From Lisa Vanderpump to LeeAnne Locken, we know that so many of the stars of the Real Housewives franchise are huge advocates for the LGBTQ community, hosting fundraisers, events, and raising awareness for issues that truly affect the the community at large. This year, many of the Real Housewives (and other Bravo-lebrities) are heading to New York City to join Andy Cohen and some other special guests for New York City Pride in the most visible way possible; on a float in the New York City Pride Parade!
Cast members will be on the float from every current Real Housewives franchise; from The Real Housewives of Atlanta (Nene Leakes, Cynthia Bailey, Eva Marcille), The Real Housewives of New Jersey (Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga & Margaret Josephs), The Real Housewives of Dallas (LeeAnne Locken), The Real Housewives of New York City (Dorinda Medley & Sonja Morgan), The Real Housewives of Orange County (Kelly Dodd) and The Real Housewives of Potomac (Gizelle Bryant)
Other hit Bravo shows are definitely going to be represented, with Reza Farahan from Shas of Sunset, Patricia Altschul from Southern Charm and Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean are joining what is going to surely prove to be one of the most popular floats on the extensive Pride parade route.
It would not be an Andy Cohen/Watch What Happens Live themed float if it did not include some fierce drag queens. The float will also feature New York City drag performers Jackie Cox (“Drag” Lisa Rinna), Chelsea Piers (“Drag” Erika Jayne), Ginger Snap (“Drag” Captain Sandy) and Paige Turner (“Drag” List Vanderpump). Andy Cohen’s assistant (and host in her own right) Daryn Carp and the unofficial mascot of Watch What Happens Live, The Gay Shark will also be board the float to join in on the festivities!
“Bravo has a long history of representing the LGBTQ community through its programming,” Andy said in a statement. “I’m proud to be a part of this network and its history, and I’m honored to be marching toward another 50 years of progress and equality.”
The NYC Pride float caps off Bravo’s month-long celebration of WorldPride, the largest Pride celebration in the world, marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and 50 years of LGBTQIA+ liberation. The celebration also includes special content on Bravo, its social media feeds, and Bravotv.com throughout the month of June.
Cohen himself was recently honored with the Vito Russo Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City earlier this month. The award is presented to an openly LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance.
“To be gay today is something that I am so thankful for, but it’s a fight that’s not over and it’s a fight that I’m committed to even more so now that I’m a father,” Andy said while accepting the award. “When [my son] Benjamin was born three months ago, I looked into his eyes and I saw there was no hate, no bias, no bigotry, just love. That’s how we come into this world, and that is how hopefully one day we will all live in it.”
(All Art Courtesy of BravoTV)