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2025 Impact Report Summary

ExpandingAccesstoAffirmingMentalHealthCare

In 2025, over 55 unduplicated LGBTQIA+ individuals accessed counseling through our traumainformed, low-barrier, free mental health program. Between our Mental Health Director and supervised student interns, we delivered 1,021 therapy sessions and made 2,256 client contacts whileensuringcarewasconsistent,culturallycompetent,andaccessibleacrosstheregion.

BuildingConnectionThroughIdentity-BasedSupport

Peersupportgroupsremainedalifelineforqueer,trans,andgendernon-conformingindividuals across the lifespan. In 2025, about 2,000 attendances across 10 unique support groups, from Gender Diversity Group to Aging with Pride, helped our community find belonging, affirmation, andspacetohealtogether.

TrainingAdultstoAffirmLGBTQ+Youth

In2025,trainingwasprovidedtoadultsandyouthfromlocalorganizationsandschools,including mentalhealthandmedicalproviders.Nearly300individualsincreasedtheirawarenessand knowledgeofhowtodeliveraffirming,high-qualitycaretoLGBTQIA+individuals.

CelebratingQueerJoyAcrosstheCapitalRegion

Morethan45,000peopleattendedPrideeventsin2025,withover180vendorsandmarchersfilling downtownAlbany.FromAltPromandthePride5KtotheAgingwithPrideCruise,theseevents createdjoyful,intergenerationalspaceswhereLGBTQIA+peoplewereseen,celebrated,andsafe.

AdvocatingforRuralandSuburbanLGBTQ+Visibility

WesecuredStateHHSfundingthroughtheDepartmentofHealthAIDSInstitutetoexpandourreach andadvocacytotheRuralCommunities.WiththeadditionofOutreachStaffin2026,thisendeavor willcontinuetoincrease,enablingservicestobeprovidedtomanyLGBTQIA+individuals.

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Handle with Pride: The Cover Artist's Statement

You’reeitherholdingthebrickorhidingbehind someonewhois.

There’safearthatrunsthroughnonprofitsand peoplealike.Saythewrongthing,upsetthewrong people,losefunding,losesupport,loselegitimacy. Soeverythinggetssandeddown.Smoothedout. Approvedtodeathuntilitbarelybreathes.

Afterlastyear’sSilence=Deathcover,IknewI wasn’ttouchingsafewhenIdesignedthiscover. I’mnotinterestedinsurface-levelbullshit.Loveis notclean.It’snotacolorpaletteandtwomodels pretendingtoexistinafield.It’suglycryinginthe rainwithyourhearttorntopieces.It’skissing someonelikestoppingmightkillyou.It’sknowing whatcouldbetakenandchoosingitanyway.

It’sacoldandbrokenhallelujah.Andyousingit anyway.

Abrickisnotjustabrick.Itbuilds.Itprotects.It breaks.Tool,shield,weapon.Pickyourintention. Yourrightshaveneverbeenhandedoutlike samplesatCostco.Theyhadtobetaken.Fought for.Clawedback.

Protestwithoutdisruptionisdecoration.SoI’llask youplainly.Areyouwillingtobeuncomfortable? Tobeseen?Tonotlookaway?

Becausewearewatchingrightsgetstrippedin realtime.Queer,Black,brown,translivesturned intotalkingpointswhilethepeopleinpower demandsilencedressedupascivility.

Blendingindoesn’tkeepyousafe.Itjustmakes youeasiertoignore.Butwhentheycomeforyou, noonewillbelefttospeakforyou.

Sohereweareagain. Thebrickisstillontheground. Areyoupickingitup?

PaulOldham|BoardMember|he/him PrideCenteroftheCapitalRegion

A Message from the President, Deb Vincent:

Isitherethinkingaboutbricksandwhatthat meansinwhathasbeenaYEAR,y’all.Ayearof unexpectedchanges,ofupheaval,oflossand resilience.Butafter55+years,westillremainhere foryouandforourcommunity.

Thisyear,wehavebidfarewellto332HudsonAve, ourhistorichomeandagiftforwhichwewill foreverbegrateful.Wewerebornthere,inatime whenweneededaspace,ahomemadeofbrick. Butwe’veoutgrownthatbuildingasapeopleand anorganization.ThePrideCenterisNOTabuilding, althoughwecarryitslegacyforward.WEarethe Center.WeAREthebricks.Itisnotasmallthingto beabrick.Thisyear,we'velearnedwemust protectthebricksaswemoveforward,because thosevisible,strongfoundationsofourcommunity arewhatwillcarryusintoastrongfuture.Every singleday,themortarbetweenthosebricksand thebondsbetweenusisbeingchippedaway.It wantsallofustodisappear.Wewillnotdisappear, nomatterwhattheythrowatus.Wearehere.We arequeer.Weareeverywhere.Andwewillsurvive, aswehavebefore.

Weareacommunitywhetherwe'remeetinginthe streets,insomeone'shome,orcelebrating togetheratPrideinjoyfulresistance.Wearea communitybecausewechoosetobe.Andour communityismadeofthebricksthatwillprotect themostvulnerableamongus,evenaslawsfall. Thelawsarenotthebricks.Buildingsaren'tthe bricks.Weare.Andtogether,wewillwin.We've learnedthroughStonewallthatwhenwe'rebeing oppressed,westandup,weresist,andwecreate communitynomatterwhattheytrytotakeaway. WelearnedintheAIDScrisisthatwhenlesbians andgaysjoinedtogetherinlovingcareandhealth careforall,forthefirstitmadeapowerful difference.Itworked.HereinAlbany,homeofone oftheoriginalcentersinthefightagainstHIV,we celebratethatlegacy.

