2024 Troy Pride Guide

OURFOUNDER ALETTERFROM

Hello Friends

Morelocal,lesscorporate,allinclusive.

Back in December, when Collar City Pride hit the scene, this is what we told you our plan was: A Troy Pride that was more local, less corporate, and allinclusive. We think we have done a pretty good job of keeping our word.

I truly can’t believe we are here. The idea behind this organization is to help fill the gaps in care we are seeing for our Transgender, Gender NonConforming, and Non-Binary (TGNCNB) community members who use substances, especially those most marginalized in our queer community.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that I am part of a larger team of Rensselaer County LGBTQ+ volunteers. This work would not have happened without the support of these brave souls to take a risk on me when I came to them with this wild idea of starting a new organization. We know that we have much work still to do to create this organization in a way that provides truly equitable services needed for our Rensselaer County LGBTQ+ community.

So far, we have had an LGBTQ+centered event monthly, alternating between sober and non-sober spaces. Collar City Pride has called in the organizations, businesses, and community members in the county who are already doing the work and collaborated with many of them along the way. Last but not least, we have organized a stellar Troy Pride festival, filled with local performers, local vendors, and local sponsors. As we strive to align daily with our mission, vision, and values, we invite you all in to hold us accountable, always.

Don’t ever forget that this non-profit organization belongs to no one but YOU! We work for the benefit of our local queer community and the outpouring of support so humbles us. I have worked much of my professional career in non-profit organizations and know firsthand how exploitative they can be. Our organizational structure aims to look different than any other non-profit out there.

No tens of thousands of dollars in wage gaps between employees and executives. No unpaid performers or entertainment during Pride season; we aim to and are paying every performer at Troy’s Pride festival. No throwing programs and services at the wall like spaghetti, hoping one sticks. We plan to have quarterly community feedback groups, hearing from the community regarding their needs and aligning ourselves with the community's asks.

It is going to take us some time, much hard work, and even harder dedication to achieve these goals. Don’t worry, we started this organization with two people, no funding, and a hope that we could make a dent in the preventable deaths happening via overdose in our community. In these short months, we have grown to a 10-person planning committee, are recognized as an official New York State non-profit organization, have trained over 30 community members on administering naloxone/NARCAN, offered incentivized naloxone training to the community, and have implemented a grassroots fundraising strategy that has raised over $10,000. We have also held two community feedback sessions and a public Pride planning committee meeting. We truly mean it when we say this organization belongs to you!

Thank you. Thank you for believing in us and helping us shape this organization. I can’t wait to serve this LGBTQ+ Rensselaer County community; it is truly an honor and privilege. From our team to yours, happy Pride SEASON!

In Solidarity, Meagon Nolasco They/Them Collar City Pride Founder

ARTISTS THE

Tyler

He/They

JunioratTroyHighSchool

Hannah

They/them

JunioratTroyHighSchool

Inspired by the unity of all, coming together as inclusive as possible. I wanted to see myself and also represent others

Inspiration: Steven Universe! This show has many characters who identify as LGBTQ+ and love how the show presents different identities!

*These artists are the winners of the Troy High x Collar City Pride art contest. The artists have been compensated fairly for their creations - as all artists should! You can pick up shirts with Tyler’s art during the Troy Pride Festival on July 14th!

ENTERTAINERS 2024

TyphoidMary,MC(She/They)

Typhoid Mary has been a star staple of the 518 drag scene since 2019 - you can find them as a host, performer, manager, graphic artist, and now: our gorgeous and glorious MC!

JuliaAlsarraf,Performer(She/Her)

A local Troy favorite - Julia is a singer and multi-instrumentalist whose musical creations range from contemporary folk to indie pop/rock.

Zay,Performer(He/Him)

Zay is a 24-year-old, raised in Troy, NY who finally found the motivation to become a full-time artist this past year. Zay is a bartender by day and a rock star at night. He’s only been doing music professionally for 1 year but this is just the beginning of an amazing journey. Let his music speak for himself.

