GOAL also provides training to new NYPD recruits to '(educate) future officers on the unique challenges facing our community,' the organization said, as it pushed back against the ban. Thomas said it will come down to training and setting clear standards with private security beforehand. 'We're pushing more for them to start to shift (traffic enforcement) to working with the Department of Transportation instead of the NYPD.'

'Most private security companies hire off-duty officers or former police officers, so we think it's the same mentality,' Ray said. Ray said the New York City Anti-Violence Project was pushing to have law enforcement completely removed from NYC Pride, and was concerned about the use of private security. These steps don't go far enough for some LGBTQ activists.