CommUNITY Spring 2019

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Our Mission T

he mission of the Pride Center of the Capital Region is to promote the well-being of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Based in Albany, the Pride Center has been meeting the diverse needs of LGBTQ people in a ten county region since 1970.

We are the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ center in the country. Our programs, both at the Center (332 Hudson Ave in Albany) as well as held throughout the region, meet the health and human service needs of the LGBTQ community as well as educate and advocate for those needs in the broader Capital Region. As the oldest continuously-operating LGBTQ community center in the country, the Pride Center has worked to build a welcoming and empowering community for all people.

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Letter From Our President D

ear Pride Center Community: In many ways 2018 was a rebuilding effort for our organization and we would not have been able to accomplish this without the hard work of our staff and volunteers. The financial support we have received from our community has supported this effort and for that I am grateful. I am excited about our continued growth and our participation this coming year in WorldPride and the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. I am especially heartened by the release of the Governor’s legislative agenda and the work of the community to pass GENDA and the ban on conversion therapy.

As always, we appreciate any opportunity to hear from the members of the Pride Community.

Our Open House dates are posted on our web page and are one opportunity to come to the center and speak directly with board members and staff.

On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Pride Center I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you at Pride 2019.

Sincerely, Cynthia Bott, Ph.D., LCSW

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apital Pride will kick off on Friday May 31st, 2019 with a great line up of events over 10 days for you to enjoy, from past favorites to new and exciting events and performers to entertain, enlighten and bring our entire community together at the Capital Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday June 9th, 2019.

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apital Pride has grown to become one of the staple destination events in the Capital District and one of the largest Parades and Festivals in the tri state area. With an average attendance of 30,000 people over 10 days of events, Capital Pride has something for everyone.

The planning is underway for one of our biggest celebrations yet, with 2019 being a monumental year in the nationwide fight for rights for our LGBTQIA+ community as the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, you can be sure there will be plenty of GOLD Level Events but also some very important historical look-backs and a renewed call to action.

Capital Pride 2019 is your opportunity to get involved, to celebrate how far we have come, to help unite our community in the protection of what we have all achieved and to demand action on what has yet to be accomplished, total equality for all!

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apital Pride would not happen without the involvement of our community! Do you have the energy, time and a desire to celebrate your PRIDE? There are several ways you can get involved; Volunteer at the Parade or Festival, Advertise your business in the Pride Guide, March in the Parade, become a Festival Vendor or promote your company with a Corporate Pride Sponsorship.

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olunteering at Capital Pride is one of the most important ways you can celebrate your PRIDE. Join us by helping organize this huge event that unites all of our community and be a part of the movement that is larger than ourselves.

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eing Festival Vendors is a significant part of the Capital Pride Festival and a unique opportunity to expose your products, materials and information directly to tens of thousands of our festival attendees.

Promote your company with a Corporate Pride Sponsorship and Connect your brand with our festivals and events audience at the most visible and far reaching levels with an opportunity customized to meet your specific business objectives.

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dvertise Your Business in the Capital Pride Guide which is distributed both in print and electronically to tens of thousands of people in our surrounding 10 county area and beyond. A variety of ad sizes are available to fit every budget.

All information on how to can get involved and make your PRIDE a huge success, including online registrations and volunteer forms can be found at www.518capitalpride.com/

Capital Pride 2019 is produced by The Pride Center of the Capital Region. For updates March in the Capital Pride Parade and join and the latest news on Capital Pride 2019, over 5000+ members of our community and groups as we march in recognition of the 50th please join us at our quarterly community forum on Saturday March 2nd, 2019 at the Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

Pride Center, 332 Hudson Ave., in Albany NY.

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Pride Center Programs D

Andromeda Indardeo Director of Programs

id you know that the Pride Center of the Capital Region offers those in the LGBTQ community as well as family and friends over 20 programs, counseling services, and social events? Most groups meet weekly. All of our programs and services that we provide are offered at no charge. As the Director of Programs, my goal is always to foster a safe and inclusive space to meet.

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veryone is entitled to express themselves as they see fit, regardless of their gender identity, expression or sexual orientation. One of my goals for 2019 is to bring more diversity to Pride Center. I am personally speaking to school counselors, social workers, parents and educators on assessing school climates so that we can establish diversity clubs and/or GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) clubs.

We understand the importance support systems have in the LGBT+ community. Which is why we offer programs for parents, friends, and family of LGBT+ individuals.

Aside from our peer support groups, we are excited to offer our weekly meditation and yoga classes. Anyone who wishes to share their talent can join us every last Friday of the month for our Open Mic Night. For those that find themselves craving a family style dinner and good company, we have our Sunday supper which takes place every last Sunday of the month.

