and equal nation for all.” Added Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, “There is no better venue for the first WorldPride coming to America than New York City during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, which launched the national modern day LGBTQ rights movement. … The WorldPride 2019 Ambassadors Competition will allow New Yorkers to share what makes their community special with countless tourists here to celebrate love and diversity.”

LGBTQ New Yorkers from across the state are encouraged to submit a video of no more than three minutes in length describing why they are proud of their municipality and state, and what in their town and region they would want to show off to LGBTQ visitors. Those selected as WorldPride Ambassadors will be featured in select “I Love NY” WorldPride promotions, as well as in educational anti-discrimination efforts by the New York State Division of Human Rights. More information is available online. Deadline for video submissions is March 31st. Yyy (Q Notes Online – Lainey Millen at Goqnotes.com/62495/new-york-gov-cuomo-launches-worldpride-2019-ambassadors-competition)