Everyone can feel the seasons changing in the Capital Region. We love the crunch of leaves underfoot, seeing the decorations go up a week earlier each year, and the meals and times of togetherness that the upcoming holidays can bring. At the Pride Center, we are excited to share two wonderful and impactful Fall experiences to join or contribute to.
Each November, the Transgender Day of Remembrance is a vital pause in our year to reflect on and lift up the transgender, gender nonconforming and non-binary family lost to hate and rage. And even as we hold these names and lives cut short in our hearts, we must commune with the family we’ve got right here in the heart of New York. We are pleased to host a TDOR Dinner in conjunction with the First Presbyterian Church. It will be an evening of community, remembrance and celebration.
As we celebrate life, we must also celebrate the great works of the Pride Center; every year is a year to celebrate for the longest continually operating LGBTQ+ Community Center in the country! The Pride Center Gala has long been a way for folks to enjoy a fabulous night of music, food, and entertainment (hint: celeb Drag Queen), while simultaneously funding services like the TDOR programming above, or our social support groups that serve over 100 people a week who just want space to be themselves and feel respect and support. Your ticket and donation to a glamorous night of fellowship and performance directly provides care to the LGBTQ+ family we see and support every day at the Center.
I hope you will consider joining us at one or both of these events this month and helping keep our Capital Region community strong and connected!
Nathaniel Gray
Executive Director
Pride Center of the Capital Region
When we say that LGBTQ+ people are under attack, we mean that we are on the front lines with battle armor fighting away the bigots. We mean that due to the spread of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, increased book bans on LGBTQ+ related content, stripping of rights specific to transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary folks, and targeting LGBTQ+ youth by revoking their right to access life-saving gender-affirming care- the LGBTQ+ community and our allies are not safe.
On July 28th, 2023 in Staten Island, a cisgender, bisexual woman was at a deli buying cannabis for her friend. After a misunderstanding between this woman and the cashier, the woman asked the cashier for her money back. The cashier stated that the woman was trying to get him fired, called the woman a “transvestite” and maced the woman in the face. The cashier then came from behind the counter, dragged the woman out of the deli by her hair, and kicked her in the head. I repeat this woman was a cisgender, bisexual woman who was targeted because someone THOUGHT she was transgender. This woman is now filing a lawsuit against the cashier and the deli, which has not been cooperative in helping police locate the cashier.
To bring this into a local lens, on September 21st during an event at a local bar and grill in Johnstown, NY, Fulton County Supervisor John “Jack” Callery is videotaped making the following statement, “Are there any transgenders here? If so, get the f*** out of Fulton County!” This comment was met with a bar full of applause, as well as a local entertainment company, Two Buttons Deep, who decided to share this video leaving these transphobic comments in the clip. The individual who made these unprovoked statements of hate is a Fulton County elected official, who denies making the comments but states he was at the bar on this night. (Read the full article on this situation here.)
Language is both powerful and dangerous. We are seeing more and more attacks on our queer family around the country, sometimes not even directed at those attacked but based solely on presumptions. How can we change the tide?
Speak up when you hear discriminatory or harassing statements about LGBTQ+ folks. Sometimes, this is not always safe and we recognize that and ask that you always err on the side of your own personal safety.
Write to your elected officials, demanding protections and accountability for anti-LGBTQ+ actions and statements- especially when these are made BY elected officials.
Support The Pride Center and our work as we continue to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community of the Capital Region, and our rural counties outside the region. Donate here to help us continue with our advocacy efforts as well as our social support groups and free mental health counseling and case management services.
LGBTQ+ have always and will continue to exist. The Pride Center continues working hard in our communities to pave the way for LGBTQ+ existence without resistance, and we thank you all for your continued support in doing so.
LGBTQ+ Hatred Has No Home in New York
November 13th-19th is celebrated as Transgender Awareness Week, culminating in Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20th. TDOR has historically been a day that the trans community, and LGBTQ+ community as a whole, use to reflect on the disproportionate number of trans lives, ESPECIALLY black trans lives, lost each year. We take this day to honor those lives. We also honor the trauma it can inflict to spend a day thinking about the murder rate of your own community, even in honor and remembrance.