Our community is ever changing and ever growing which is why my door is always open. If anyone is interested in creating a new program or is interested in volunteering, I’d love to meet you. commUNITY SPRING 2019

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pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

Summer Leadership Camp 2018

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Jen Maley-Wheeler Director of Training & Case Management

outh in Power! Summer Leadership Camp 2018 was a big success. About 30 youth ages 12-18 participated in several workshops, ranging from Yoga and Meditation to First Aid Fire Safety and STI awareness and prevention.

This year’s camp was held August 10-12 at Lawson Lake in Feura Bush, NY. In addition to various workshops, youth also enjoyed boating, field games, tie-dye, and various camp games. The campers enjoyed food from the grill, including brunch for dinner. The ice cream social was a huge hit among the campers.

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he Pride Center’s trained camp AC’s volunteered their time to provide a safe, welcoming environment to LGBTQ+ Youth; providing an opportunity for campers to engage with old friends and gain new ones.

During the talent show, held on the last day of camp, campers were able to display and show off many of their talents and skills. This year’s campers had some awesome talents to show off.

The closing remarks session on the last day of camp seemed to have the greatest impact on our campers. Youth were able to talk and reflect on their camp experience, reflecting on making many new friends and appreciating the fun and welcoming environment the Pride Center was able to provide these LGBTQ+ Youth.

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Legal Ease

By Victoria Esposito, Pride Center Board Director

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appy 2019! I am delighted to be a new member of the Pride Center board and to be writing this piece on legal issues facing the LGBTIA communities. (Disclaimer: all opinions are my own, and this is purely informational, not legal advice.)

I am even more delighted to be able to report on a positive development, as those do seem to have been sparse recently. However, as of January 1, 2019, a new law took effect in New York City which allows adults to change the gender on their birth certificates to “X” rather than “M” or “F.”1 This appears to be the fifth such law passed in the country since 2017; California, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have similar laws. 2 New Jersey’s law will take effect in February.3 The New York City law requires only a notarized affidavit, stating that the change is not for a fraudulent purpose, and it is thus quite easy for gender nonconforming people to change their birth certificates to reflect that status.4 I realize, of course, that if you are reading this you are likely not in New York City and may be wondering how this affects you -individuals in New York State must still get a medical professional’s signature to change the gender marker on their birth certificates, and it will not affect driver’s licenses. However, this does seem to be part of a genuine trend of states and municipalities acknowledging and respecting that not everyone fits into a binary gender scheme. I think back to the days when same-sex marriage was legalized in state after state.

Of course, I know that this took years of effort by advocates and advocacy groups, and I do not in any way want to trivialize that work. However, it genuinely appeared that once a critical mass of states and municipalities started to recognize same-sex marriages, the dam burst. I hope we will begin to see that in this area also.

We are extraordinarily conditioned in this country to think in binary terms, perhaps most particularly around gender. Moreover, most notably around gender, the effects are corrosive for all of us. I think that changing that is going to be a marathon rather than a sprint and that we see just the first few steps here. However, these laws are hugely important first steps for gender nonconforming people most of all, but also for a more just, compassionate, and understanding society, Evan Simko-Bednarski, “New York City Birth Certificates Get Gender-Neutral Option.” CNN. Available at https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/03/health/new-york-city-gender-neutral-birthcertificate-trnd/index.html (last accessed Febuary 26, 2019).

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Cheap seats! and more!

By Chuck Zimmerman

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owntown organ recitals conducted by one of Albany’s premier organists/composers? Stimulating staged play readings, enacted in an intimate Pine Hills, Albany theatre, or maybe monthly vocal and/or instrumental entertainment offered within the convenient Center Square historic district of the Capital….. totally free and welcoming to the public? Yes, these are a few of the many FREE entertainment options available to all of us!

Theater Voices: The area’s best actors and directors have offered 100 plays as staged readings since 1989 through this group, and they utilize the Steamer #10 Theater at 500 Western Avenue, Albany for productions. Circle Mirror Transformation is scheduled for the weekend of February 15-17, 2019 and the Subject was Roses will follow for April 12-14, 2019. The usual times are Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 3 PM and 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. The Troy Foundry Theatre offers their “Dark Day Mondays” free staged readings of new plays in very unique venues around Troy, NY. The dates are announced throughout the year by checking www. troyfoundrytheatre.com Schenectady Civic Playhouse has periodic free staged readings and information may be found at www.civicplayers.org.

During Albany’s Lark Street area “First Night” Fridays the First Presbyterian Church, located at 362 State Street [and Willet Street corner], provides the public with a combination musical/arts venue.