Today,protectionsforouryouth,transandgender nonconformingpeople,marriagerights, healthcare,andHIVtreatment—allareunder attack.EvenhereinNewYork,themortarbetween thebricksprotectingusisbeingchippedaway daybyday.

Lookaroundyou.Whoarethebricksinour community?Protectthem.Followthem.Amplify theirvoices.AndBEabrick.

Ivowtobeabrickforthecommunity.Willyou?

DebVincent|President|she/her PrideCenterof

theCapitalRegion

PRIDECENTERSTAFF

JENMALEY-WHEELER,LCSW

DIRECTOROFMENTALHEALTH&TRAININGSERVICES

She/Her •jmaleywheeler@capitalpridecenter.org

AsanLCSW,Jen’smainfocusistoprovidecompetentandaffirmingcounselingand casemanagementservicestotheLGBTQ+communitiesinadditiontoproviding trainingandeducationservicestolocalorganizations,schools,mentalhealth,and medicalproviders.

OriginallyfromCincinnati,OH,JenmovedtoAlbanyinJuly2006withherwife,Kelly, aftergraduatingwithaBachelorofScienceinCriminalJusticefromEasternKentucky University.ItwasincollegethatJenbeganheradvocacyworkwiththeLGBTQIA+ communities,servinginvariousrolesofEKU’sPrideAllianceaswellasorganizations inthecommunity.

AsagraduatefromtheUniversityatAlbany’sMaster’sofSocialWelfareprogram,Jen continuestogivebacktolocalUniversitiesbyservingasaFieldInstructorforvarious universitiesthroughoutNewYorkStatetobothBachelorandMasterDegreeseeking students.

TORASTRINGFIELD• DIRECTOROFPROGRAMS

She/Her •tstringfield@capitalpridecenter.org

ToraStringfieldhasbeenadedicatedmemberofthePrideCenteroftheCapital Regionsince2018,beginningherjourneyasavolunteerandsteadilyadvancinginto leadership.Throughhercommitmentandpassionforcommunity,shehasservedin multipleroles,includingOfficeManagerandPrograms&OperationsCoordinator, beforesteppingintohercurrentroleasDirectorofPrograms.

AsaproudallyandparentofachildwhoidentifieswithintheLGBTQ+community, Tora’sconnectiontothePrideCenterisbothpersonalandprofessional.Herlived experiencefuelsherdeepcommitmenttocreatingaffirming,inclusive,and supportivespacesforLGBTQ+individuals,families,andallies.

ToraholdsanAssociate’sdegreeinHumanResourcesandiscurrentlypursuingher Bachelor’sdegreeinBusinessAdministration.SheisalsoacommissionedNotary PublicinNewYorkState.Withastrongbackgroundinprogramdevelopment, operations,andcommunityengagement,Toracontinuestoplayavitalrolein advancingthePrideCenter’smissiontoempowerandupliftthecommunity.

DEVANIASHE• OPERATIONSCOORDINATOR She/He/They •dashe@capitalpridecenter.org

DevaniAshehasrecentlycomeintothePrideCenterasofthisyear,startingasan internbeforegoingintoherroleasOperationsCoordinator.Asaqueerwomanand continuedcommunityadvocate,shehopestobringnewenergyintothePrideCenter.

ArecentgraduatefromtheUniversityatAlbanywithaBachelor'sinSocialWelfare andcontinuingeducationforherMaster's,heraimistocontinuetoservethe LGBTQIA+communityandallies,creatingthesafespaceneeded.

FREEMENTALHEALTHCARE PROGRAMS

ThePrideCenteroftheCapitalRegionisproudtoprovidefreeone-on-onementalhealthcaretothe LGBTQ+communityoftheCapitalRegion.Wecurrentlysupportover40hoursofone-on-onecounseling andcasemanagement,overseenbyaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker.Ourclients’needsrangefromlegal nameorgendermarkerchangeanddocumentationtosupporttheirgendertransition,toongoingtalk therapytoaddressdepression,anxiety,orsuicidalthoughts.Treatmentisavailablebothin-personandvia telehealth.

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SOCIAL/SUPPORTGROUPS

AtthePrideCenter,andaroundtheregion,groupsareavailableforyoutofindcommunityandsupport. WehavegroupsthatmeetbothweeklyandmonthlytoaddresstheneedsoftheLGBTQ+community acrossidentity,generation,andgeography.WeeklygroupsatthePrideCenterincludegroupsformen, femmes,andgenderdiversefolks;aswellasfreequeeryogaandabusyFridaynightyouthgroup.Monthly groupsaroundtheregionarelocatedatstrategicpartnerlocations,andsupportLGBTQ+youthandelders, aswellasparentsoftransgenderandgendernonbinaryyouth.

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EDUCATION&ADVOCACY

InourworktoprovidefreementalhealthcareandtocreatespaceintheCapitalRegionfortheLGBTQ+ community,LGBTQ+kidsdescribefeelingunsafeintheirschools;eldersfearenteringunaccepting facilities;queerfolksdon’tdiscusspersonallivesatworkbecauseitdoesn’tfeelsafe;transgenderpatients aremisgenderedandleaveshelters.Alsoacrossthisregion,manyorganizations,schools,andstorefronts recognizetherightLGBTQ+peoplehavetosafeandsupportiveenvironmentsandhaveengagedtraining tocreatethatspace.