We take this time to remind folks that trans lives matter, and they are saved with prevention and proactivity, not solely triage. We must push the narrative that trans folks do exist, *everywhere*. Visibility and awareness are tools of prevention regarding safety for trans folks. Make sure that your office space, your healthcare practice, or your community resource agency has literature and posters that reflect trans folks, including and especially BIPOC and Latinx trans folks. Consider these following questions as well when assessing the level of safe and affirming space offered:
Do you have a diverse workforce?
Do all those in the space have access to gender-neutral restrooms?
Do you have a policy or plan in place for an employee who decides to publicly transition, as opposed to waiting for this to happen?
Are your services equitable, and not just equal, in relation to transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals?
Does your staff know how to discern and file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights, in the case of a client experiencing discrimination based upon their gender identity and needing assistance in knowing their rights?
While pondering these questions and thoughts around how you are providing a trans-inclusive space, wherever you live or work, the center wants to take the time to acknowledge the healing nature of being able to gather and gain support and affirmation from the community.
Join The Pride Center of the Capital Region for our Transgender Day of Remembrance potluck-style family meal! The Pride Center will be providing food and beverages, along with other community partners who are joining in the family meal spirit and donating food items as well. We encourage anyone who would like to bring an item, but please make sure all ingredients are listed if not store-bought. There is no obligation to bring any items, the doors are open to all.
We will be gathering in the community to spread queer joy and break bread together, while also memorializing the lives we have lost this year in the trans community. These two spaces will be kept separate. We will also be hosting in a larger space this year, First Presbyterian Church, which was home to The Pride Center’s vintage pride group for many years and has an inclusive and affirming space for us to host in.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you, hold space and grieve with you, and come together as a community once again.
TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
2023 GALA AWARDEES
The Pride Center is throwing their annual gala on November 17th and it's guaranteed to be their biggest celebration yet. Held at the stunning Franklin Plaza ballroom in Troy, this party is going to go down in the history books.
They'll be honoring some truly inspiring people, including this year's Harvey Milk Award recipient Richard Conti for his groundbreaking work advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Plus even more allies who are really making a difference will get their well-deserved props too.
We would love to share the fun with you! This is your chance to thank these legends in person and celebrate as a community. See you on the 17th for the party of the year - you don't want to miss out!
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
KRISTI PLUNKETT
ADVOCATE FOR THE FUTURE
RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE ACCEPTED BY GEOFFREY MILLER
ACTIVATED ALLY AWARD
DIANE CONROY LACIVITA, executive director OF THE COLONIE SENIOR SERVICE CENTERs
SMALL BUSINESS PARTNER
BRANDON DORAN, OWNER OF MR. BUMBLES CAFE
CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAr
BROADVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ACCEPTED BY NICOLE STEIN
HARVEY MILK AWARD
RICHARD CONTI
AWARDEES
Richard Conti has had a decades-long career of pioneering representation and advocacy for the LGBTQ community. As the second openly LGBTQ person elected to the Albany Common Council, he has fought for equitable legislation and served his ward with distinction through six terms. He is the longest serving out elected official in the Capital District and Conti continues to be a tireless supporter of organizations like the Pride Center that promote dignity and equality.
Kristi Plunkett took the initiative to personally transform the Pride Center’s basement space into a beautiful yoga studio entirely through her own efforts. In addition to the physical work, she fundraised for all the necessary equipment so the center could offer free queer yoga sessions. Kristi has been instrumental in helping the sessions expand their reach and boosting the center’s online presence.
As owner of Mr. Bumble Cafe, Brandon Doran is committed to providing a hot, homemade meal every week for the Pride Center’s youth group of 15-50 kids. His delicious and varied catering ensures these youth feel nourished and cared for. Brandon also generously supports other Pride Center events and programs by opening his space for meetings.
Broadview Federal Credit Union understands that clients may need help beyond services with basic necessities. They provide additional funding to cover emergency needs like clothing, hygiene products or even temporary shelter. This compassionate support helps the Pride Center assist clients in their full range of needs.
