The parade was founded by Daniel Dromm and Maritza Martinez to raise the visibility of the LGBTQ community in Queens and memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera.

[3] Queens also serves as the largest transgender hub in the Western hemisphere and is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world.

Children of the Rainbow was designed to teach children acceptance of New York City's diverse communities, but the president of District 24's board, Mary A. Cummins, called the guide "dangerously misleading lesbian/homosexual propaganda", using three among the hundreds of the recommended readings, Heather Has Two Mommies, Daddy's Roommate, and Gloria Goes to Gay Pride, as proof.

"[1]On June 6, 1993, the Inaugural Queens Lesbian and Gay Parade and Block Party Festival took place in Jackson Heights.

Grand Marshals for the parade included City Councilman Tom Duane, Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, and activist Jeanne Manford.

[11] One iconic Queens Pride participant was Ms. Colombia, who Daniel Dromm characterized as "a real Jackson Heights character".