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PRIDECENTERBOARDOFDIRECTORS

DEBVINCENT•SHE/HER•PRESIDENT

Deb Vincent is a parent, grandparent, and lifelong educator with a deep commitment to justice,inclusion,andcommunitycare.HeradvocacyfortheLGBTQIA+communitybegan in 2014 when her youngest child came out, igniting a journey of public allyship. She first made headlines at a Shenendehowa school board meeting, speaking out for trans students’ right to safe, inclusive restrooms — and winning. Deb has since served as Youth ProgramsDirectorattheUndergroundRailroadEducationCenter,volunteeredwithGLSEN, and helped launch Parenting with Pride at the Pride Center of the Capital Region, where shenowservesasBoardPresident—thefirstcisgender,heterosexualallytodoso. By day, Deb works in hospitality and manages a senior lunch program, continuing to educate around wellness and connection. She is a skilled grant writer and passionate community builder, social justice warrior, and fierce advocate. In her off hours, she can generallybefoundonthewaterordeepinthedirtgardeningorsimplyenjoyingtimewith familyandfriends.

ATSUSHIAKERA•SHE/HER•VICE-PRESIDENT•GOVERNANCECHAIR

Atsushi is co-founder and General Manager of Cafe Euphoria, a transgender and gender non-conformingworker-ownedcafeandrestaurantlocatedindowntownTroy.Shejoined the Pride Center Board following a community meeting hosted by the Pride Center Board. AsGovernanceChair,AtsushihasworkedtobroadenBoardrepresentationandtooversee changes in the bylaws designed to strengthen our organization and cultivate new pathways for leadership development. She continues that work in her new role as Board Vice President. Atsushi is also an active member of the Gender Diversity Pride support group and oversees various support groups, including the Pride Center's Non-Binary SupportGroup,whichmeetsatCafeEuphoria.

JEREMYBOND•HE/HIM•TREASURER•FINANCECHAIR

ImovedtoAlbanyinJuneof2010withoutknowingthatCapitalPridewouldbethatsame weekend. It was the first Pride I ever attended. I learned more about myself and the diversity of our community than I ever realized in that first weekend in a new city. Fast forward to today, I work with the Pride Center to help ensure that that experience and support endures for everyone. Pride is a time to be reminded of our strength, resolve, and the great amount of progress that we’ve made. It’s also a sobering reminder of the immense amount of work left for us to do, especially for our Youth and Trans family members.I’mcommittedtoseeingthatworkthroughalongsideyouandthecommunity.

ANNENELSON•SHE/HER•SECRETARY•CAPITALPRIDECO-CHAIR

Hailing from the true North Country of New York State near Fort Drum, Anne balances her role as a Software Support Specialist and Training Leader for a global ecommerce companywithheralteregoasDJLoki,spreadingloveandjoythroughthepowerofmusic touniteandupliftothers.Sheispassionateaboutlivinglifetothefullestwhilestrivingfora healthyworklifebalance.

Her joys include traveling and immersing herself in nature, especially time spent on the water. Driven by a deep desire to foster strong, inclusive, and welcoming communities, Anne is a dedicated community builder. When not working, she actively volunteers in the CapitalRegion,servingasBoardSecretaryandCapitalPrideCoChairforthePrideCenter oftheCapitalRegion,BoardSecretaryandEntertainmentChairforSchenectadyPride,and BoardSecretaryforSycamoreCollaborative.

SCOTTLEVINE•HE/HIM•CHIEFTECHNOLOGYOFFICER•CAPITALPRIDECO-CHAIR

Volunteering for the Board of Directors and working on the Capital Pride steering committee for over a dozen years, I hope the goals we attempt to achieve have had a directpositiveeffectonthosecommunitymembersinthemostneed,andindoingso,we have also influenced the next generation of volunteers, activists and supporters to continuetheamazingworkofPrideCenter’sstaff,internsandboard.

PRIDECENTERBOARDOFDIRECTORS

MICHELLELAVOY•DEVELOPMENTCHAIR•SHE/HER

Michelle LaVoy serves as the Senior Membership Development Officer at First New York FederalCreditUnion.Herjobresponsibilitiesincludeoverseeingthegrowthofmembership and partnerships with businesses and schools, by engaging in networking, prospecting, and other strategic activities. Michelle represents First New York at outreach events, business and school events, and other opportunities. She also supervises the Membership Development Officer and oversees the KIDS Banking Program. Michelle has established partnerships with area businesses and non-profit organizations. Michelle is passionate about working for non-profit organizations. Michelle obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Services from SUNY Plattsburgh and then went on to earn her MasterofScienceinElementaryEducationfromDowlingCollege.Michelle'smaingoalhas alwaysbeentoeducatepeopleandtohelpfindswaysinwhichtosupportcommunities.

TRISHA SCHELL-GUY • SHE/HER

TrishaSchell-Guyisamother,awife,ananimallover,adaughter,andastaunchadvocate forhumanrights,includingthoseoftheLGBTQcommunity.Sheiscurrentlyanattorneyand the Director or the Division of Program Development and Management in the NYS Department of Health, Office of Health Insurance Programs. In this capacity, she advises and assists the Deputy Commissioner and Medicaid Director in the development and implementation of policies for the NY Medicaid program and oversees the evaluation and effectivenessoftheprogram.

CAT GRAZIOSE • SHE/THEY • AUDIT CHAIR

Cat Graziose (she/they) is an associate attorney at the Capital Region law firm WhitemanOsterman&HannaLLP,andbringsadecade-longcommitmentandpassionfor LGBTQ+advocacy.Duringlawschool,CatledAlbanyLaw’sLGBTQ+lawstudentassociation and established programs focused on supporting and empowering members of the CapitalRegion’sLGBTQ+community.Througheventssuchasalegalname/gendermarker changeclinic,andasymposiumfocusedonlegalissuesfacingthequeercommunity,Cat has emphasized the importance inclusivity and support for intersectional groups. Cat’s goal is to educate and advocate in a way that emboldens LGBTQ+ folks to live as their truestandmostauthenticversionofthemselves.Recently,CathasenjoyedexploringTroy with her dog Judy and hopes to connect further with local communities to further the missionofthePrideCenter.

