Jake Resnicow on the Future of LGBTQ Entertainment and Nightlife | GLAAD

Events producer Jake Resnicow is the creative architect behind behind some of the most popular and sought-after LGBTQ-focused nightlife and pride events around the globe.

From Planet Pride in New York City, to Utopia Festival on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Resnicow’s events bring together some of the biggest names in music, from LGBTQ artists, to outspoken allies to the community, including Kesha and Kim Petras, Kygo, John Summit, Billy Porter, Paris Hilton and many more.

GLAAD’s Tony Morrison talked one-on-one with Resnicow on the entertainment business he’s built, the future he sees for LGBTQ nightlife and how the LGBTQ community doesn’t just drive culture, it is culture.

“I’ve always had a passion for creating spaces where people can truly express themselves, but my journey into live events and entertainment was somewhat serendipitous,” Resnicow said to GLAAD on coming up in the industry.

“It wasn’t just one moment, but a series of experiences that shaped my path.”

“My first major event was in 2010 when we took over Governors Island during Pride. Seeing thousands of smiling faces as the fireworks went off, I knew this was my calling. Entertainment has always been in my blood—I actually got my start emceeing weddings and bar-mitzvahs as a teenager. But it was that Pride event on Governors Island that solidified my desire to produce events that weren’t just about having a good time, but about creating unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.”

“Over the years, I’ve had the honor of producing some truly incredible events,” Resnicow continued.

“Highlights include WorldPride at the Javits Center, where we brought together legends like Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, Brandi Carlile, and Kygo, who debuted ‘Higher Love.’ I’ve also donated my time to produce the Main Floor of Life Ball in Vienna for several years and brought the first-ever Pride (Dreamland) to Central Park last year with performances by Purple Disco Machine, Paris Hilton, and most recently, John Summit. These moments are a testament to the power of live events to bring people together and create lasting memories.”

“One unforgettable moment was when Dreamland Pride broke the Guinness World Record last year for the largest fashion show, featuring Marco Marco and numerous celebrity appearances,” Resnicow recalled.

“The energy and excitement from both the participants and the audience were truly remarkable. Moments like these remind me of the impact we can have and the joy we can bring to our community.”

Resnicow also shared why queer-focused entertainment is so special.

“What I love most about live entertainment is its ability to bring people together in a shared moment of joy, freedom, and self-expression. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a crowd that’s fully immersed in an experience—where the music, the lights, and the atmosphere all align to create something magical.”

“But live queer entertainment is something even more profound,” he continued.

“It’s not just about having a good time; it’s about creating a safe and affirming space where people can celebrate who they are without fear or judgment. Queer events are revolutionary by nature because they challenge societal norms and give a platform to voices that have been marginalized for too long. The sense of community and resilience in queer spaces is unlike anything else, and it’s an honor to be able to contribute to that.”

Resnicow noted that over the years, scaling his events to the generate and meet demand was more about impact than growing and scaling the business.

“When I first started, queer events were often on the fringes, confined to small, underground spaces,” he said.

“While there was a certain charm to that, it also came with limitations—both in terms of visibility and inclusivity. Over the years, I’ve seen a significant shift towards more mainstream acceptance of queer entertainment. Events like Planet Pride and Dreamland now attract thousands of attendees and are hosted at some of the most iconic venues.”

“However, with this growth comes the responsibility to stay true to the community’s roots,” he reiterated to GLAAD.

“It’s not just about scaling up; it’s about ensuring that as we grow, we maintain the authenticity and inclusiveness that make queer spaces special.”

“The biggest change I’ve seen is that queer entertainment is no longer just about nightlife—it’s become a cultural movement that includes art, music, fashion, and activism, all intertwined in a way that’s pushing boundaries and creating real change,” he pointed out.

“Initiatives like the Femme House LGBTQ+ Scholarship Fund reflect this evolution, as we now actively contribute to shaping the future of queer representation in the music industry.”

Like so many others, the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on Resnicow’s work.

“The pandemic was a game-changer for live events, and the recovery has been anything but straightforward. One of the biggest challenges has been rebuilding trust with our audiences. After such a long period of isolation, people are understandably cautious about returning to large gatherings. We’ve had to innovate and adapt quickly—integrating new safety protocols, rethinking event design to allow for more space, and even incorporating hybrid elements to cater to those who prefer to participate virtually.”

“Another hurdle has been the supply chain disruptions and labor shortages that have impacted everything from staging to staffing,” he said.

“It’s forced us to be more resourceful and creative, but it’s also reinforced the importance of community—both in terms of the teams that put these events together and the audiences that support them. Despite these challenges, our commitment to the community has remained unwavering, as demonstrated by the continued success and expansion of the Femme House LGBTQ+ Scholarship Fund, which we launched in the midst of these hurdles.”

Resnicow also highlighted that he very much understands that the “party scene” doesn’t always have the best reputation and he is focused on helping to change that narrative and perception wherever and whenever he can.

“Queer nightlife has often been misunderstood, but the spaces I create are about so much more than just a party, he explained.”

“They’re about building community, celebrating diversity, and providing a platform for self-expression. Each event is designed with intention, from the performers we feature to the ambiance we create. My goal is to produce events where everyone feels welcomed, seen, and celebrated.”

“What sets our spaces apart is the focus on inclusivity and safety. We go to great lengths to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, feels like they belong. This means everything from having gender-neutral restrooms to providing clear communication about consent and respect. It’s about creating a vibe where you can be your true self, without fear of judgment or harm.”