LovelyCandela,DJ(They/Them)

If you’ve ever been in the music scene in Troy - you’ve heard of our DJ! From Bae Goals, Refuge, Whiskey Pickle, NO FUN, and now Collar City Pride - it’s our DJ Lovely Candela!

GoodKarmaStudio

Good Karma Studio is Albany, New York’s premier circus arts, aerial yoga and bungee fitness studio offering Lyra Hoop, Silks, Silk Hammock, Aerial yoga, Mat yoga, group fitness classes and more!! We are the area’s ONLY certified circus arts studio, and the very first to bring aerial yoga and bungee fitness to the Capital Region! Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced Yogi, you’ll find comfort in our studios and with our highlytrained and compassionate teachers.

FESTIVALSCHEDULE TROYPRIDE

NOON–12:45

DJLOVELY CANDELA& PERFORMANCE BY GOOD KARMASTUDIO

12:45–1:15 KICKOFF SPEECHES

1:15P.M.-1:20P.M.

TYPHOIDMARYINTRO

1:20–1:35

MARZTESTIMONY

HIV BEGINS WITH ME CAMPAIGN

1:35P.M.–1:45P.M.

TYPHOIDMARY SONG #I

1:50P.M.–2:00P.M.

JOSETESTIMONY

HIV BEGINS WITH ME CAMPAIGN

2:00P.M.–2:45P.M. ZAY

2:45P.M.–2:55P.M.

BERNADETTETESTIMONY

HIV BEGINS WITH ME CAMPAIGN

2:55P.M.–3:15P.M.

TYPHOIDMARY SONG #2

3:15P.M.–4:00P.M. JULIA

4:00P.M.–4:10P.M.

LA’MIA TESTIMONY

HIV BEGINS WITH ME CAMPAIGN

4:10P.M.–4:30P.M.

TYPHOIDMARY FREE-FORALL

4:30P.M.–5:00P.M.

CLOSING REMARKS

FINAL PERFORMANCE BY GOODKARMASTUDIO

AFTERPARTY TROYPRIDE

REFUGEAFTERDARKANDCOLLARCITYPRIDEPRESENT TROYPRIDE'SOFFICIALAFTERPARTY!

SUNDAY,JULY14TH,6PM-9PM 18135THAVE,TROY

WITH OUT OF THIS WORLD BEATS BY DJ SCOTIA, IN A ZEROPROOF ATMOSPHERE, KEEP THE PARTY GOING WITH ELIXIRS FOR PURCHASE BY REFUGE, ALONG WITH THEIR UNBEATABLE COURTYARD SPACE.

SLIDINGSCALEDONATIONATTHEDOOR TOBENEFITCOLLARCITYPRIDE,$5-$15

COLLARCITYPRIDE ABOUT

OURMISSION

Collar City Pride is an organization led by LGBTQIA2+ folks providing care, community, and training around substance-use services specific to the queer community. At Collar City Pride, we foster a vibrant and inclusive Rensselaer County that celebrates diversity, promotes acceptance, and empowers LGBTQIA2+ folks.

Through advocacy, education, and training, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where we can live authentically and thrive. In the long term, we aspire to open Rensselaer County's first inpatient substance use treatment center geared specifically towards transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals.

We are committed to offering LGBTQ+ affirming, peer-based harm reduction services, a yearly pride festival in Troy, and organizing events that promote connection and celebration within our community.

OURVISION

CCP envisions a world where LGBTQIA2+ folks have accessible, affirming, and appropriate substance use care. Through our advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, we strive to build a world where LGBTQ+ individuals and those impacted by addiction can thrive in affirming environments, access quality care and support services, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

OURVALUES

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity

Racial Justice Dignity

Continual Improvement

Bodily Autonomy

All Collaboration & No Competition

More Local, Less Corporate Awareness of Intersectionality

Empathy

Harm Reduction First Advocacy

FUTUREVISION CURRENTGOALS

PROGRAMS

TRAINING

Collar City Pride is proud to offer private and public naloxone training from trained and certified professionals. To request private training, please contact us at info@collarcitypride.org.