MARLOW GUERRANT • THEY/THEM

Marlow Guerrant is a teacher, researcher, advocate, musician, dog lover, and cheese enthusiast.OriginallyfromruralOklahoma,theirinvolvementinLGBTQ+activismbeganin NorthCarolinawhenthestatepassedthecountry’sfirst‘bathroombill’.They’recurrentlya faculty member in psychology and gender and sexuality studies at Union College, where they teach courses, develop programs and trainings, and support LGBTQ+ students. Their research focuses on addressing queer health disparities and developing inclusive sex education, often in partnership with the community. They also co-facilitate an online mentoring and skills-building program for trans and gender diverse teens. They aspire to bethequeerpersontheywishthey’dseenwhentheywereyounger,providinganexample of trans visibility and joy and engaging with diverse audiences around LGBTQ+ issues throughempathy,humor,andeducation.

PAUL OLDHAM • HE/HIM

IgracedTroy,NY,in2024withmynewlydivorcedpresence,arrivingfromthelittlebluedot of Kansas City, Missouri, where barbecue is religion because nobody can shut up about it. I’m queer and on the spectrum. Double rainbow. To me, Pride is resistance and joy in the same breath. It’s two middle fingers and a dance floor. It’s mourning the loss of a generation. It’s surviving what tried to erase you and then having the audacity to take up even more space without asking for permission. It’s staying angry and not forgetting the actionsthatgotustowhereweare.I’mheretolendmybrandstrategistbraintothePride Center and be hilarious in the group chat. Fight unjust campaigns & keep immigrant communitiesempowered.

PRIDECENTERBOARDOFDIRECTORS

SHASHANKGOURI•HE/HIS

Shashank Gouri is a strategic operations leader with over nine years of experience in the energysector,currentlyservingasLeadKeyAccountManageratNationalGrid.Heholdsan MBAinStrategyfromtheKelloggSchoolofManagement,whereheservedasCo-President of Pride@Kellogg. At the Capital Pride Center, Shashank will launch and facilitate "Rise & Rainbow: Professional Power Hour," a monthly career support and peer community programdesignedtoempowerLGBTQ+youngprofessionals.AresidentofAlbany,hehasa long-standing commitment to advocacy, including facilitating youth programs at the Q Centerandleadingworkplaceinclusioninitiatives.Shashankcombinestechnicalexpertise in organizational transformation with a passion for cultivating inclusive leadership and communitybelonging.

LAYLACHAMPION•SHE/THEY

Like many trans and queer people today, Layla Champion recently moved to the Capital RegionfromNorthCarolina.Asanon-binarysinger/songwriter,theyhavebeenwelcomed into the community with open arms. Before pursuing music under the artist name Arbor Mae, Layla had an extensive career in marketing, project management, and community engagement. Layla is excited to bring their skills to the Pride Center and be a supportive representativetothosewhohavesoughtsafetyandshelterinanewhome.

JASONGANNS•HE/HIM

Having been a former board member and Treasurer of the Pride Center about a decade ago, I'm excited to re-engage with this important cornerstone of our community. I'm particularly interested in fostering a more accepting environment for today's youth, and believe organizations like the Pride Center are essential in creating a safer place to land thanIfoundduringmyteenageyears.Inadditiontoservingontheboard,Iamafreelance healthpolicyanddataanalyticsconsultant,specializinginStateMedicaidprograms.

ALEXGITTENS•HE/HIM

Alex moved from Berkeley to Troy in 2017 and found his community at the Pride Center in themen’sgroup,whichhehasfacilitatedsince2019.Throughthatwork,he’sseenhowthe Center brings people together and builds lasting connections across the local queer community. Alex is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at RPI and serves on the Board’s Governance Committee, where he co-chaired the Executive Director search committee to help gather community input on the Center’s future. He’s especially interestedingrowingfundingandvisibilityfortheCenter’syear-roundprograms,including support groups and community events. Outside of the Center, he’s a longtime member of TheAlternativeUniverses,Albany’squeersci-fiandfantasyfangroup.

Join us! The Pride Center of the Capital Region is looking for passionate community members, allies, and business leaders to serve on our Board of Directors and organizing committees. Be part of the work that strengthens our community and makes a lasting impact.

COMMUNITYGROUPS

SCANFORA COMPLETE CALENDAROF ALLPRIDE CENTEREVENTS

FOLLOWUSON INSTAFORTHE LATESTDETAILS

@CAPITALPRIDECENTER

A SEASON OF PRIDE

FRIDAY,MAY29

PRIDEKick-OffBBQ

5-8:30pm|CityParkingLot#2,76CentralAve., Albany|Free,$5SuggestedDonation

Thisannualtraditioncontinuestogetbiggerandbetter eachyear!CometogetherwithThePrideCenterandIn OurOwnVoicesasweofficiallykickoffPRIDEwitha ChosenFamilyBBQintheparkinglotnexttoWaterworks PubandROCKS.Enjoyafuneveningwithfood,music, libations,andchancestowinfunprizes.

SUNDAY,MAY31

PRIDE5KRainbowRun

9am|JenningsLanding,Albany,NY|$40Reg. LaceupyoursneakersandjointheannualPride Rainbow5KRun-WalkalongthescenicCorningPreserve course.ThisUSATF-sanctionedeventwelcomesrunners andwalkersofalllevels,startingandfinishingatthe JenningsLandingAmphitheater.Celebratewellness, inclusion,andcommunityspiritinthisfamily-friendly event.

MONDAY,JUNE1

AlbanyFlagRaisingCeremony

10am|LocationTBD|Free

JointhePrideCenter,InOurOwnVoices,andkey communityleadersforaspecialceremonialraisingof rainbowflagstoacknowledgeandkickoffPRIDE. Locationtobeannouncedduetoconstruction.

