WorldPride’s month-long celebration is underway, and since it will be making its debut on U.S. soil this year, there’s no choice but to have the opening ceremony come in with a bang!

NYC Pride recently released the location and initial talent line-up for the official Opening Ceremony of WorldPride 2019 and it doesn’t disappoint.

The event will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, June 26 from 7-10 p.m. with a list of highly acclaimed entertainers expected to appear.

Check out the list of performers and speakers below:

1. Whoopi Goldberg

Photo: Whoopi Goldberg/vanityfair.com

EGOT winner and multi-talented entertainer Whoopi Goldberg is scheduled to host the WorldPride Opening Ceremony. Since Goldberg wears many hats in the entertainment industry, including being an actress, comedian, author and television personality, she is the perfect person to set the tone for an amazing experience during this month-long celebration.

2. Chaka Khan

Photo: Chaka Khan/Ebony

Chaka Khan is one of the world’s most cherished musicians in history and WorldPride has the pleasure of having her perform at its first celebration in the U.S.

The legendary songwriter, entrepreneur and activist has paved the way for some of our favorite entertainers today and she has the background to prove it. After releasing 22 albums, Khan has received seven RIAA certified gold singles and 10 RIAA certified gold and platinum albums, with 10 #1 Billboard magazine charted songs. Her performance is guaranteed to be nothing short of amazing.

3. Ciara

Photo: Ciara/amazon.com

Get ready to “1, 2 Step” your way all through Barclays Center, attendees. Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, Ciara, will also be among the number of performers who are set to hit the stage. She is expected to perform some of her popular hits including “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “Body Party,” and “I Bet.”

4. Billy Porter

Photo: Billy Porter/Variety

Tony  and Grammy award-winning actor and fashion trendsetter, Billy Porter  is another highly anticipated talent set to make an appearance. Porter, who recently shut down award season with his stunning fashion outfits, currently stars as ‘Pray Tell’, in the FX series “Pose.” He has received both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for best actor in a drama series for his work.

5. Todrick Hall

Photo: Todrick Hall/metroweekly.com

Todrick Hall, a multi-talented singer and rapper who gained fame after running as a contestant on American Idol, will also be bringing his talents to WorldPride. Hall is also a successful actor, director, choreographer, and YouTube personality.

Proceeds for the historic benefit concert ticket sales will be given to local charities, Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE. They are some of the top organizations leading the support for the LGBTQIA+ movement based in New York City. Music icon Cyndi Lauper is set to perform as well.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of WorldPride than giving back to local nonprofit organizations like Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE,” said Eboni Munn, Communications Manager at NYC Pride. “It’s another example of NYC Pride’s commitment to serving the LGBTQIA+ community in New York.”

This benefit event welcomes everyone to WorldPride. Plus, there are lots of surprises for attendees. More talent announcements will soon be released leading up to the big event. Head here to learn more and purchase tickets for the ceremony here.

This post is brought to you in partnership with NYC Pride.

NYC WorldPride 2019

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week