Resnicow also said that, “Representation is not just a buzzword for me; it’s a core principle of how I operate. I make it a priority to work with LGBTQ+ talent both on stage and behind the scenes. This means actively seeking out and supporting queer artists, DJs, performers, and also ensuring that our production teams are diverse and inclusive.”

“It’s about creating opportunities and making sure that the people who are part of our community are also the ones shaping the experiences we’re delivering. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, partnerships with queer organizations, or simply making sure that our hiring practices are inclusive, I’m committed to ensuring that our events truly reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community,” he added.

Talking to specifically his Pride events, Resnicow added that, “Dreamland and Planet Pride were born out of a desire to create something bigger than just an event—they’re about creating a cultural movement. I wanted to bring together the best of what our community has to offer in a space that’s not only safe and inclusive but also pushes the boundaries of what live entertainment can be.’

“These events are about celebrating our identities, our achievements, and our resilience as a community. They’re also about giving back, which is why we’ve integrated charitable giving and advocacy into everything we do. Have we hit the mark? I believe we have, but there’s always room to grow and evolve. Every event is a learning experience, and I’m constantly thinking about how we can make the next one even more impactful…advocacy is at the heart of everything I do.”

“It’s not enough to just throw a party; we have to use these platforms to make a difference,” Resnicow affirmed. Adding that, “By integrating charitable giving into our events, we’re able to raise awareness and funds for causes that matter to our community. Whether it’s through direct donations, partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, or spotlighting important issues during our events, we’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

And it is not lost on him that state of LGBTQ we are living in. In fact, he told GLAAD that the political climate and scrutiny of LGBTQ existence has emboldened him ever more to create events and experiences with lasting impact and even bigger names in music.

“In a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under attack, it’s more important than ever to stand up and be counted,” he said.

“Our events are a form of resistance, a way to assert our presence and our rights. They’re also a way to bring people together, to remind them that they’re not alone, and to inspire them to get involved in the larger movement for equality. We’re committed to continuing our In a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under attack, it’s more important than ever to stand up and be counted. Our events are a form of resistance, a way to assert our presence and our rights. They’re also a way to bring people together, to remind them that they’re not alone, and to inspire them to get involved in the larger movement for equality.

Resnicow also added that he intends to continue the Pride With A Purpose initiative, offering free tickets to all my events in exchange for eight community service hours to LGBTQ+ organizations such as the Ali Forney Center and the Trevor Project. This program empowers people to do more, donate their time and resources, and reminds us all that Pride Month is a time to continue fighting for equality and taking care of each other.”

Dreamland Central Park‘In fighting for representation and visibility in his corner of entertainment, Resnicow is more hopeful for all that’s to come.

The future of live, queer entertainment is incredibly bright,” he told GLAAD.

“I see it becoming even more integrated with technology, with hybrid events that allow for global participation and new forms of interaction. But at its core, it will always be about creating spaces where our community can come together, celebrate, and push for change.”

“I believe we’ll see more collaborations across different forms of media—music, film, fashion, and art—creating multidisciplinary events that are as much about culture as they are about entertainment. We’re also going to see a continued push for inclusivity, with events that cater to a broader spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community, including those who have historically been underrepresented.”

So, what’s next for Resnicow?

“There’s always something on the horizon,” he began.

“I’m particularly excited to produce the official music festival for WorldPride in our nation’s capital next year, June 6-7, 2025. It’s going to be a historic event, set against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride. With an anticipated audience of 3 million people, this is more than just a festival—it’s a global platform poised to break records and make a real difference by giving back to our community. I’m putting my heart and soul into it, and it’s going to be something truly special.”

“WorldPride 2025 is especially significant because it might be the last time we experience this extraordinary event in the USA within our lifetime.”

WorldPride is an international pride event that occurs every two years, organized by InterPride, which chooses a new host city around the world for the event. The 2025 celebration will be a once-in-a-lifetime WorldPride with the U.S. hosting in Washington, D.C.

“We’re aiming to set a new Guinness World Record, benefiting the Capital Pride Alliance and significantly bolstering community support, visibility, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights,” Resinocw said.

“Beyond WorldPride, I’m constantly looking for new ways to innovate and expand the portfolio. I’m particularly interested in exploring more global events, bringing the energy and inclusivity of our queer spaces to new audiences around the world. I’m also looking at ways to integrate more sustainability into our events, ensuring that we’re not just having a good time, but also taking care of our planet.”

Looking to the future of the business, Resnicow told GLAAD he’d, “love to create a permanent space that embodies the spirit of our events—a sort of cultural hub where people can come together year-round to connect, create, and celebrate. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I’m excited to see where that idea might lead.”

For those looking to get into this industry and hope to following in his footsteps and impact, he said, “My advice to future event producers is simple: stay true to your values. It’s easy to get caught up in the spectacle and the business side of things, but never lose sight of why you started. Focus on creating spaces that are not just entertaining, but also meaningful and inclusive.”

“It’s also important to listen to your community,” he told GLAAD.

“The best events are those that reflect the needs and desires of the people you’re serving. Be adaptable, be innovative, but most importantly, be authentic. Your impact on the LGBTQ+ community will be measured not just by the success of your events, but by the positive change you inspire within the community.”

Stay up to date on all of Resnicow’s events, including the just-announced Dreamland Miami NYE and WorldPride D.C. in June 2025, at jakeresnicow.com.