ADVOCACY

Collar City Pride is a crucial advocate for individuals and their loved ones, both living and passed, who face substance use issues, particularly within the LGBTQIA2+ community. We strive to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for policies that address the unique challenges of this community, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

EDUCATION

Collar City Pride values education as a crucial tool in combating misinformation and demonization surrounding substance use and LGBTQIA2+ individuals. We are committed to providing accurate information, fostering understanding, and promoting acceptance within the community. If your organization, workplace, or classroom would like training on LGBTQIA2+ awareness, affirming treatment provision, or inclusivity and intersectionality, please email us at info@collarcitypride.org.

OURVISIONFORTHEFUTUREOFCCP

SUBSTANCEUSETREATMENTCENTER

We want to fill this service gap. We want to create a substance use treatment center coupled with transitional housing, crafted specifically for TGNCNB clients, with providers who reflect our consumers. A place where our TGNCNB community, as well as the entire LGBTQ+ community in Rensselaer County, can thrive without sacrificing their autonomy, identity, or expression.

DONATETODAY SUPPORT&

Become a supporter of Collar City Pride today! YWCA-GCR is collecting taxdeductible donations on behalf of Collar City Pride! All funds donated are used to offset the costs of insurance, paying Pride festival performers, purchasing items like tables, tents, and chairs, and providing water and ice to all performers and volunteers the day of the festival. Lastly, any funding from the Pride festival that isn’t used on festival expenses will be used to fund our programmatic services beginning in late fall of 2024.

DONATE

WEBSITE

OFHARMREDUCTION THEIMPORTANCE

In the last five months, Collar City Pride has held two public and one private naloxone trainings, teaching over 30 community members how to administer naloxone, use drug testing strips, and help another who may be experiencing an overdose.

Harm reduction, or harm minimization, refers to a range of intentional practices and public health policies designed to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with various human behaviors.

When we think of substance use and harm reduction, we think of providing naloxone/NARCAN to all those who use it, along with clean supplies for use and training on using drug testing strips.

Harm reduction isn’t just a module we follow when it comes to substance use. In the LGBTQ+ community, harm reduction is found in other areas of our lives such as adequate STD/HIV testing, access to safer sex supplies, and the ability to access medications such as PrEP.

Harm reduction as a model for care can allow folks the safety they need and the autonomy they want to make their own decisions. Research tells us that on average, more individuals find their way into sobriety when given an empathetic, harm-reductive approach versus the traditional clinical, abstinence-only models.

If you or someone you know/love/care about are struggling with substance use or could benefit from harm reduction supplies of any kind, please get in touch with the Alliance for Positive Health to set up a pick up or delivery of lifesaving harm reduction supplies.

PLANNINGCOMMITTEE COLLARCITYPRIDE

MeagonNolasco(They/Them)

The founder of Collar City Pride, and former Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator at The Pride Center of the Capital Region, Meagon spends their days now rocking it at the NYS Senate while chasing their dreams in LGBTQ+ policy. Juggling their roles as a plant whisperer, big sis, guitar hero, and fearless LGBTQ+ warrior, Meagon has devoted their life to the service of their community. Their mission? From substance use services to mental health education and policy battles, Meagon is a force to be reckoned with!

DenaDefazio(She/Her)

Dena’s fate was sealed by her daycare teacher’s pronouncement that when she grew up, she would either be a lawyer or need a lawyer. Dena is a practicing attorney who helps health care and human services providers and non-profits with regulatory, compliance, and transactional matters. A native Western New Yorker (Go Bills!), she has called the Capital Region home since 2015. Dena identifies as a queer woman who is passionate about advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in her community and beyond. She’s also a big fan of coffee, coloring, audiobooks, and the Oxford comma.