SaratogaSpringsPrideFlagRaising

12 pm | Saratoga Springs City Hall, 474 Broadway, SaratogaSprings,NY|Free

JoinSaratogaPrideandcommunitymembersatCity HallfortheceremonialraisingofthePrideflag,marking thebeginningofPrideMonth.Celebratediversityand inclusionintheheartofSaratogaSprings.

CollarCityPrideCommunityPrideFlagRaising 6:30–7:30pm|YWCAGCR,Troy

CollarCityPridehostsits2ndannualCommunityPride Flagraising.Joinusaswehearfromlocalelectedsand LGBTQIA2S+individualsandunfurltheprogressivepride flagtogether!

TUESDAY,JUNE2

RainbowKaraokeatOhBar

9pm|OhBar,302LarkStreet,Albany|Free PRIDEKaraokeatOHBaronLarkSt.Joinusforafabulous nightatOhBar!Karaoke,greatmusicpool,darts,and funforall.Youwillbesuretohaveanamazingtime!

DragMetoBingo

THURSDAY,JUNE4

7:30pm|UPHGreatHall,SaratogaSprings

"DragMetoBingo"takesovertheGreatHallforahighenergy,on-your-feetexperiencehostedby"RuPaul’s DragRace"starsMrs.KashaDavisandArielVersace.This isa90-minute,no-intermissionpartythatblendsdrag, comedy,music,anddanceintooneunforgettablenight.

FRIDAY,JUNE5

SchenectadyPridePreParty

TBD|FrogAlleyBrewing,108StateSt,Sch’dy|Free ComecelebratewithSchenectadyPrideaswerampup forourPrideFestivalonSat.June6th.

SATURDAY,JUNE6

SchenectadyPride2026

2-5pm|12StateSt.(GatewayPlaza),Sch’dy|Free SchenectadyPrideisexcitedtokickoffPride celebrationsacrosstheCapitalRegiononSaturday, June6.Ourvibrantfestivalwillfeaturelive entertainment,vendors,communitytables,anda specialappearancebyKandyMusefromRuPaul’sDrag Race.SchenectadyPrideiscommittedtocreatinga welcomingandinclusivespacefortheLGBTQIA+ communityinSchenectadyandthroughouttheCapital Region.LearnmoreatSchenectadyPride.org.

KandyMuseLIVE@WaterworksPub 11pm-4am|WaterworksPub,Albany|$15 WaterworksPubmonthlyIllusionsPartypresentsKandy MusefromRuPaul’sDragRaceS13&AllStarsS8.The queenoftheBadonka-donkBronx,KandyMuse,isready toremindtheWaterworksworldwhat“starquality”isall about!(18+toenter,21+todrink.)

Introducingouronlinecalendarof CommunityCapitalRegionPrideEvents

A SEASON OF PRIDE

SUNDAY,JUNE7

LowerAdirondackPride

11am-4pm|GlensFallsCityPark,GlensFalls|Free

LowerAdirondackPridewillhosttheir2ndannualGlens FallsPrideFestivalthisyear.

Throughouttheday,theFestivalwillfeatureover60 vendors,includinglocalartisans,foodtrucks,community resourceorganizations,andmore.Guestscanenjoya varietyoffamily-friendlyactivities,andsensory-friendly spaceswillbeavailabletoensureinclusivespacesforall attendees.

StandUp&SingOut:AlbanyGayMen’sChorus

3pm|EmmanuelFriedensChurch,Sch’dy|$20

This Pride month, join the Albany Gay Men's Chorus for Stand Up and Sing Out - Anthems of justice, love, and authenticity.

FullOutFest2026

5pm–8:30pm|RiverfrontParkinTroy,NY

Experiencethefull-outenergywhentalenteddancers, musicians,artisans,innovators,andactivistscome togetherforanunforgettableandelectriceveningalong theHudsonRiver.FullOutFestisacommunityeventthat willleaveyouinspired,uplifted,andconnectedtothe powerofhumanexpression.Inadditiontoourhost's (TroyDanceFactory)fabulousdancers,wewillbejoined bylivemusicians,deliciousfoodanddrinkvendors,an amazinglistofmakersandorganizations,andDJIntell Hayesfield!

TUESDAY,JUNE9

RainbowKaraokeatOhBar

9pm|OhBar,302LarkStreet,Albany|Free PRIDEKaraokeatOHBaronLarkSt.Joinusforafabulous nightatOhBar!Karaoke,greatmusicpool,darts,and funforall.Youwillbesuretohaveanamazingtime!

WEDNESDAY,JUNE10

PrideatthePlaza

6-9pm|EmpireStatePlazaConventionCenter|Free

TheStatestepsintocelebrationmodewithPrideatthe Plaza,presentedbyNYSTEC!Joinanall-starlineupwith fiercelocaltalenttobeannounced.DJPhoenixis spinningallnight.HostedbytheradiantAmandaBlair, thiseveningispurehigh-energyglam,heart,and community.Youwon’twanttomissthisfreeeventinthe heartofNewYork’scapital.

DragWednesdayWaterworksPub

11pm|WaterworksPub,Albany|Free JoininforafunPRIDEcelebrationofDrag atWaterworksPubonWednesdaynight.Performances fromsomeofthearea’stopdragqueens.Waterworks Pub(18+toenter,21+todrink).

THURSDAY,JUNE11

Alive@Five’sPRIDENight

5-8pm|TricentennialPark,Albany|Free

TheCityofAlbanypresentstheAliveatFivesignature concertseriesandrecognizesCapitalPrideatthe annualPrideAliveatFive!