First Fridays, under the musical direction of Dr. Michael Lister and gallery director David Hinchen offers the Capital region’s abundant variety of talented musicians and visual artists in a monthly series that starts at 6PM, with gallery viewing of art prior to the program, starting earlier 5:30PM. The next series is scheduled for Friday, February 1, 2019, and then Friday, March 1, 2019. Former performers/ artists include the Albany Gay Men’s Chorus, College of St. Rose Madrigal Ensemble and our wellknown local artist Kevin Bruce.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State Street, Albany, under their “Lively Ministry of Music and Arts” program periodically offers free organ concerts to the public. Nationally known organist and composer Alfred Fedak and Susan Fedak, his wife, who is one of the area’s leading choral conductors, singers, and teachers, both direct this program.

Check both the Times Union and the Gazette “daily events calendars” online for future planned events.

The College of St. Rose Music Department offers numerous free performances in their Picotte Recital Hall, 1002 Western Avenue, Albany, during the school year. Scheduled for Saturday, February 16, 2019, at 7:30 is the Saint Rose Camerata Concert of Music Department instructors followed by a Sunday, Feb. 17th Annual Capital District ChoralFest and hen several other concerts before the month’s end.

Too numerous for a complete listing here, the many churches, schools, theaters and organizations and towns and cities within the Capital District that offer free entertainment events to the public is very impressive. Searching through local weekly publications and online research of these events is your

best bet!

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Letter from Our Executive Director Martha Harvey

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reetings from all of us at the Pride Center. I’m happy to have the CommUNITY Newsletter back in business as I’ve much to share with you.

2019 started with a bang! The long overdue GENDA bill AND the conversion therapy ban bill both passed in mid-January in the NY State Senate. GENDA (Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act) never was able to make it to the Senate floor for a vote until this year.

This critical piece of legislation will ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming members of the LGBTQ community equal protection under the law. No person, entity, agency, business, or organization can deny goods or services to anyone for any reason in the state of New York. The conversion therapy ban legislation will save lives, period. The damaging and sometimes fatal results from subjecting LGBT people to this pseudoscientific practice has been well documented for years. Now, finally, both of these common sense laws are here.

These are big wins for the entire LGBTQ community.

Lots of good things are happening at the Pride Center.

Along with our regular group meetings, we offer a variety of ways to come out and socialize in a safe space where everyone is welcome. Sunday Supper on the last Sunday of the month, Vintage Pride Potluck on the third Sunday of the month, Open Mic Night on the last Friday of the month, and Dinner & a Movie on the third Thursday of the month. We are also now offering no-cost counseling and case management services here at the Pride Center.

This additional service is so critical, and I’m excited that we can now provide this to the community.

Every day, I am so very thankful for the Pride Center, the passionate and dedicated staff, the best volunteers, the hardest working board, and the warm, diverse, resilient community.

Until next time, Martha Harvey Executive Director

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PRIDEcenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION

EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1970 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, NY 12210 (518) 462-6138 | www.CapitalPrideCenter.org info@CapitalPrideCenter.org

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Community Center since 1970 BUSINESS ALLIANCE

HAPPINESS

Members gain exclusive visibility, ways to leverage customer allegiance, and access to a dedicated consumer base. Monthly Mixers provide space to network with local professionals and community.

Happiness is a support group for families of trans* youth/children that provides assistance and education in navigating the process and overcoming obstacles faced.

MEN’S PRIDE

CAPITAL PRIDE The largest LGBTQ Pride celebration in Upstate New York. A real community affair that takes place on the 2nd weekend in June.

CAPITAL REGION PRIDEABILITY This group is a collaboration between the Pride Center and the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS to provide support to people with disabilities who are LGBTQI.

CENTER ARTS & FIRST FRIDAY Showcasing the contributions of LGBTQ-identified artists through innovative programming in the local area, participation in arts events, and showings at our Romaine Brooks Gallery on the first floor of the Pride Center.

CENTER YOUTH Support, outreach, and advocacy for LGBTQA+ youth ages 18 and under. Including regional groups, a drop-in group every Friday from 3-8PM in Albany that includes a facilitator-led discussion.

CommUNITY A quarterly online publication highlighting and informing the greater Capital Region on local LGBTQ news, events, as well as the work being done by other organizations in the area. Advertising opportunities.

COUNSELING & CASE MANAGEMENT Free counseling and case management services for all LGBTQ people ages 13+.

FAMILY PRIDE LOOK (Loving Ourselves and Our Kids) engages with both parents/guardians of and LGBTQ children in a supportive environment. Friends & Families engage with loved ones of LGBTQ-identified individuals to provide a safe space for allied family members to access resources and support..

Focusing on the experiences of gay, bisexual, transgender, samegender-loving, MSMs, queer, and questioning men in the Capital Region. Connect to share support, make friends, and learn about issues affecting men’s communities.

