People We Love 2019: Chris Frederick

If you’re an LGBTQ New Yorker, you may already be familiar with Chris Frederick’s accomplishments. He leads the organization that annually hosts NYC’s always-impressive Pride celebrations. But LGBTQ people from all over the world now all owe him a debt of gratitude for helming history’s biggest ever: WorldPride NYC 2019.

“I’ve loved getting to know so many individuals during my tenure who are doing such amazing work to move LGTBQ+ rights forward. I’d like to think that – as we’ve grown as an organization – it has allowed many different nonprofit organizations to have an even larger platform to raise needed funds and create a dialogue about the issues affecting us on a global level, while also helping to financially support the work of so many within our community through our grant program,” Frederick explains.

How Pride Gives Back

And he’s not talking nickels and dimes. In fact, the Pride Gives Back grant program has grown dramatically. It’s given over $300,000 to LGBTQ+ nonprofits this year alone. “I have a personal goal of NYC Pride giving back at least a million dollars annually by 2024,” Frederick reveals. NYC Pride has grown as an organization, as well. Its ranks swelled to 150 members and its calendar to 25 events.

“I think one of the things I’m most proud of from 2019 was being able to create such immense events in one of the most populated and challenging cities in the world with a small team. Knowing that we were able to create the largest LGBTQ+ event in history with limited resources, volunteers, and staff made me step back and appreciate all of the tremendous work everyone put into WorldPride to make it a reality,” Frederick added.

Related | What is WorldPride?

“Participating in these events have become a pilgrimage of sorts for our community – to reflect on our history, amplify our voices on a global stage, and feel inspired. Those moments and voices have only grown larger as our production has grown to an unprecedented level. I’m excited for what the future will hold as I still feel we have a long way to go before we reach a point where all voices feel represented across the entirety of the experience.”

Want to Relive WorldPride 2019/Stonewall 50? You can visit Heritage of Pride online. Or relive the event in glorious photos.

Looking forward to the next WorldPride? Check out our preview of WorldPride 2021 and 2023.

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