UFT members joined the annual Pride march along Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 26, an event that took on deeper significance in the wake of the Orlando shooting two weeks earlier. UFT President Michael Mulgrew and AFT President Randi Weingarten joined other union officials and dozens of UFT members marching alongside the union float. It was the second Pride march for teachers Jennifer Winkler and Christina Steel from PS 32 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. “I want to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Winkler. “There’s a lot of hate in this world, especially after Orlando.” For Winkler, the march — which was reportedly the largest ever, drawing more than 1 million spectators — was a celebration of love. “It’s about love always wins, whoever you are. We’re united as one. It’s important to come together and support each other.” Steel said spectators were excited to see the UFT contingent march by. “They were yelling, ‘Oh, my mom’s a teacher!’” she said. “In the teaching profession, you’re not necessarily allowed to be who you are at work. It’s important to show support.” 

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