SUNDAY SUPPER

A potluck-style community meal for the entire community, friends, and family. Music, board games, good food, good fun. Held on the last Sunday of every month.

TRAINING & EDUCATION SERVICES

Comprehensive and customizable training, presentations, and technical assistance for healthcare providers, K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, organizations, and any group seeking to enhance environments and services for LGBTQ individuals.

TRANS*-TALK

A safe space for Trans* & Gender Non-Conforming Youth ages 18 & under who identify as Trans*, Genderqueer, intersex, agender, bigender, gender non-conforming, or questioning.

TRANS* PRIDE

Promoting the wellbeing of the transgender, gender queer, gender fluid, agender, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and questioning community in a safe, empowering space.

VINTAGE PRIDE

Connecting older (55+) LGBTQ adults to each other and the broader community with social gatherings, special events, and educational opportunities. Creating new memories while celebrating and honoring the resilience and contributions of our community.

WOMEN’S PRIDE

Focusing on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, same-gender-loving, WSWs, queer, and questioning women in the Capital Region. Connect to share support, make friends, and learn about issues affecting women’s communities.

Except where noted, all events take place at 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, NY. Garden Level is wheelchair accessible via lift.

Have an accessibility question? Contact: Andromeda Indardeo, Director of Programs at: aindardeo@CapitalPrideCenter.org or call 518-462-6138 14 |

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MONDAY

Men’s Pride Support Group Every Monday (18+) 7:00-8:30PM 1st floor Meditation Monday Every Monday 6:00-7:00PM Garden Level Saratoga Pride LGBTQ Support Group** Fourth Monday of the month (18+) 7:00-8:30PM Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs

TUESDAY

Trans* Pride Support Group First & Third Tuesday of the month (18+) 6:00-8:00PM 1st Floor Friends & Families of LGBTQ People** Second Tuesday of the month 7:00-8:30PM First Unitarian Society of Schenectady 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady For info email facilitator: deborahkenyon2@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY

Men’s Late Night Alcoholics Anonymous++ Every Wednesday of the month 10:00-11:00PM Garden Level Women’s Pride Support Group Every Wednesday (18+) 6:00-7:30PM 1st Floor

THURSDAY

Schenectady LGBTQA+ Youth Group** Every Thursday of the month (18 & under) 6:00-7:30 PM YMCA Schenectady 433 State St. Schenectady Saratoga LGBTQA+ Youth Group** Every Thursday of the month (18 & under) 6:30-8:00PM YMCA Saratoga 290 West Ave. Saratoga Springs LGBTQ Narcotics Anonymous++ Every Thursday of the month 7:30-8:30PM Garden Level LOOK—Loving Ourselves & Our Kids** (For families of LGBTQA+ youth) Third Thursday of the month 6:00-7:00PM East Greenbush Community Library 10 Community Way, East Greenbush Dinner and a Movie Every Third Thursday of the month 6:00-8:00PM 1st Floor Capital Region Prideability** Every Fourth Thursday of the month 5:30-7:00PM Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave, Albany Confirm your attendance call facilitator Shameka Andrews at 518-229-4856

FRIDAY

Albany LGBTQ+ Youth Group Every Friday of the month (18 & under) 3:00-8:30PM 1st Floor Albany Young Adult Peer Pride Group Every Friday of the month (ages 19-30) 4:00-6:00PM Garden Level #FirstFriday Art Opening First Friday of the month 6:00-8:00PM 1st Floor Open Mic Night Last Friday of the month (all ages) 6:00-8:30PM 1st Floor

SATURDAY

Yoga Every Saturday of the month 2:00-3:00PM Garden Level Trans-Talk | Happiness First & Third Saturday of the month (18 & under) 11AM-12:30PM Garden Level

SUNDAY

Vintage Pride Potluck** Third Sunday of the month 55+ 1:00-3:00PM First Presbyterian Church 362 State St. Albany Sunday Supper-Potluck Style Last Sunday of the month (all ages) 5:00-8:00PM 1st Floor

++Anonymous meetings held at the Pride Center are non-affiliated, independent groups. **Indicates an affiliate group which may meet outside of the Pride Center.

Except where noted, all events take place at: The Pride Center of the Capital Region | 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany, NY (518) 462-6138 www.capitalpridecenter.org | aindardeo@CapitalPrideCenter.org

The mission of the Pride Center of the Capital Region is to promote the well-being of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queeridentified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Based in Albany, the Pride Center has been meeting the diverse needs of LGBTQ people in a ten county region since 1970.

We are the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ center in the country. Serving: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties.

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332 Hudson Avenue Albany, NY 12210

BUILDING pride

ENGAGING community EMPOWERING lives

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pridecenter OF THE CAPITAL REGION