KateMcHughCurry(They/Them&Siad/Iad)

Kate is a Troy native and non-binary & pansexual Irish pagan with 10+ years of marketing and social media experience. They spend most of their time reading, crafting (mostly crocheting), taking care of their plants, walking theur pitbull, Pearl, and rehabbing and breeding snakes and reptiles. Kate has been working in and advocating for their community(s) for the last 5 years by volunteering and being one of the many co-owners at Cafe Euphoria, as well as their marketer.

PeterRivera(He/They)

Born and raised in NYC of Puerto Rican descent, Peter spent his youth in the Bronx. With limited resources in the area, he found a passion for Martial Arts with the understanding that he wanted to learn self-defense as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Peter identifies as transmasc and biromantic, which caused safety concerns when training in cis-male-dominated sports. Peter founded Official Pride Martial Arts in 2023 to provide an open safe training space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, to train alongside each other and benefit from the program, and create a space for “us.” When he’s not doing Martial Arts, he enjoys tarot reading, renaissance festivals, comic cons, and taking trips to Salem, MA!

PLANNINGCOMMITTEE COLLARCITYPRIDE

Autumn(She/Her)

Born and raised in Harlem, NY Autumn Kelson (she/her) has been a resident of the capital region for over 10 years. When not at work, Autumn is busy being a pansexual icon while raising her beautiful long-haired orange cat, Amber, and her feisty tiger gray kitten Ash. She is in a long-term relationship with literature, Supernatural, the LGBTQIA+ community, and (mentally) Idris Elba.

MarisaLedesma-Henry(She/They)

Proud Dominican/Metis Person, Professional Nanny by Day, Co-Founder of Trojan Womyn Productions, Vice President & Mistress of Novices with the Empire Sisters(Sister MoFongo), local chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Owner of Divalicious Designs By Marisa. Marisa seeks to make the world a better, brighter, and safer place for all their LGBTQIA siblings of all ages. She hopes that her involvement will assist in amplifying the voices of her BIPOC brothers and sisters.

EmSpalti(They/Her)

Em (they/her) is a member of the Collar City Pride planning committee and a pansexual genderqueer New Yorker. Based in Manhattan, they work as a nonprofit consultant. In her free time, Em upcycles and mends clothing to prevent textile waste.

BrennanWilliams(He/Him)

Brennan is a vibrant force in his 30s — weaving compassion and advocacy in the queer, mental health, and disability communities for almost two decades. Proudly transgender, he has called Troy home since 2015. From queer initiatives local and statewide to public speaking to photo campaigns, Brennan is a spirited advocate and community member who is excited to help bring pride to Troy! In his free time, you’ll catch him hiking, making music, or building things.

COLLARCITYPRIDE

PLANNINGCOMMITTEE

AbrahamLara(He/Him/Él)

Abraham Lara, a first generation New Yorker born to Colombian parents, has brought a vibrant cultural background to the Capital Region since moving here in the summer of 2021. Fluent in Spanish, Abraham has co-led and organized events for a previous employer’s LGBTQIA+ employee affinity group, demonstrating a passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community.

Susan(She/Her)

Susan Preiss is the House Lighting Director for Empire Live in downtown Albany. She has provided lighting for concerts by artists such as Barnes Courtney, K. Flay and Sublime. Susan is not only a valued planning committee member but also our Production Manager for Troy’s Pride Festival.

PRIDEEVENTS LOCAL

LGBTQ+SOCIALHOUR

COLLAR CITY PRIDE

May23rd,Thursday|6:30-8:30PM|WhiskeyPickle,Troy

Come meet the team! Members of the Collar City Pride planning committee will be there to answer questions, introduce themselves, hear feedback about Troy Pride and other services offered/needed, and get to know our community! No cost to attend, but please tip your bartenders and buy a drink or two!

