More security planned at this weekend's Pride on the Beach

Long Beach is expected to host more than 30,000 people this weekend for the third year of its Pride on The Beach festival and will boost security to accommodate the crowds.

The Woodbury-based LGBT Network will kick off its three-day event in Long Beach and Lido Beach on Friday, culminating with a parade through the city and a concert on the beach featuring singer Macy Gray.

Organizers gathered Tuesday with Hempstead Town and Long Beach officials to raise the rainbow Pride flag above Hempstead's Town Hall and sing "YMCA" with the original Village People Cowboy, Randy Jones.

“Hatred and bigotry has no place in our town and it’s our job to ensure the safety and security of all of our residents, regardless of sexual orientation or race or creed is respected,” Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen said. “By raising this flag, it’s not just saying we’re tolerating this community — we embrace the richness of this community in every corner of our town.”

The parade down Long Beach's Lafayette Boulevard will commemorate the 29th year of Pride festivities on Long Island and 50 years since the Stonewall Inn uprising in Manhattan. The parade will feature six original members of the Stonewall uprising as grand marshals.

LGBT Network president David Kilmnick noted the struggle and history of bringing Long Island Pride festivities before a Suffolk County judge granted organizers the right to march in Huntington in 1991.

“We felt we shouldn’t have to go to Manhattan,” Kilmnick said. “It ignited us and our need to fight for our rights on Long Island. We’re marching because we have the right to march and we should be treated like everyone else.”

Long Beach police will be increasing security aided by Nassau County and State Police, in addition to security hosted by organizers.

City officials and event organizers have increased security based on the expectation of large crowds and bias incidents in Washington, D.C., and Delaware, acting City Manager Rob Agostisi said. There have been no specific threats made in Long Beach or to event organizers, officials said.

“We’re working to make sure it’s safe for everyone to be there,” Long Beach City Council President Anthony Eramo said.

Events will continue on the East End with a Pride on the Vines June 25 at Clovis Point Vineyard in Southold, followed by an LGBT prom the next day at Crest Hollow Country Club.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.