Kevin Kilbride brought the spirit of Pride in New York City to life in a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with DJ RON. Now in his first year working with NYC Pride, Kevin opened up about how deeply personal—and powerful—the Pride movement is to him.
“Pride is always a mix of celebration and protest,” Kevin shared. “This year feels more like a protest, given everything going on, but this community is resilient—we’ve always shown up.” He spoke candidly about Pride’s dual identity: joyful in moments of progress like the 2015 marriage equality ruling, and bold in the face of recent political setbacks affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
Reflecting on his own journey, Kevin recalled the life-changing impact of attending his very first Pride. “There’s always someone out there experiencing Pride for the first time, finally feeling like they belong. That’s what keeps me going.” That experience fueled his passion for creating safe, empowering spaces—something he now gets to do from the inside, not just as a participant but as a leader.
Stepping into this new role at NYC Pride, Kevin sees it as a full-circle moment. “This next generation needs these spaces more than ever,” he said, emphasizing how vital visibility and inclusivity still are.
Kevin also talked about how fictional characters like Jack McFarland from Will & Grace helped shape his own sense of confidence. “Being unapologetically yourself—that really stuck with me.” As he prepares for Pride this year, he’s ditching his usual black wardrobe in favor of something bold and colorful, a reflection of how comfortable he’s become in his own skin.
Living in New York has only amplified Kevin’s creative energy. He finds endless inspiration in the city’s diversity and insists that NYC Pride must reflect that same richness—”every color and stripe of the rainbow should be seen and celebrated.”
But Pride isn’t without its challenges. Kevin acknowledged the dip in corporate sponsorships this year and stressed the importance of individual support. “Grassroots organizations are doing the real, lifesaving work. And we’re committed to funding them through our grant program, no matter what.”
Looking ahead, Kevin sees Pride not just as a yearly event, but as an ongoing mission. “It’s a celebration, yes—but it’s also a call to action. We march with purpose. There’s still work to be done.”
For Kevin Kilbride, Pride is personal. It’s about belonging, expression, resilience—and most of all, ensuring the next generation feels seen, heard, and supported.
To hear the full conversation and dive deeper into Kevin’s story, check out his complete interview below with DJ RON—an inspiring look into what Pride in NYC truly means.
