Autistic Pride Day 2026

Jun 16

Autistic Adults NYC celebrated its 4th Annual Autistic Pride Day in Downtown Brooklyn on June 14th, 2026!

This year, we were grateful to have a sunny day to connect with our community. Our theme was "Strength in Community," highlighting the importance of spaces where Autistic people can connect, build community, and support one another.

Community members gathered for speeches, live music, and opportunities to connect with disability-serving organizations. There was picnicking, dancing, socializing, food, and plenty of time to spend time together. Some relaxed in our sensory tent, some explored the different resources available, while others enjoyed meeting new people and connecting with old friends. Overall, it was a wonderful day and a great success.

We're so grateful to our speakers and performers (listed below) who shared their talents with us. They shared a wide range of experiences and perspectives on being part of the Autistic community, spoke about their unique journeys, and shared their talents through guitar, handpan, singing, and more.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, spoke, and helped make this event possible.

We're excited to continue the tradition of hosting Autistic Pride Day on or around June 18th in NYC for years to come. We hope you'll join us again in 2027!

Speakers: Kat Y, Victoria Stewart,J.M. Starling,Emma Goldman-Sherman,Josh Arnon

Performers: The Handpanist, Reese Brooks, Nate Feldman, Jamal Byas, Lillian HG, Oliver Bliss, ALEX THE MEH, Cara Lorraine, SoundSolstice

Row of organizations tabling under blue tents, with an “Autistic Pride Day 2026” sign in the middle of the walkway

Crowd of people facing the stage

Two attendees holding hands and dancing, with others smiling and facing them

Shot of the back of the audience, facing the stage

Attendee twirling a rainbow ribbon

Perspective under a blue umbrella at a red picnic table, facing the crowd

Person on stage with a beanie and white shirt, holding an electric guitar

Crowd underneath blue umbrellas above picnic tables. Shirts are lined up along a concrete wall

Person speaking on stage with a white “Autistic Pride Day 2026” shirt and a red hat

Row of organizations tabling

“NY Connects” table

“Harlem Independent Living Center” table

AANYC volunteers selling shirts to an attendee

White shirts with the “Autistic Pride Day 2026” logo in the center

Table with Autistic Pride Day merchandise. Behind the table an AANYC volunteer is giving a thumbs up

Person with purple hair and a keffiyeh speaking on stage

Crowd of attendees, with grass in the foreground

Person singing on stage holding an electric ukelele

Attendees sitting around a table coloring

Person seated at the stage with short black hair, playing the handpan instrument

Attendee facing the stage, holding a yellow flag with a rainbow neurodiversity infinity

Sy'Aire Russell

Sy’Aire currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, and was diagnosed as Autistic in August 2021, midway through pursuing their Master’s at New York University. After a long journey of adjusting to city life, a new diagnosis, and struggling to find community, they founded Autistic Adults NYC. A dedicated community builder, organizer, speaker, and consultant, Sy’Aire is committed to advocating for a more inclusive, equitable NYC for Autistics. Since starting the organization, they have continued to enjoy facilitating events and compiling resources for the community, along with director duties. Their special interests include disability advocacy, music, and animals.

https://www.autisticadultsnyc.org/about

Autistic Pride Day 2026

LGBTQ+ Group: Comic Strips