MINDFULMAYMEDITATION

COLLAR CITY PRIDE

May30th,Thursday|7PM|TroyRiverfrontPark

Guided Imagery meditation techniques taught by Meagon Nolasco and Brennan Williams, seasoned meditators and members of the CCP Planning Committee. This meditation practice will focus on ways to incorporate mindfulness and meditation, specifically for those who are neurodivergent.

2024CAPITALPRIDEKICK-OFFBBQ

WATERWORKS PUB

May31st,Friday|4-8PM|WaterworksPub,Albany

Enjoy a fun casual evening with music, complimentary food, drag performances, and chances to win fun prizes. Meet up with friends, new and old, as the community kicks off the 2024 PRIDE season! An Official Capital Pride and In Our Own Voices Event!

QUEERGAMENIGHT&DND

CAFE EUPHORIA

EverySaturday|5-9PM|RiverStreet,Troy

Come hang out and play some games in a relaxing and safe cafe! If you’re interested in bringing your own DnD group, DM-ing, or reserving a seat, please make a reservation!

SCHENECTADYPRIDEFESTIVAL

SCHENECTADY PRIDE

June1st,Saturday|2-7PM|GatewayLandingPark

Annual Pride festival in Schenectady, New York! Growing bigger every year!

TYPHOIDMARYPRIDEDRAGSHOW

TYPHOID MARY

June1st,Saturday|Doors6PM,Show7PM|NinePin

Hosted by Typhoid Mary with performances by Rosetta Stoned, Lola Deville, Piper Fixation, and Beats by DJ Mercy. Visit @typhoid.maryxx for tickets and details (Facebook and IG).

PRIDEDRAGBRUNCH

TYPHOID MARY

June2nd,Sunday|Doors11AM,Show11:30AM|BardandBaker

Hosted by Noelle Diamond and Typhoid Mary. More performers are to be announced. Visit @typhoid.maryxx for tickets and details (Facebook and IG).

GLENSFALLSPRIDEFESTIVAL

LOWER ADK PRIDE

June2nd,Sunday|12-4PM| GlensFallsCityPark

Lower Adirondack Pride will host its 2nd annual Glens Falls Pride Festival on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 12 PM - 4 PM in Glens Falls City Park.

SLAMEUPHORIA:SPOKENWORDOPENMICANDSLAM

CAFE EUPHORIA & SLAM EUPHORIA

June7th,Friday|6:30-9PM|RiverStreet,Troy

Share your poetry with a supportive and safe community for fun or to compete with the Slam Euphoria team!

SAYITLOUD!BIPOC*PRIDE2024

IN OUR OWN VOICES

June8th,Saturday|12-5PM|WashingtonPark,Albany

In Our Own Voices, Inc. is celebrating Pride in June with a month full of events and activities centered around the lives, experiences, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ Communities of Color in New York’s Capital Region (and beyond).

CAPITALPRIDEPARADEANDFESTIVAL

CAPITAL PRIDE CENTER

June9th,Sunday|11:30AM-5PM|WashingtonPark

The Capital PRIDE Parade and Festival 2024, largest event in the Capital Region, returns on Sunday, June 9th, 2024.

LAKEGEORGEPRIDEFESTIVAL

LAKE GEORGE DJ TAKEOVER MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

June9th,Sunday|12PM-7PM|TheBarnatFrenchMountain

Lake George DJ Takeover Music and Arts Festival will host the Lake George Pride Festival on June 9 from 12 - 7 PM with a “tea dance” for ages 18 and older from 4 PM - 7 PM. There will be DJs from the community, vendors, disc golf, frisbee golf, lawn games, walking trails, photo areas, and more.

EUPHORIAFURMEET

CAFE EUPHORIA

June14th,Friday|5-9PM|RiverStreet,Troy

Friendly furry friends unite! Come chill with the coolest cats (and other creatures) in the 518!