FRIDAY,JUNE12

HERPartyatOhBar

9pm|OhBar,302LarkStreet,Albany|Free PRIDEWeekandLGBTQIA+womengohandinhand!Join us for a fabulous night at Oh Bar! Great music, pool, darts, and fun for all. You’re sure to have an amazing time!

SATURDAY,JUNE13

LittleFallsPride&5K

9am-4pm|BurkePark,LittleFalls,NY

Celebrateour5thannualPrideinLittleFalls!Proudtobe thefirstPrideinHerkimerCounty.Speakers,vendors, music,dragperformances,andmore!

BattenkillValleyPride

11am|ThePlow&StarsFarm,562Cambridge BattenvilleRd,Greenwich,NY|Free

JoinusincelebratingLOVEinthepicturesquerollinghills oftheBattenkillRiverValley!

SayItLoud!BIPOC*Pride2025

12-5pm|WashingtonPark,Albany|Free 20Years!Andwe'restillstanding!

SayItLoud!BIPOC*Pridewasbuiltforus.For20 unapologeticyears,we'veheldspaceforLGBTQ+Black, Indigenous,andPeopleofColortogather,celebrate, andaccesswhatweneedtothrive.

Plentyofvendors,communityfun,andperformances featuringlocaltalent,BigFreedia,JenniferHolliday,and AlexTorres&HisLatinOrchestra.

StandUp&SingOut:AlbanyGayMen’sChorus

5pm|SaintPaul'sEpiscopalChurch,Albany|$20

ThisPridemonth,jointheAlbanyGayMen'sChorusfor StandUpandSingOut-Anthemsofjustice,love,and authenticity.

A SEASON OF PRIDE

SATURDAY,JUNE13

FetishPrideEditionatROCKS

9pm-Close|ROCKS,77CentralAve,Albany

Albany’sPrideWeekendofKinkkicksoffatRocks. PresentedbyChainedbyChuck,withDJStylesbringing youdarkhousebeats,followedbyyourclassicqueer favoritesandthenewesthitsallnightlong.(21+to enter).

RuPaul’sCynthiaLeeFontaneLive!@BIPOCPride-The OfficialAfterParty 10pm-4am|WaterworksPub,76CentralAve,Albany

TheOfficialBIPOCPrideAfter-PartyatWaterworksPub featuringCynthiaLeeFontanefromRupaul’sDragRace S8&S9withDJHasan,DeeJayJeminii,andAlbany’s besttalentopeningtheshow.(18+toenter,21+todrink.)

SUNDAY,JUNE14

2026CapitalPRIDEParade

11:30am|StateSt.toLarkSt.toMadisonAve.to WashingtonPark,Albany|Free

TheCapitalPRIDEParadestepsoffat11:30amin WashingtonPark,ledbytheCommunityMarch,andis fullofmusic,inspiration,and,ofcourse,asenseof celebrationandunity!TheParadeandMarchwillfeature CapitalRegioncommunitymembers,electedofficials supportingtheLGBTQ+community,businesses, organizations,allies,and,ofcourse,amazingfloats, music,anddancing.

2026CapitalPRIDEFestival

1-5pm|WashingtonPark,Albany|Free

AnOfficialPrideCenterEvent!Don’tmissthelargest PRIDEcelebrationinUpstateNewYork!TheCapitalPride Festivalisheadlinedby2024GLAADMediaAwardwinner DavidArchuleta.WithperformancesbyHark,theErin HarkesBand,Albany’sAnnualDragRevue,andaspecial ‘KidswiththeBand’segmenthighlightingsomeamazing youngvoices!EmceedbyComedianandFly92.3DJ ShawnGillie.Withanamazingattendance,highenergy, top-notchentertainment,afamilycarnivalzone, hundredsofvendors,includingsomeofthearea’sbest foodtrucks,crafters,shops,andmerchants,aswellas communitygroups,the2026CapitalPRIDEFestivalisone oftheregion’sbiggestandmosthighlyanticipated events!

BerkshirePride

SATURDAY,JUNE20

11am|TheCommonPark,Pittsfield|Free

JoinusforourAnnualPrideFestival&Parade–a celebrationoflove,identity,andcommunity!Ourannual PrideParadekicksoffatParkSquarewithmusic, dancing,anddazzlingdisplaysofself-expression, followedbyanall-dayfestivalthatbringsthe communitytogetherinthespiritofloveandinclusivity.

BethlehemPride

1pm|FirstUnitedMethodistChurch,428Kenwood Ave.,Delmar|Free

Joinusforthe3rdAnnualBethlehemPrideFestival2026! Thisyear'stheme,JoyfulResistance,representsthe celebrationofourLGBTQIA+neighborsandfamilies whilealsopushingbackagainstthehateour communityisfacing.Comecelebrateandtakeaction asweshowourunityforourfamiliesandfriends! Sensory-friendlyhour1-2pm,foodtrucksandvendors willbeopen,performancesstartat2pm!

OutHudsonPrideParade&Festival

1-4pm|Festival:PromenadeHillPark

ParadeKickOff:WarrenSt.toFrontSt.

Thisyear,wearecelebrating15yearsofPrideinHudson. Ourweekendfestivalwillincludeoveradozenexciting events,includingourPrideparadeonJune21at2pm. OutHudsonNY.com.

AltProm!

5-8pm|ArmoryStudiosNY,125WashingtonAve, Sch’dy|$10Cover(Ages13-19)

AnOfficialPrideCenter&InOurOwnVoicesEvent!Join usforourannualAlt-Prom,afun-filledeveningfor LGBTQIA+youthandtheirallies,ages13-19.Limited sponsoredticketsareavailablebyrequest.Pleasesend anemailto:tstringfield@capitalpridecenter.org

FRIDAY,JUNE26

PrideNightOut

5pm|MonumentSquare,Troy|Free WHATTOEXPECT:

DragperformancescateredtoyoubyTyphoidMary! LiveMusicbyDJPhoenix

ABigGayMarketvendorpop-up

Afterparties+activationsacrossALLofdowntownTroy Localbusinessesfeaturingspecials,shopping,andmore ThisisthenightDowntownTroyshowsup,bold,proud, andfullofenergy.ComecelebratePride,supportlocal businesses,andbepartofoneofTroy’smostvibrant nightsoftheyear.

