Mayor Eric Adams praises committee’s decision, ending long-standing exclusion

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has commended the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee for their groundbreaking decision to allow LGBTQ+ groups to march in the 2025 parade, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in Staten Island’s annual celebration of Irish heritage.

“From day one, our administration has been clear that celebrations in our city should be welcoming and inclusive, which is why we brought the community together, along with the Staten Island Business Outreach Center, to create the first-ever — and incredibly successful — fully-inclusive St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Staten Island earlier this year,” stated Mayor Adams. “We are thrilled that, this year, Staten Island’s LGBTQ+ community will finally be welcome to march under their own banner in the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and we applaud the committee for coming to this decision, which was a long-time coming. Congratulations to the Staten Island community, including the Pride Center of Staten Island and the Lavender and Green Alliance, for their long advocacy for inclusion.”

The announcement follows a significant shift in Staten Island’s parade history. In March 2024, Mayor Adams endorsed the borough’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive St. Patrick’s Day Parade, bringing an end to years of division. The Richmond County parade had been the last of its kind globally to ban LGBTQ+ participants. Mayor Adams’ support for the LGBTQ+ community on Staten Island included being the first mayor to attend the March 2023 “Rainbow Run” in solidarity with those previously excluded and, in November 2022, becoming the first New York City mayor to visit the Pride Center of Staten Island.

This decision signals a new chapter for Staten Island, fostering unity and embracing diversity across all New York City celebrations.