Up and down Forest Avenue in West Brighton, Staten Island, Pride flags dot business windows, their owners publicly declaring support for the LGBTQ+ community.
On Sunday, March 5, Staten Island will hold its traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As always, everyone is welcome to celebrate the contributions of St. Patrick. Those who seek to hijack the parade by drawing attention to their own agenda are not welcome.
I live on a tree-lined street on Staten Island’s North Shore, with my wife and our dog, and we fit in. We visit small businesses, spend our money locally, and try to support our neighbors however we can. Our friends live all around, and we feel rooted, planted and welcome here. It is a beautiful neighborhood and a beautiful borough; one I believe doesn’t get the proper credit for being a great place to live.
The "political breakfast" held the morning of the Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade has been canceled this year, with organizers "standing up to" the parade's continued exclusion of LGBT groups. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon has penned an open letter explaining the decision to stand down the breakfast.