Shoppers, theatre-goers and Pride supporters turned their eyes to Manhattan as actor Luke Evans joined Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative and The Trevor Project to light the Empire State Building in rainbow colours, a bright, visible reminder of Pride, protest and history ahead of New York City’s annual Pride March.

Essential Takeaways

  • Iconic visual: The Empire State Building glowed in Pride colours, creating a striking skyline image visible across midtown Manhattan.
  • Notable supporters: Luke Evans, Stacy Lentz and Jaymes Black led the ceremony, blending celebrity, activism and youth-focused outreach.
  • Historic roots: The lighting tied directly to Stonewall’s legacy and the ongoing message that Pride began as protest.
  • Emotional impact: The display aims to reach LGBTQ+ youth with a message of visibility, safety and belonging.
  • Practical note: Landmark lightings are curated events coordinated by organisations and the building, so attendances and photos are common , bring a camera and dress for the evening.

A skyline lit for Pride , the immediate moment

The sight of the Empire State Building bathed in rainbow colours is a quiet, electric thing; you feel it before you see it, a low hum of excitement under the night sky. Luke Evans stood at the ceremonial switch with his dog Lala, flipping the lights on as crowds gathered for Pride events along Fifth Avenue. According to the building’s own account, the lighting was timed to celebrate NYC Pride and lift up organisations that support LGBTQ+ people. It’s a theatrical gesture that lands particularly well when the city is already thrumming with the march and commemorations.

Why the lighting matters , protest, memory and visibility

Lighting a famous landmark does more than look pretty; it sends a message that reaches beyond a single street. Activist Stacy Lentz reminded attendees that Pride was a protest, rooted in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, and that the lighting is a nod to that history. The ceremony tied directly into the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative’s work , a reminder that visibility must walk hand in hand with advocacy. When a skyline glows for Pride, it’s both celebration and reminder: rights won can be contested, and public lightings can galvanise support.

Celebrity support with a personal note

There’s something coaxing about a celebrity who shows up, speaks plainly and seems genuinely moved. Evans, currently on Broadway in The Rocky Horror Show, reflected on what the lights meant to him as a non-American who grew up idolising the Empire State Building. He praised the work of The Trevor Project and Stonewall’s initiative, saying such gestures can mean the world to someone who feels unseen. Jaymes Black’s comment about being a closeted teenager in Texas underlined why public symbols of inclusion still matter , they’re not just photogenic backdrops, they are lifelines for some young people.

How these events come together , institutions, timing and tradition

The Empire State Building has long used its floodlights to mark causes and celebrations, from birthdays to awareness days. The building coordinates these displays with partner organisations, and this Pride lighting echoes earlier commemorations , the first Pride colours lighting goes back decades. For planners and onlookers, timing matters: sunset and the march schedule make the coloured illumination a focal point. If you’re hoping to catch one live, check the building’s events page and arrive early for a good view.

What it means for LGBTQ+ youth and communities

Public lightings aren’t mere symbolism; they form part of a broader outreach strategy. The Trevor Project’s involvement ensures that the visual statement is paired with resources and support messaging targeted at young people. Jaymes Black articulated the core aim: to tell LGBTQ+ youth they are seen and believed. For families, teachers or allies, it’s a clear prompt to talk openly with young people about identity, safety and local support services. Small gestures like a lit skyline can be the starting point for important conversations.

It's a small ritual that carries weight , a bright, public reminder that visibility still matters.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: