Kingston-born Michael Bennett is a Chicago-based fine arts photographer. Now, at the age of 74, he plans to move back to his hometown.
He does not come alone.
The historic Obergefell v Hodges decision of 2015 legalizing same sex marriage by the Supreme Court is a landmark in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Bennett happened to be at the Chicago Pride Parade two days after the decision, and he happened to snap a picture of this still unidentified woman, boldly raising a finger up to the sky.
It is, as he says, “iconic.”
He now brings it back home to Kingston, carrying the fight for LGBTQ+ rights forward 11 years after it was first taken. The Hudson Valley continues to celebrate the ideals of peace and unity this Pride month.
June 1
Athens Pride
This event marks the seventh annual flag raising and gathering to take place at Athens Riverfront Park. While the event celebrates and uplifts the community, it also takes a strong stance against the rising tide of fascism. This year’s bold slogan states, “None of us are free until all of us are free!”
June 5
“Of A Certain Age II: Further Stories of Gay Male Elders in the Hudson Valley”
This personal photography exhibit by Stephen Honicki explores the lives of gay men over the age of 50. The artist will be in conversation with Stephen Hengst of Big Gay Hudson Valley at 7:30pm at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center in Kingston.
“Unveiling Identity & Transformation: The Pride Show” at Art Society of Kingston
The Art Society of Kingston presents a curated art exhibit featuring LGBTQIA+ artists exploring their self identity, personal journeys, and authentic selves through diverse mediums. The exhibit will be open from 7 PM on June 5 till June 28.
Mountaintop Pride Weekend
Mountaintop Pride Weekend returns to Scribner’s Lodge in Catskill for its second year running. Collaborating with Mama’s Boy Burgers and The Exley, the weekend promises many events and activities throughout the stay.
June 6
Love Will Save The Day
Key of Q, the Hudson Valley’s LGBTQ+ and allies A Capella chorus, is celebrating both Pride and its 10th anniversary with a tour across the region. Their first show will be at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center in Kingston. They will also perform at Newburgh, Beacon, and New Paltz.
Kingston Pride
Starting at the Community Center at noon, lineup at 10am, and ending with festivities at the Academy Green, The Hudson Valley Pride March is back in Kingston this year. With celebration continuing to The Unicorn Bar and beyond, it promises to be an exciting evening.
Queer Outdoor Adventure’s Annual Pride Picnic
Organized by Queer Outdoor Adventures, this event is a laid-back, all-ages celebration at Long Dock Park in Beacon. Starting at noon, people can come, eat, play games, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Authentic: The Kingston Pride Party
The second annual Authentic: The Kingston Pride Party at The Unicorn Bar features DJ Michael V and DJ Tryst to help you dance the night away. The Unicorn Bar features plenty of events throughout Pride Month, from Queer Trivia with Diana Dysentery to Drag Academy.
Stanford Pride
Starting at Bangallworks in Stanfordville, at 1pm, Stanford Pride brings celebration and joy this June, painting the town with proud rainbows.
Greenburgh-Rivertowns Pride
Kicking off at noon from Cedar and Mian Street in Dobbs Ferry and culminating with a rally at Waterfront Park, the Greenburgh-Rivertowns Pride celebrations promise to be as loud as their slogan proclaims.
June 7
New Paltz Pride March & Festival
The 22nd annual New Paltz Pride March & Festival will be held on June 7, kicking off at 12pm at the New Paltz Middle School, going down Main Street, and ending with a celebration at Hasbrouck Park. Food, drink, and entertainment will be provided.
Red Hook Youth Pride
This event was organized by local youth leaders, with support from their community. Lineup will be at 11am at Linden Avenue Middle School. The march will end with festivities and live music at Red Hook Village Hall.
Westchester Pride
This is a free, family-friendly event hosted by The Loft in White Plains at noon. The celebrations will feature live music and drag shows on stage, activities and events for children and teens, and food vendors for everyone. Health and wellness resources for LGBTQ+ people will also be provided.
June 13
A Lick & A Promise: Big Pride Hoedown
Taconic Ridge Farm and Shire 935 Events are coming together to produce a Big Pride Hoedown in Hillsdale. The event will start at 6pm and feature a mechanical bull, line-dancing lessons, the Freak Rodeo Show, and drag performances by Cowboy Lou. The profits from the bull rides will go to the Queer & Trans Connection Network of Greene & Columbia Counties.
Poughkeepsie Pride
Returning for its 8th year, the Poughkeepsie Pride March begins at noon, kicked off by the Sirens Womens Motorcycle Club, and culminates in a celebration by the Hudson River. The festival is held at Waryas Park and features local LGBTQ+ business owners and creatives.
Catskills Pride Festival
This march will take place at noon and end with festivities at Elliot Park in Catskill. Visitors can enjoy live music, drag performances, food vendors, and a dedicated children’s area.
June 14
Capital Pride
Taking place in Albany’s Washington Park, the 2026 Capital PRIDE Parade and Festival will start at 11:30am and feature musician David Archuleta. The event is presented by Hannaford Supermarkets and is sponsored by many local organizations.
Woodstock Pride Parade
Presented by Queerly Inc, the parade will start at The Comeau Property and end at Colony, painting the town in rainbow colors before the festivities truly kick off. The celebration at Colony will feature acts such as Silver Spaceship Band, DJ Tryst, Goddess Purple, and more.
June 25
BIPOC Pride Cookout
Connecting with and uplifting BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals, this event in Nyack starts at 5pm. It offers free food, a live DJ, a drag show, and a dance party that promises to keep the energy up all night.
June 27
Kinderhook Pride
The fifth annual Kinderhook Pride will kick off in front of the Kinderhook Memorial Library following their Drag Queen Story Hour at 3pm. The main event will occur in the Village Green, featuring speeches from Grand Marshall Camille Massey, drag performances, and a DJ spinning party music.
June 28
Pride 2026 Fun Run 5K
This annual fundraiser is hosted by Dutchess Pride and Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie and welcomes those of all ages and running ability to join them at the starting line on South Road, Poughkeepsie at 9am. The money raised will help support the Pride Center.
