LGBTQ groups will be allowed to march in Staten Island's St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the first time ever this year, organizers announced Tuesday -- ending a long-running controversy over the annual event's anti-gay stance.

After years of controversy and boycotts, the parade’s organizers said it was time to change the exclusionary policy.

This will be the first time in the parade's 60-year history that LGBTQ+ groups will be allowed to march under their banner.

One borough, one parade. After 60 years, one of Staten Island’s largest and most influential civic organizations is allowing gay and lesbian groups to march in the borough’s official St. Patrick’s Day Parade.