June is pride month, when we celebrate the vital history and vibrant culture of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is a time for recognizing the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally and honoring the fight it took to get to here, while recognizing how much work is left to do to in the struggle for equality. That said, there’s plenty of room for fun, too! Check out this list of ways to celebrate pride in the Hudson Valley.
PKGO Pride Parade | June 12
Poughkeepsie’s pride parade will move down Main Street on Saturday, June 12 at 12pm. This Dutchess County event will be hosted by none other than the raucous, irreverent actor, singer, and stand-up comedian Lea DeLaria (of “Orange is the New Black”) as the parade’s “grand marshal.” Decorate your vehicle and join the caravan––you could win most colorful, most creative, or funniest display. There’s also a meet and greet with Lea DeLaria at Revel 32 on Saturday, June 12 at 7-1130 pm. Join in for a night of dinner and dancing with a live DJ.
“Black Trans Lives Matter” Story Night | June 12
The center presents “Black Trans Stories Matter,” a true live storytelling performance on Saturday, June 12 at 7pm in partnership with the TMI Project. Featured stories are read by those who lived them. Attendees are invited with the hope that each audience member leaves with emboldened inspiration to take action to end systemic racism and transphobia. The event is free, but a donation of $20 is suggested. For more information, visit https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/black-trans-stories-matter-performance/index.html
Albany Pride BBQ & Block Party | June 13
Take to the streets on Sunday, June 13 from 1-5pm, outside of Waterworks Pub where Albany is hosting its inaugural Capital Pride BBQ Block Party, with free food and drink, vendors, drag, and a live DJ.
Maskerade Youth Pride Roller Disco | June 13
Dutchess County Pride Center hosts Maskerade Youth Pride at Hyde Park Roller Magic on June 13 from 5-7pm. Skating and snacks included for this youth celebration of pride, co-hosted by GLSEN Mid-Hudson.
Emotional Resilience at Ellenville Public Library and Museum | June 15
On Tuesday, June 15 at 1:30pm, the Ellenville Public Library and Museum will host “Pride and Wellbeing: Building Emotional Resilience for LGBTQIA+ Individuals.” Pride month can be both a time of celebration and stress and this event aims to tackle ways to support your own mental health and bolster your emotional resilience.
Hudson Valley YA Society Panel Event | June 25
Hudson Valley YA Society celebrates pride virtually on Friday, June 25 from 7-8pm. This special panel event is presented in partnership with Oblong Books, made for ages 12 and above. Join them in celebrating pride this month with five LGBTQ+ YA authors: Leah Johnson, Rise to the Sun, Julie Murphy, Pumpkin, Isaac Fitzsimons, The Passing Playbook, Mason Deaver, The Ghosts We Keep, and Emery Lee, Meet Cute Diary. For more information, email [email protected].
Peekskill Family Pride Celebration | June 26
Big Gay Hudson Valley will host a family-friendly pride celebration at Pugsley Park in Peekskill on Saturday, June 26, from 1-5pm. There will be arts and crafts, a drag queen story time, and spoken word poetry performances.
“Celebrate Dutchess Pride” Hybrid Arts Exhibit | Through June 30
Experience this exhibition, “Celebrate Dutchess Pride,” in-person or online through June 30. It’s a hybrid arts exhibit featuring marginalized creatives from all over the Hudson Valley.
Art OUT Loud | Through July 27
Art OUT Loud is a collaborative, multi-gallery initiative sponsored by Peekskill Pride showcasing works that visually explore the diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences, co-hosted by Sun River Health and Peekskill Arts Alliance. Art will be up through July 27 at Jeannette J. Phillips Gallery at Sun River Health, H-Art Gallery, and others.
