Shoppers and sightseeing New Yorkers stopped to stare as Luke Evans flipped the switch on the Empire State Building’s Pride colours , a sparkling, big-city salute that put Broadway glamour, advocacy leaders and even a tiny dachshund on the 102nd-floor guest list. Here’s why the moment mattered and what it tells us about Pride in public places.

Essential Takeaways

  • Iconic gesture: Luke Evans ceremonially lit the Empire State Building in Pride colours, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1990.
  • Personal touch: Evans attended with his miniature dachshund, Lala, adding an intimate, playful note to a huge public moment.
  • Advocacy presence: The event included leaders from The Trevor Project and Stonewall Gives Back Initiative, tying celebration to charity work.
  • View and vibe: Guests took in the skyline from the 102nd floor, where the sweep of city lights underscored the symbolic message of unity.

A show-stopping switch: Broadway star brings Pride to a skyscraper

Luke Evans , currently stirring audiences as Dr Frank-N-Furter on Broadway , was given the honour of flipping the Empire State Building’s Pride lighting this year. The scene had that mix of glamour and goodwill, the kind that makes you grin: a famous actor, a landmark lit in rainbow hues, and the city buzzing beneath. According to the Empire State Building’s own account, the ceremony is part of a long-standing Pride tradition that transforms one of New York’s most recognisable silhouettes into a global statement.

Why the visuals matter: public monuments and Pride

Lighting a 1,454-foot spire isn’t just decorative; it’s symbolic. Public landmarks have a habit of amplifying messages , and when the Empire State Building glows in Pride colours, it sends a visible signal across the skyline and on social feeds. That kind of positive, unifying message matters to onlookers and to people watching from afar, reinforcing that Pride is both celebration and visibility. Event coverage and the building’s blog note how these moments reach beyond the city to a wider audience.

Friends, foes and a tiny VIP: who joined the celebration

Evans wasn’t alone. He was accompanied by Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, and Stacy Lentz, CEO and co-founder of The Stonewall Gives Back Initiative, turning a celebratory flick into an intersection of entertainment and advocacy. Having charity leaders on hand keeps the focus on support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and communities, a reminder that Pride can be both joyful and purposeful. It’s a tidy example of how celebrity moments can spotlight organisations doing the hard work behind the scenes.

Close-up: the human side of a landmark moment

Up on the 102nd floor, the view helps make the point: humanity looks best when we let each other be visible. Evans reflected on the symbolism in remarks reported by the organisers, saying the display is about “humanity coming together” , a sentiment that felt both earnest and timely. And for anyone who loves small, photogenic details, his miniature dachshund Lala stole the scene, softening the occasion with a playful, furry cameo.

What it means for Pride going forward

These high-profile ceremonies suggest Pride remains adaptable: part spectacle, part protest, and part philanthropy. When a celebrity, a landmark and advocacy leaders combine, the outcome is media-friendly and message-driven. For visitors or locals planning Pride-season outings, keep an eye on building websites and charity partners for similar events , they’re a neat way to combine tourism with community support.

It's a small gesture with a big glow , and a nice reminder that visibility still counts.

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