This article was published on April 16th, 2019

The most exciting place in LGBT celebrations this year will be at WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50! It is going to be fierce! There will be many extraordinary performers, entertainers, and legends on the rainbow express for the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, NYC Pride, and WorldPride 2019. The City That Never Sleeps is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this trilogy of Pride celebrations is one to remember for generations.

Of course, no party can end or begin without a bang, so NYC WorldPride and Stonewall 50 are throwing one hello soiree in celebration of 50 years of pride, activism, and LGBTQ rights advancements. An opening ceremony like no other has just been announced, with a star-studded lineup of performers already in place to vamp up the night. Held in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, WorldPride 2019 opening ceremony is going to be lit! 

Long before she was a fixture on the talk show The View, Whoopi Goldberg has been an American actress, comedian, producer, philanthropist, and LGBT activist for decades. Even before she solidified herself as a gay icon for her role as the gay social worker and efficient who married Patsy and Eddie in the Gay episode of Absolutely Fabulous, Whoopi Goldberg has been a champion for queers and our rights. One of the few living EGOT winners, hilarious witty Whoopi Goldberg will play hostess and master of ceremonies at the New York City WorldPride opening ceremonies.

Joining Whoopi on stage in the entertainment department is her friend and long-time advocate and ally legend, Cyndi Lauper. With over 50 million records sold, Cyndi Lauper has been a household name in the pop music industry for more than 30 years. The “True Colors,” “Time After Time,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” will perform an insanely cool set at the opening ceremonies for WorldPride 2019. Cyndi Lauper has spent most of her career defending her gay friends and fans, and her activism in fighting AIDS/HIV at a time when few would, helped solidify her as a living idol and gay icon. 

“I can’t wait to celebrate with my LGBTQIA+ friends and family from across the world, [and she is] thrilled to be a part of the WorldPride Opening Ceremony,” said Cyndi Lauper. 

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, actress and model Ciara will also be performing, along with American Idol contestant and YouTube star Todrick Hall. Ciara, known for her hits “Ride,” “1, 2 Step,” “Goodies,” “Oh,” and “Body Party” has sold more than 23 million records, with 16 million singles, worldwide, with weeks spent on the top hits charts. Ever talented dancer, actor, singer, choreographer, and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Todrick Hall, who gained famed from American Idol and has hit songs like “Low” featuring RuPaul, will be slaying audience members with a routine, too.

More news is that the legendary Chaka Khan will also be performing at WorldPride opening ceremony. This living idol of a world-renowned musician, who—across her illustrious career—has released 22 albums and has had 10 billboard #1 songs, like “I’m Every Woman”. An author, actor, humanitarian, philanthropist and gay rights advocate, Chaka Khan’s performance could be THE show of the evening.

The cherry on the cake on this delicious opening ceremony for WorldPride 2019 cake is that proceeds from the ticket sales for this fab evening go to three different LGBT related charities who are literally in the trenches changing queer people’s lives. The Barclay Center holds 10,000 seats, and the ticket sales will go to benefit the Ali Forney Center: the largest agency in the USA dedicated to assisting homeless LGBTQ youth, SAGE: the world’s oldest and largest charity dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT elders, and Immigration Equality: the leading LGBTQ immigration rights organization in America.

More talent will be announced as the date draws near, and they most certainly will not last with this much talent already in the works. You won’t want to miss what is sure to be a fabulous queer and celebrity filled event to remember forever. Tickets for NYC Pride Stonewall 50 and WorldPride 2019s grand opening ceremony are on sale now and won’t last long. 

Marriott hotels of New York City invite you to celebrate World Pride 2019 with a special package.  Book your stay at participating hotels and enjoy the best rates, plus receive a #LoveTravels bandana to show your Pride. Offer is available for stays March 1 – December 31, 2019. Make your reservation today!