FDNY First Responders Stole the Spotlight with a Surprise Proposal at the NYC Pride Parade

New York City – Rainbow pride flags, colourful wigs, body glitter, and extravagant floats ruled the streets of the Big Apple on June 24, 2018, when a couple stole the show with a surprise marriage proposal.

Trudy Bermudez, a New York Fire Department emergency medical technician proposed to her girlfriend FDNY paramedic Tayreen Bonilla, in the midst of the Sunday parade. The parade was graced by tens of thousands of revellers and an estimated 2 million spectators.

Dressed in simple, navy blue uniforms, the couple made the much anticipated LGBT event extra colourful. It was the couple’s first time to attend the annual Pride Parade and they made sure it was memorable for them both (as well as for the onlookers).

Bermudez popped the question in the middle of the crosswalk not far from the historic Stonewall Inn. The landmark that practically gave birth to the occasion.

Initially, Bermudez wanted to propose near the judges’ booth where a friend was waiting to take their photos. However, as the couple approached the Stonewall Inn, Bermudez couldn’t wait any longer. She dropped on one knee and asked for Bonilla’s hand in marriage in front of thousands of participants.

In an interview, Bermudez said, “We were just walking, and the energy was phenomenal with the supporters around, and the meaning behind everything.” She adds, “It just grabbed my attention. We hit a corner, I don’t even remember … I just said, ‘This is it.’”

She said yes! Congrats to #FDNY EMT Trudy Bermudez and Paramedic Tayreen Bonilla of #Station43 on your engagement! #pride2018 #NYCPride2018 pic.twitter.com/DGiUyOlVwz

— FDNY (@FDNY) June 24, 2018

Bermudez recalled walking behind her girlfriend when she started to fumble inside her jacket for the ring when her glove got stuck in her pocket. When Bonilla turned around to ask where her Bermudez’s pride flag is, she received the surprise of her life. Bonilla went on to kiss her girlfriend and said yes.

The couple worked together at the FDNY for over four years. They started dating a year and a half ago.

Held in the streets of Lower Manhattan, the 2018 Pride Parade transpired with the ‘Defiantly Different’ theme that showed a combination of resistance and celebration. A positive stance against discrimination and violence towards the LGBT population.

The March runs by the site of the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street where the 1969 police raid happened that launched the modern LGBTIQ rights movement in the United States.

The New York City Pride March rivals the Sao Paulo Pride Parade, the largest pride parade in the world.

In the U.S., pride parades happen throughout the month of June.

featured image: sbs.com.au

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