Ferry to Staten Island LGBT Pride

June 2013 finally arrived, marking the beginning of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender) Pride Month.  The very first event in the New York City Metropolitan area is the Staten Island LGBT Pride Parade and Festival and I was thrilled and honored to be a part of it all on June 1st.  The Parade was held on Bay Street and the Festival took place in Thompkinsville Park in the Saint George section of the Island.  I had a wonderful time with NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, NYC Council Members Danny Dromm (Queens) and Domenic Recchia (Brooklyn), NY State Assembly Member Matt Titone (Staten Island), Staten Island Arts Council President and fierce "Bette Midler" tribute artist Donna Maxon, Mr. Boots & Saddle, Miss Greater New York 2013 Jaime Macchia, Tym Moss of Artists Exposed Radio, Erik Bottcher, Michael Mallon and many others.  We all came together to celebrate diversity and growth as a vibrant, positive and integral piece of Staten Island's neighborhoods and communities on a beautiful summer Saturday afternoon.