A SEASON OF PRIDE

SUNDAY,JUNE21

UpperHudsonQueerAlliance’sBigGayPridePicnic 11:00am–4:00pm|HadleyPark,LakeLuzerne UpperHudsonQueerAllianceishostingthefourth annualFREEBigGayPridePicnicthisyear!Movingto HadleyParkonCorlewAve,wewillbeabletohostfood trucksforthefirsttimeeveratourannualPridePicnic!! ThisisaneventtofosterbetteracceptanceofLGBTQIA+ folks(includingyouth)inruralUpstateNYwithadayof grand,gayfestivitiesforallages!Withartvendors, communityoutreachcoordinators,freesnacks,outdoor activities,locally-ownedfoodtrucks,livemusic,and dragperformancesgoingonallday,you’llhaveso muchtodo!

SUNDAY,JUNE28

SaratogaPrideFestival

1-5pm|HighRockPavilion,Saratoga|Free It’salwaysagoodtime…markyourcalendarsNOW!!The SaratogaPrideFestivalwillbethebestyearyet! Joinusforadayofcommunity,acceptance, celebration,andPRIDE!!Sunday,June28th,atitsnew starttimeof1to5pm.Joinusforanawesomelineupof musicians,dragperformers,localfoodvendors,and communitypartnersinPridethisyearforfourhoursof joyandfunona(hopefully)sunnysummerday! Detailstofollowsoon!!Wecan’twaittoseeyouthere!

SATURDAY,JULY11

LegacyHouseBall

7pm-12am|LarkHall,351HudsonAve,Albany|Free OurAnnualHouseBallisafreeeventinspiredby traditionalBIPOCQueerBallroomculture.Itisafriendly competitioncenteredaroundarangeofcategories curatedbyHouseBallleadersandcommunity members,includingRealness,Face,Performance,and theGrandPrizecategory,TheArchitect.Eachcategoryis judgedbyapanelselectedbythecommittee,with winnersreceivingcashprizes.Thisyear’stheme, “Legacy,”honors20yearsofBIPOCPrideandpays tributetoJah-SierNaquel“Juju”Tucker,recognizingtheir lastingimpactonthecommunity.

SATURDAY,JULY18

SmallTownPride

11am-3pm|ArsenalGreen,Malone|Free SixthAnnualSummerCelebrationisallaboutbringing ourcommunitytogetherforadayoffun,connection, andlocalpride.We’dlovetohaveyoubepartofit!

FRIDAY, AUGUST22

CollarCityPrideSwannBall

7-10:30pm|OldMasonicLodge,193rdStreet,Troy

TheSwannBallhonorsBIPOCandLGBTQIA2S+icon, WilliamDorseySwann,America'sfirstself-proclaimed DragQueenandfirstdocumentedgayrightsactivist. Thissemi-formaleventencouragesattendeestodress intheirbestswan-inspiredattireforachanceto competeinacostumecontestandwinprizes!Thedoors openat7pmwithacashbar,music,andpassedhors d'oeuvres,andourspeakingprogrambeginsat8pm, leadingintoourperformancesandcontestsat9pm, andtheeventendsby10:30pm.

SATURDAY,AUGUST23

AgingWithPrideCruise

11:30am-3pm|177FrontSt.,Troy

55+:$10|Under55:$55|PayItForward:$65

ThePrideCenteroftheCapitalRegionandInOurOwn VoicespresenttheAgingwithPrideBoatCruise.The cruisewillbefreeforanyone55+,andwillalsobe availabletoanyonewhowantstojoin54andunderat thecostof$55.Theboatwillhavepassedfood,acash bar,dragqueensontheopenseas,andaDJforplenty ofdancing.Importantnote:LGBTQIA+folksofallages,as wellassupportiveallies,arewelcometojoininthefun! Limitedsponsoredticketsfor55+areavailableby request.Pleasesendanemailto: tstringfield@capitalpridecenter.org

FRIDAY,AUGUST28

PrideDay|NewYorkStateFairgrounds,581StateFair Blvd.,Syracuse,NY|IncludedwithFairAdmission

ProgressFlagRaising9:30am(outsidemainentrance) ResourceFair,11amto5pm(ChevyCourtPavilion) LGBTQIA+Booth,10amto10pm(CenterofProgressBuilding) PrideDayceremony,2pm,EmpireTheater EntertainmentintheEmpireTheater,WegmansArtand HomeCenter,12amto5pm&DailyParade,6pm FanfavoriteMelissaEtheridgewillbringherRiseTourto the Fair to help celebrate Pride Day, with an 8 pm concertattheSuburbanParkstage!

SATURDAY,OCTOBER10

CollarCityPride

12-4pm|RiverfrontPark,Troy|Free CollarCityPride’sAnnualCollarCityPrideFestival Music,Performances,Family&KidsCraftarea,Vendors, Food,andFunforallages.Connectwithusonline: CollarCityPride.orgtostayupdatedwithallofourevents!

