Madonna has announced she will be the headline act at this year’s WorldPride celebrations, marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City.
Madge made the announcement on The Today Show last week, draped in a rainbow flag. “I hear you. I will be on Pride Island, where I was born,” she said in a video message.
Currently promoting her latest album and super-spy persona Madame X, Madonna will be appearing alongside Ciara, Grace Jones, Cyndi Lauper and more at the international celebration. Madame X‘s second single I Rise, was also dedicated as an anthem to Stonewall.
“The community called loud and clear for an appearance by Madonna at Pride Island for WorldPride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising,” said NYC Pride Executive Director Chris Frederick.
“I’m thrilled to report that Madonna and WorldPride NYC delivered on that call. This is going to be a night that our Pride Island guests will remember for the rest of their lives.”
The international WorldPride event made its debut in Rome in 2000, founded by Paul Stenson of InterPride to celebrate on an international scale. It has since been held in Jerusalem, London, Toronto and more.
Earlier this year, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras announced they will bid to host the event in 2023, hoping to be the first city to bring the celebration to the southern hemisphere.
Kate Wickett, Co-Chair of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, said that it would be an opportunity for Australia to showcase Sydney to the world.
“This bid will allow us to showcase to the rest of the world what Sydney, and Australia more broadly, has to offer the global LGBTQI community and the allies that support and celebrate with us.”
OIP Staff
