Babylon Village Pride Parade mixes cheers, dancing, colors of rainbow

The colors of the rainbow stretched across Babylon Village as thousands of people gathered to celebrate its third annual Pride Parade on Sunday.

About 80 cars, covered with colorful balloons, streamers, Pride flags and other decorations, made their way up Deer Park Avenue to cheering crowds. Dozens of people danced atop large floats as music pulsated through the streets.

“With everything that has been going on in the world, Babylon Village just wants to show that there’s unity and love,” said Sean Goodwin, a member of the Pride Parade’s committee who lives in the village.

“It’s just incredible to see so many people come out and support us,” he said.

The local celebration comes at the start of Pride Month, recognized in June to focus on the contributions of the LGBTQ community as well as its continuing struggle for equality.

Numerous elected officials attended a pre-parade rally and businesses throughout Babylon either sponsored cars in the parade or posted signs in their windows proudly announcing their sponsorship.

Organizers and village residents Robert McKeown and Roman, who goes by one name, helped start the parade in 2020 with the help of the nonprofit group Hope Floats Long Island.

“There’s nothing but love here,” said Theresa DePietto, executive director of Hope Floats Long Island, who noted that both Democratic and Republican elected officials back the parade. “There are no party lines.”

The first celebration featured a little more than a dozen cars and 500 onlookers. Officials anticipated a crowd of 5,000 on Sunday.

“Babylon Village is a safe space,” Roman told the crowd. “I want you to feel love, acceptance, welcome.”

McKeown said the parade also helped raise donations for scholarships and programs for young people.

Rosemary Flanagan of Smithtown, who stood with friends on Deer Park Avenue to watch the parade, said she was happy to have a Pride celebration close to home.

“I wish they had this in the ’80s instead of always having to go into the city,” she said. “It’s great.”

Charvon Pierce of North Babylon said she came out to support the community.

“Love is love,” she said. “This is what life is about. We are all human beings no matter what. This is beautiful.”

Daniel Coppola of Islip said he was especially happy to see so many families at the parade.

“It’s so nice to see everyone in the community get together,” said Coppola, who rode in the parade on the truck sponsored by Lily Flanagan’s restaurant.

Nicole Martino of Babylon Village and her 18-year-old daughter, Summer, have attended the parade every year.

“Everyone should be accepted,” Martino said.

“No matter what they are, who they are, as long as they are happy, that’s all that matters,” her daughter added.

Sherri Glock of Smithtown held up a big sign that read “Free Mom Hugs,” a nationwide organization that supports the LGBTQIA-plus community.

“We embrace them, and we love them unconditionally,” said Glock. “It's moms, dads, friends, allies — everyone.”

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.