Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has stepped into a bold new role, joining the leadership team behind the iconic NYC Pride Parade — one of the world’s most prominent celebrations of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Jean-Pierre, the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House Press Secretary, has been announced as a strategic advisor and public liaison for NYC Pride, the organization behind the annual event. Her appointment marks a significant shift from the political stage to cultural advocacy, and signals her continued commitment to advancing equality and representation.
In a statement released Tuesday, NYC Pride organizers praised Jean-Pierre’s “trailblazing leadership, communications expertise, and unwavering advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community,” noting that her experience in both government and activism makes her uniquely suited to help shape the future of Pride in New York and beyond.
Jean-Pierre also shared her excitement about the new position, calling it “an honor to stand with a community that has given me so much strength and inspiration throughout my life.”
“This is not just a celebration — it’s a movement,” she said. “NYC Pride is a powerful platform for telling our stories, pushing for justice, and making sure every voice is heard. I’m thrilled to be part of this team as we continue the work of building a more inclusive and joyful future.”
Jean-Pierre’s transition to NYC Pride comes at a time of heightened political and cultural tension around LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on the rise in several states and growing concern over the safety and visibility of queer communities, organizers hope her presence will send a strong message about the importance of resilience and solidarity.
While she left her post at the White House in early 2025 after serving during a historic period of national and global challenges, Jean-Pierre has remained a vocal advocate on social issues, frequently speaking out on matters of civil rights, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ equality.
In her new role, she is expected to focus on public engagement, community outreach, and helping to amplify the voices of marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth and people of color. She will also play a key part in media relations and political strategy leading up to the 2025 Pride March and its related events.
This year’s NYC Pride Parade, scheduled for June, is expected to draw millions of spectators and participants, with Jean-Pierre now helping to shape the messaging and impact of one of the world’s most visible platforms for queer advocacy.
Her appointment signals a new chapter not only in her own career but in the evolving mission of NYC Pride itself — blending activism, visibility, and leadership at a critical moment for the LGBTQ+ movement.