Through partnering with Russell Sage College, Geoffrey Miller helped develop an advocacy program and intergenerational discussions to empower LGBTQ youth and effect positive policy changes. This impactful collaboration gives young people tools and connections to create meaningful change.
Diane Conroy-LaCivita took swift action to create the Aging with Pride group for isolated LGBTQ seniors at Colonie Senior Services Center. Under her leadership, the group has grown and members can now enjoy activities and meals together. She consistently makes space and provides transportation to help the program thrive.
GET TO KNOW THE AWARDEES
Thank you to our awardees and to our etnire family of volunteers for the amazing support they provide all year long!
FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
INFO + TICKETS
2023 Gala for the Pride Center of the Capital Region, the longest continually operating LGBTQ+ Center in the country: Amplifying Queer Voices of All Ages!
Join us as we showcase the work we've done alongside our partners to create space and visibility for the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ folks all all ages. Being LGBTQ+ is a lifelong experience, and we're excited to celebrate and hear from the folks who are helping make this work possible. Join us in an evening of pure queer joy and support these vital voices!
REGISTER
Join the Pride Center of the Capital Region and Gloversville Public Library for our November Queer By Nature Event: Backpack and Unpack!
Join us at the John Boyd Thacher State Park Visitors Center in Voorheesville at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 11th. The group will be going for a short hike, and then gathering back at the visitor’s center for a discussion.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our community in many different ways. The pandemic increased the isolation for all, heightened in LGBTQ+ communities, as well as shed light on the health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community. Join us for a gentle unpacking of what has changed or shifted for you, and how you find joy and support in the community.
This gathering ends with an optional excursion to Indian Ladder Farms, 15 minutes from Thacher Park, to take in their farm as well as their drinks and food items for purchase. We can’t wait to see you there! Registration is required.
JOIN US FOR THIS MONTH'S MINDFULNESS + MEDITATION PRACTICE ON SATURDAY NOV 11th at 2PM in the Garden Level of The Pride Center.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 362 State Street, Albany, NY (entrance on State St. as well as Willet St., both locations have accessible entrances for those with mobility concerns. Street parking on Willet St., State St., and inside Washington Park, as well as a small parking lot on State St. side of the church.)
Description: Join The Pride Center of the Capital Region for our Transgender Day of Remembrance potluck-style family meal! The Pride Center will be providing food and beverages, along with other community partners who are joining in the family meal spirit and donating food items as well. We encourage anyone who would like to bring an item, but please make sure all ingredients are listed if not store-bought. There is no obligation to bring any items, the doors are open to all.
We will be gathering in the community to spread queer joy and break bread together, while also memorializing the lives we have lost this year in the trans community. These two spaces will be kept separate. We will also be hosting in a larger space this year, First Presbyterian Church, which was home to The Pride Center’s vintage pride group for many years and has an inclusive and affirming space for us to host in.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you, hold space and grieve with you, and come together as a community once again.
This month’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by MOHAWK HUDSON HUMAN SOCIETY!
Did you know The Pride Center offers FREE mental health counseling and case management? Provided by LGBTQ+-affirming staff and interns, these essential services are open to all LGBTQ+ folks and allies, ages 10 and up.
Click HERE to find out more and make an appointment.
FREE COUNSELING & CASE MANAGEMENT
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RESOURCES
LGBTQ+ resources are not always easy to find in the Capital Region. Making sure that you are provided with safe, competent, and affirming services is something we strive for at The Pride Center. Do you have a physician you love? How about a business that always feels affirming or safe? Please share your LGBTQ+ affirming resources with us HERE!
THE PRIDE CENTER'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS ARE ALSO LINKED BELOW FOR ANYONE IN NEED OF PRINTING THE CONTENT.
We encourage our fellow community service providers to print copies of the monthly newsletter and calendar to make available at resource tables and bookstands in their space.
PRINTABLE NEWSLETTER
PRINTABLE CALENDAR
Your contributions enable us to continue delivering services and support to the LGBTQ+ community in the Capital Region and beyond.
Thank you for your tireless support!