As we approach October 11th, National Coming Out Day, I am reminded of the significance of this day for the LGBTQIA+ community. Coming out is not just a single moment; it's a daily, lifelong, process. For many of us, it's a decision we make every day, in every new situation and space we enter. According to Audre Lorde, it's an activist act to wake up each day and openly identify as queer. Whether you're coming out to yourself, to a close friend, or to the world, each experience is valid and meaningful.
In our Empathy Building trainings, we speak about the reality of the queer experience: while we might share our truth with someone in an individual moment, the reality is that we come out over and over again. Every new interaction, every new job, every new social setting can mean coming out again. This ongoing process can be exhausting, but it also serves as a testament to our resilience and pride; we rely on our allies in these spaces to make it easier for us each time too.
At the Pride Center, we honor this experience. We encourage you to come out in ways that feel right and safe for you, knowing that your story is yours to tell, whenever and however you choose. Our community is here to support and uplift each other, creating spaces where everyone can feel seen and celebrated.
This October, let’s celebrate the power of living authentically, in whatever form that takes. Whether you are out to the world or still navigating this path, know that you are part of a community that stands with you.
In solidarity,
Nathaniel Gray, MSW
Executive Director
Pride Center of the Capital Region
This month, the Pride Center of the Capital Region represented the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals from across New York at the Interagency Gender-Based Violence Policy Listening Session. This important event, hosted by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), Office of Victim Services (OVS), Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), aimed to gather insights and recommendations to shape state policy proposals for the coming year.
Advocating for Inclusive Protections
We emphasized the need to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those in rural and suburban areas, have access to safe and affirming care within their own communities. We highlighted the ongoing issue of queer individuals being forced to seek asylum in major cities like New York City and Buffalo due to a lack of supportive services and hostile environments in their home counties.
Addressing Gaps in Services
To address these systemic gaps, we made two key recommendations:
1. State Funding for LGBTQ+ Affirming Services:
We urged the state to establish dedicated funding to support LGBTQ+ services in rural and suburban counties. This would provide resources for training local service providers, creating essential support services, and partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations to extend their reach into underserved areas. By making these services accessible locally, we can reduce the need for individuals to leave their homes and communities in search of safe, affirming care.
2. Establishment of SOGIE Officers in State Agencies:
We called for the creation of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGIE) Officers in every state agency that provides direct services to the public. These officers would ensure compliance with existing nondiscrimination laws like GENDA and SONDA, provide technical assistance to counties, and foster collaboration across agencies to protect LGBTQ+ individuals in all systems of care.
Expanding the Conversation on Violence
We also addressed the need to broaden the conversation around domestic violence and victimhood. Domestic violence is not only an issue affecting women and children; it also impacts queer individuals, men, and elders. We urged the state to adopt a more inclusive approach that recognizes the unique experiences of these groups, especially in rural and suburban areas where support is often lacking.
Addressing Concerns About the Safe Haven Law
We raised concerns about the implementation of New York’s Safe Haven law, which allows families fleeing anti-trans laws in other states to find refuge here. Many of these families may not have the financial means to relocate to supportive areas like New York City and may instead end up in counties with homophobic and transphobic leadership and inadequate programming. It is essential that these families can access the support they need, no matter where they land in New York.
Our Commitment to Advocacy
The Pride Center remains committed to ensuring that every LGBTQ+ person in New York has access to safe, affirming care—no matter where they live. We will continue to advocate for these critical policy changes to make New York a safer and more inclusive place for all.
Stay tuned for more updates on our advocacy efforts and how we are making a difference across the state!
Advocating for Statewide LGBTQ+ Protections
Building Pride Beyond Borders
The Pride Expansion Program has been central to our efforts in bringing LGBTQIA+ visibility and support to rural and suburban areas. Too often, individuals in these communities face isolation and a lack of affirming resources, leading many to seek support in larger cities. Our goal is to change that narrative by building sustainable, local networks that empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to feel proud and supported in their own hometowns.
At the conference, we will be sharing our experiences and insights on the unique challenges and transformative potential of rural and suburban Pride events. By partnering with local organizations and leveraging state resources, we’re working to create a future where no one has to choose between safety and community.
The conference will feature a series of interactive presentations on topics such as security, business structure, marketing, and resource management. It is designed to be a resource hub for organizers looking to strengthen their events and community engagement. Our session will specifically address the economic and social impact of these events, showcasing the Pride Center’s commitment to making every town a place where LGBTQIA+ people can thrive.
This partnership with Big Gay Hudson Valley and Empire State Development is more than just an event—it’s a commitment to building a stronger, more visible LGBTQIA+ presence across New York. With the goal of making this an annual conference, we hope to see a ripple effect that empowers even the smallest communities to celebrate Pride in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.
For more information about the conference and our session, visit Empire State of Pride. Together, we can continue to create safe, vibrant, and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout the state. Let’s make every community a place where Pride shines bright, year-round!
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
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