COLLARCITYPRIDEINAUGURALPICNIC

COLLAR CITY PRIDE

June15th,Saturday|2-6PM|ProspectPark,Troy

Collar City Pride will be providing some vegan and non-vegan BBQ options along with snacks and beverages. Suggested donation on a sliding scale (pay what you can). We invite folks to bring their chosen families, friends, and all those in between to enjoy a day of gaming and vibing with our LGBTQ+ Troy Community. BYOF (bring your own food) and join us potluck style!

EUPHORIADRAGBRUNCH

HAUS OF EXTREME & CAFE EUPHORIA

June16th,Sunday|1-3PM|RiverStreet,Troy

Our Drag Brunches are all ages, family friendly, sober. Audience participation is always welcome and encouraged! Be a part of our community! Tickets available online.

SLAMEUPHORIA:SPOKENWORDOPENMICANDSLAM

CAFE EUPHORIA & SLAM EUPHORIA

June21st,Friday|6:30-9PM|RiverStreet,Troy

Share your poetry with a supportive and safe community for fun or to compete with the Slam Euphoria team!

TROYPRIDENIGHTOUT

DOWNTOWN TROY BID & COLLAR CITY PRIDE

June21st,Friday|5-9PM|DowntownTroy

The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District invites you to Downtown Troy as we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month - with a block party that combines vendors, food, music, and live entertainment provided by everyone’s favorite local Queens from Albany, Schenectady, and Troy!

BETHLEHEMPRIDEFESTIVAL

BETHLEHEM PRIDE

June22nd,Saturday|12-4PM|428KenwoodAve.,Delmar

Bethlehem Pride will host the Bethlehem Pride Festival on June 22 from 12 - 4 PM at 428 Kenwood Ave. in Delmar with live entertainment, a kid zone, and vendors. Those looking to sponsor, support, or volunteer for the festival can email BethlehemPride12054@gmail.com.

SARATOGAPRIDEFESTIVAL

SARATOGA PRIDE

June23rd,Sunday|2-5PM|HighRockPark

The Saratoga Pride Festival returns on June 23 from 2 PM to 5 PM in High Rock Park. Any person or business looking to have a table at the festival should email info@saratogapride.com. Note that sales are not allowed at the festival but it can be a way to promote your brand or organization.

MUSICALOPENMICWITHSHAEPARADISE

CAFE EUPHORIA & SHAE PARADISE

June28th,Friday|6-7:30PM|RiverStreet,Troy

Get ready for a musical open mic with the incredible Shae Paradise! Come ready to play your own music, play a cover, or just jam out!

AMIDSUMMER’SBACKYARDBASH

MANON PRODUCTIONS

July6th,Saturday|4-8:30PM|PrideCenteroftheCapitalRegion

A summer party for the BIPOC/BIPOC LGBTQ+ community members and allies. RSVP via email at manonproductionsllc@gmail.com by June 25th to attend.

AFROPRIDEEXCELLENCEGALA

AFRO PRIDE NY

July13th,Saturday|5-9PM|ItalianCommunityCenter,Troy

Come Join us for an evening of "AFRO-Excellence" as we highlight Troy, NY resources, small businesses, creatives and those who have been striving to make Troy, NY and the Capital Region a place where AFRO-Communities and their intersectional identities are able to "THRIVE". Come on out in your best Cultural Attire! Don't have any Cultural Attire?!? That is completely okay, Serve us with your best threads and show us how you drippin!

COLLARCITYPRIDE’SFIRSTPRIDEFESTIVAL

COLLAR CITY PRIDE

July14th,Sunday |12-5PM|TroyRiverfrontPark

Join Collar City Pride for our very first pride festival in the beautiful city of Troy, NY!

VENDORS OUR

VENDORS OUR

COMMUNITYPARTNERS OUR

SPONSORS OUR