Capital Pride Parade & Festival Washington Park

Bethlehem Pride 428 Kenwood Ave, Delmar

Battenkill Valley Pride The Plow & Stars Farm

10:30AM

Catskill Pride Elliot Park, Catskill

Kinderhook Pride KInderhook Village Square

11AM Berkshire Pride The Common, Pittsfield

1-4PM

OutHudson Pride Hudson, NY

5-8PM Alt Prom Armory Studios

Saratoga Pride High Rock Pavilion

11:30AM-3PM Aging with Pride Cruise Captain JP, Troy

12-4PM

Collar City Pride William D. Chamberlain Riverfront Park, Troy

Hugeshoutoutand endlessthankstoour phenomenalvolunteers!

SpecialThanksto:

ScottLevine

AnneNelson

DebVincent

CoreyPolesel

JeremyBond

PaulOldham

CatGraziose

JamieDeSchepper

SoniaSandoval

TessCollins

ShawnGillie

TracyJones

LIzzieLewis

JohnDaniels

MichelleLaVoy

Special shoutout to our favorite and exclusive printer: ACS Printing. Support a family-owned, Black-owned business in Arbor Hill with all your print, design and mailingneeds.

The Pride Center of the Capital Region, SchenectadyPride,andInOurOwnVoices would like to recognize Armory Studios NY for their continued support and for providing such an amazing venue space forcommunityevents!

About the Entertainment

HARK

Hark, formerly the Erin Harkes Band. “Local favorite Erin Harkes has been called the busiest woman in show biz (NYS Music). She is regularly voted BestSinger/Songwriter, Solo Musician, and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll and The Alt. She took home the 2020 Thomas Edison Award for Best Solo/Duo Artist of the Year. Her music comes from triumphs over tragedy, always with a resounding theme of resilience, and with a voice that’s been compared to Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin.”

SHAWN GILLIE - HOST

The still ‘twenty-nine-year' old (shut up) Shawn Gillie is a mobile DJ specializing in weddings and a travel agent with his own agency called Gillie’s Getaways. He is also an On-Air personality for FLY 92.3 and hosts several nights a week at Waterworks Pub. Shawn says he’ll do anything to not have to go out and get a "real job.” He loves traveling all over the world, vodka, and extremely short walks on the beach. You can find out more about Shawn on his website: shawngillie.com.

STELLA PROGRESS

Stella Progress’ talents have spanned the state since 2021, earning her recognition as Times Union Best Drag Performer of the Capital Region 2026, Empire State of Drag Performer of the Year in 2025 & 2026, Miss Gay Empire State in 2025, and Miss Gay Albany in 2024. Catch Stella hosting brunches, dinner shows, and karaoke all over the capital region!

CARMIE HOPE & FRIEDA MUNCHON

Carmie Hope and Frieda Munchon have been on the PRIDE stages since 2004; co-hosting the festival for a number of years, and kicking off the main stage celebration together ever since, in a long-standing Pride tradition, start off with a song of happiness, hope and celebration.

CAPITAL PRIDE DRAG REVUE

Starling Silver Gemini DaBarbay Opal Essence Lady SeanZia Amanda Blair Philly Pina

11:30PRIDEPARADE

StartsatStateStreet&Edgecomb

TheCapitalRegion’smostvibrant processionreturnswithfloats,flags, marchinggroups,music,andthousands marchingthroughtheheartofAlbany.

12:00PRIDE

FESTIVAL

WashingtonParkParadeGroundKnoxStreetMall

Astheparadeconcludes,festivitiesspread acrosstheparkwithmusic,food,vendors, andaffirmingspacesforeveryone.

BeerGarden(21+)

AdjacenttotheMainStageon theFestivalGrounds

Chillwithbeerandwineinour gardenspace(IDrequired).

1:00MAINSTAGELINEUP

WashingtonParkParadeGroundKnoxStreetMall 1:00 1:10 1:15 1:30 2:50 3:15 3:40

WelcomeCeremony

OpeningRemarks

Carmie,Frieda&Stella

ErinHarkesBand

DragRevue

TheKidsW/TheBand

DavidArchuleta

Weappreciateour2026sponsors*thathelp makeCapitalPRIDEpossible!

PresentingSponsor

HannafordSupermarkets

PremierLevelSponsor

Regeneron

PlatinumLevelSponsors

EmpireMerchantsNorth

AlbanyDistillingCo

BarefootWines

HighNoon

LuckyOne

1800Tequila

TullamoreDew

DiamondLevelSponsors

BroadviewFCU

CityofAlbany

CommunityBankN.A.

DeCrescenteDistributingCompany

WaterworksPub

GoldLevelSponsors

A-Verdi

BeaconBank

EddyAlzheimersServices

ILoveNY

FLY92.3

Keybank

MohawkAmbulanceService

RenaissanceAlbanyHotel

TDBank

*Asof5/01/2026,updateddigitalversionofthe PrideGuidecanbefoundat518capitalpride.com

SilverLevelSponsors

CDPHP

CSEA

FirstNewYorkCreditUnion

HighmarkNortheasternNewYork

JustABar

MVPHealthcare

NationalGrid

NYISO

ROCKS

SchoharieDental

SunmarkCreditUnion

TremontRentals

UnitedHealthcare

WMHT/WEXT

WhitneyYoungHealth

BronzeLevelSponsors

AlbanyLawSchool

AlbanyMedHealthSystem

AllianceforPositiveHealth

AlbanyParkingAuthority

ArmoryStudiosNY

BarclayDamon

FidelisHealthCare

TheHealthyCafe

LemeryGreislerLLC

MeasurableSEO

Mr.BumblesCafe

MohawkHudsonHumaneSociety

OhBar

Pioneer

TheRoseblumCompanies

UnityHouseofTroy

UpperHudsonPlannedParenthood

MediaSponsors

KISS102.3IHeartRadio

Metroland

We are committed to creating an environment — at work and in the communities we serve — where every person is treated fairly, and where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to reach their full potential. To learn more about our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, visit ngrid.com/pride.

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