New York’s biggest, loudest, most joyful march just added a little extra star power.
NYC Pride has officially unveiled its Grand Marshals for the 2026 Pride March and among them is Bowen Yang, the Emmy-winning comedian who helped usher queer humor into the mainstream during his run on Saturday Night Live.
Yang won’t be leading the march alone. This year’s lineup is stacked with more cultural power players and longtime advocates, including actress and activist Dominique Jackson, performer and trailblazer Peppermint, iconic subway voice Bernie Wagenblast and activist collective Gays Against Guns.
For Yang, the honor is personal. “The Pride March has held my best memories and also my most dehydrated. Please remember to drink water on the day,” he joked, before adding a more heartfelt thought: “Being a Grand Marshal in the city that helped me find my community and my voice is incredibly special.”
The 2026 march, set for Sunday, June 28, is expected to draw millions of spectators and tens of thousands of participants, continuing its legacy as one of the largest LGBTQIA+ demonstrations in the world. This year’s honorees also reflect a continued emphasis on trans visibility and advocacy, with multiple trans leaders recognized amid what organizers describe as an increasingly urgent moment for LGBTQIA+ rights.
“Our Grand Marshals have blazed trails and opened doors in entertainment, media and advocacy,” said NYC Pride Executive Director Im Lynde. “Their visibility alone is worth celebrating, but they are fighting for opportunity, support and safety for our entire LGBTQIA+ community.”
Off the parade route, Pride weekend will include staples like PrideFest and Youth Pride, turning the final weekend of June into a full-city celebration. But if you’re looking for the headline moment, it’s hard to beat this: a former SNL cast member, marching down Fifth Avenue, cracking jokes, handing out reminders to hydrate—and leading one of the most important parades in the world.
