New York City is known as a cultural stomping ground for those of any stripe — or rainbow — but a new festival is set to take place a month after next year's Gay Pride festival in July: the Disability Pride NYC Parade.
Perhaps the driving force behind the march is a bit unusual but, according to The New York Times, jazz pianist Mike LeDonne has a firsthand experience with disability in his home as his daughter, Mary, suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome.
PWS, according to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, is a genetic disorder that affects appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior. The disorder also causes blindness and requires Mary to use a wheelchair some of the time.
For the festival, LeDonne said he enlisted volunteer help and will take the parade from Madison to Union squares. LeDonne also created a nonprofit and is holding a fundraiser Thursday, Jan. 8, to benefit the parade.
And the fundraiser will take place at none other than our favorite downtown dwelling, Le Poisson Rouge, at 7 p.m.
As one could imagine, LeDonne will be bringing Mary to the festival and cites her as the source of inspiration for the entire gala. A beautiful affair for a beautiful cause, so the parade should be a hit July 12.
But for now, get down on the Donne trio below:
