João Brandão was born in Brazil and raised in Spain, France, the U.K., Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Angola, and South Africa.

He’s a man of the world, so he feels right at home in Jackson Heights, Queens, where he’s been living for the past 18 years. The New York City neighborhood is one of America’s great melting pots.

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“Threats to queer kids and the suicide risks that come from not being supported or seen at an important time of their lives.”

Brandão, an interpreter and translator who works with asylum seekers, is also a photojournalist. In 2023, he covered Queens Pride in Jackson Heights.

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If nothing else, it was convenient. The parade rolls right past his front door on 80th Street and 37th Avenue.

Brandão calls Queens Pride “a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures, making it one of the most exhilarating experiences for our community.”

“It’s a kaleidoscope of color and joy,” he says.

Asked what makes a great shot at a Pride event, Brandão tells LGBTQ Nation, it’s “the spark in people’s eyes. The energy they exude. And the profound longing to be seen, heard, and respected. It’s a vibe that speaks to the deepest human desire for connection and appreciation.”

Brandão captured just those qualities in a photo he shared of a Jamaican parade-goer, iridescent with rainbow swag and teal lipstick. She’s shy, welcoming, and flattered by the camera’s gaze all at once.

She’s also giving Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis a shout with her rainbow Mickey sticker: the summer of 2023 was the height of the Disney-DeSantis feud inspired by Florida’s notorious “Don’t Say Gay” laws.

Brandão has been taking pictures at Queens Pride since 2010 and says it’s a gathering of people “unencumbered by fear, and celebrated for who they are. Respect and acceptance are the guiding principles.”

“The LGBTQ+ community has faced countless challenges on our journey,” Brandão says, “and we won’t let fear hold us back now. This year, our presence will be even more fierce, bold, and unforgettable.”

Pride in Pictures is LGBTQ Nation’s annual series celebrating Pride across the country. We asked our readers to send in their pictures and stories of Pride and we got so many rainbows. Keep an eye out for more heartwarming stories to get you ready for Pride Month 2025.

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