Equal Pride, the publisher of “Out” and “The Advocate,” celebrated the start of Pride Month on Monday night, with a party honoring Broadway’s brightest LGBTQ+ stars and allies.
Eyewitness News This Morning weather anchor Sam Champion co-hosted the celebration, Pride of Broadway, at Somewhere Nowhere in Chelsea, along with actress Cynthia Nixon.
Broadway took center stage in more ways than one as Sam Champion, beloved TV personality and weather anchor, co-hosted a dazzling Pride celebration honoring LGBTQ+ performers, creators, and allies from the theater world. The event brought together a powerful blend of glitz, gratitude, and community pride in the heart of New York City.
A Night of Pride and Performance
Held during Pride Month, the celebration spotlighted the enduring impact of LGBTQ+ artists on Broadway’s legacy—both onstage and behind the scenes. The evening was filled with live musical numbers, emotional tributes, and heartwarming speeches that emphasized inclusivity, resilience, and artistic excellence.
Sam Champion, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, brought his signature warmth and energy to the stage, sharing hosting duties with a Broadway veteran and helping guide the night’s vibrant mix of performances and honors.
“Broadway has always been a home for expression, courage, and love,” Champion said. “Tonight, we honor the people who keep that spirit alive—and who continue pushing it forward.”
Honoring Broadway’s Brightest
The event paid tribute to iconic LGBTQ+ trailblazers as well as rising stars, shining a spotlight on those who use their art to inspire change and visibility. Special awards were given to performers, playwrights, and producers who have broken boundaries and championed diversity on and off the stage.
Audience members were treated to performances from hit musicals, emotional spoken-word pieces, and surprise cameos from some of Broadway’s most beloved names.
Unity, Visibility, and Joy
Beyond the red carpet and standing ovations, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the role Broadway plays in uplifting marginalized voices and building community through shared storytelling. LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and longtime theater fans gathered to celebrate identity, artistry, and the progress still to be made.
Sam Champion’s presence underscored the importance of using public platforms to advocate for inclusion. Known for his work on Good Morning America and Eyewitness News, Champion has been open about his own journey and continues to be a visible and vocal ally in media and beyond
“This isn’t just a celebration of Broadway—it’s a celebration of who we are,” Champion said in closing. “And there’s no stage big enough to contain that.”
With music, memories, and a deep sense of purpose, the Pride celebration served as a joyful testament to the LGBTQ+ community’s central place in the fabric of Broadway—and in the hearts of millions.
WABC-TV will have coverage of Pride Month, all month, including the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 29.
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