Capital Pride Guide 2023

Together, we can do more. Broadview is proud to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and throughout our community.

Message from Board President, John Daniels:

Happy Pride Capital Region! What an amazing year and journey we have had. A few years ago, we were questioning if Pride festivities and the Center would survive COVID. As you all witnessed last year, we are stronger than ever, and this year is planned to be even better. What many of you do not see are the daily and weekly positive changes and improvements being made to the center to better service the LGBTQ+ community in the 9 counties we are charged with caring for. This is no small task Our amazing staff and Executive Director, with assistance from so many excellent volunteers, have helped to not just reopen the center post pandemic, but identified and changed many of the ways and types of services we provide. This all-following our listening and talking with “YOU ” our community. We have surveyed, talked with, listened, and acted to help make our Pride Center/Your Pride Center even better. What are we doing now? The same and better, because we can never stop listening, analyzing, and acting upon what our community needs to have a safe, supportive, and caring place to live and work. Every day we witness challenges and threats. Every day we see and hear of violations of our rights. The Pride Center, its Staff and volunteers are committed to be here for all our LGBTQ+ community. This takes resources. It takes volunteers, it takes a facility that is accessible to all. It takes talented and committed staff. We ask our community and regional businesses, governmental organizations, and citizens to continue your support and increase it, so we can build upon this legacy and celebrate a stronger and better future for ALL the people of the region. Please go to capitalpridecenter.org to support in any way you can. Happy Pride let ’s celebrate to honor our past wins and honor those that gave so much, and please do so safely and responsibly.

-John Daniels, Board President

Message from new Executive Director, Nathaniel Gray:

With another spring into summer we begin another Pride Season in the Capital Region. This past year as the Executive Director, I ’ve had the opportunity to see the direct impact our groups and services provide to the LGBTQ+ community, and I ’ve witnessed and learned more about the gaps in visibility and programming that exist for queer folks of all ages and identities and across the region. Our 2022 Gala theme was “The Rainbow Age: A New Era, ” an opportunity for us to both reflect on and have gratitude for the LGBTQ+ civil rights work over the past 53 years, and to ask ourselves, “what does the next half century of LGBTQ+ prosperity for this area look like? ” Based on stakeholder surveys, informal discussions with our many groups, and the landscape of issues we face, The Pride Center is committed to creating events year-round, like the recent TRANSition Expo at the Blake Annex, building local and regional groups for all, such as Aging with Pride, Parenting with Pride, and School ’s Out, and growing in our ability to provide, and teach others to provide, LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care. If you travel the counties we serve it becomes clear: we must ALL do what we can to raise awareness in the Capital Region, every part, that LGBTQ+ folks have rights, experience discrimination, and most importantly, that LGBTQ+ People Exist. Let ’s celebrate ourselves and our loved ones today, and organize to protect those same folks tomorrow.

-Nathaniel Gray, Executive Director

Pride Center Board of Direc tors

Life long resident of the region. My journey with the Pride Center started when I came out 10 years ago. My board service along with my service to many nonprofits has had a focus on our youth, physical and mental wellbeing, and access. The Pride Center took on a special role for me in meeting and talking with many of the individuals of all ages that utilize our services and programs. In meeting these people, I reenergize my energy for fundraising. We must have amazing staff to offer our services, I have always believed my job as a volunteer starts with helping to ensure we can do the good by being funded to operate with the best team we can find. We have come far in many protections especially in NYS. However, we are sadly reminded of the erosion and battle to our rights each day. Especially to our trans community members and those in a more challenging mental, physical or financial position. Like many of us, our board service time requires support at home. Thank you, Christopher, for letting me do what I love for our community.

Volunteering for the Board of Directors as Co-Vice President and working on the Capital Pride steering committee for over a dozen years, I hope the goals we attempt to achieve has had a direct positive effect on those community members in the most need, and in doing so, we have also influenced the next generation of volunteers, activists and supporters to continue the amazing work of Pride Center’s staff, interns and board.

I moved to Albany in June of 2010 without knowing that Capital Pride would be that same 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 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’m committed to seeing that work through alongside you and the community.

Stephanie has been involved with the Pride Center since she moved to Albany in January 2002. She started in the role of volunteer staffer at the Café and has since been the janitor, a board member and is the current Board Treasurer today. She is a Certified Internal Auditor and Fraud Examiner full time and works part time preparing tax returns in her own private practice. She also works at a local haunted attraction as a jump scare and makeup artist during the fall. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Association for Government Accountants (AGA) and is involved in extreme sports, including Taekwondo, and paintball. Favorite vacation spots are Coney Island and Las Vegas where she visits frequently with her 21-year-old daughter, Raindrop.

Hi there! After graduating with my MSW from SUNY Albany and relocating to the Capital Region for an employment opportunity, a colleague introduced me to the Pride Center. New to board membership but eager to serve, I joined the board of directors early 2018. Since, I have been dedicated to furthering and diversifying services, accessibility, and representation for, and within, the Pride Center and larger LGBTQIA+ community. I continue to serve on the board because now, more than ever, we (especially us younger folks!) need to dig our heels deep, show up, be loud, and advocate like hell. I currently work as a psychiatric social worker at Albany Med and continue to live in the Capital Region with my fiancé Natalie and our fur babes Dottie, Oakley, and Monte.

Pride Center Board of Direc tors

Co-founder and General Manager of Cafe Euphoria, a transgender and gender non-conforming owned and operated restaurant located in downtown Troy. She joined the Pride Center Board after discussing the importance of trans representation on the Board at a community meeting hosted by the Board. She serves on the Board's Governance Committee, and in that role she has continued to focus on board representation, inclusion, equity, and policy changes designed to better enable the Center to serve the entire spectrum of our diverse yet connected LGBTQIA+ communities. She is also an active member and alternate facilitator of the Trans Pride support group at the Pride Center.

A member since June of 2018, I joined the board to help those in the community that need the most assistance, those most in need. Through my role as principal owner of ROCKS and a bartender, I create a connection of the many people that I see and talk with face to face. Those interactions drove me as a primary reason to extoll the virtues and programs of the Center. Additionally, as an administrative employee for the Albany County Department of Mental Health, connecting resources from both sides is a rewarding opportunity. The Center and its free mental health services are something I am proud to champion for our community.

Originally from NY’s Southern Tier, but spent most of my childhood in rural Potsdam, NY. I moved to Albany in September 2006 and attended UAlbany for my MBA. I have worked for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for the past 15 years, where he was a founding member of the ReLGBTQ+ Employee Interest Group, now the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and is also a member of Regeneron’s DEI Mid-Level Leadership Council. I live with his fiancé and partner of 11 years, Hazem, in Center Square. I joined the Pride Center to get actively involveed in community-based volunteer work and to give back to the Albany LGBTQ+ community.

Sam is a marketer and business strategist and the Director of Shopper Experience for Northeast Shared Services (a subsidiary of Northeast Grocery, Inc.), where he is responsible for the marketing analytics arm of the organization. His current areas of focus include campaign, customer, and household analytics, market research, and optimization of communication strategies across all customer touchpoints for the Market 32, Price Chopper, and Tops supermarket chains. Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York and an MBA from Clarkson University in Schenectady, New York. Sam currently resides in Halfmoon, New York with his partner, Matt, and maltipoo, Teddy.

Calendar-at-a-Glance

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Albany Flag Raising Ceremony 10am | Albany City Hall, 24 Eagle St., Albany | Free

Saratoga Flag Raising noon | City Hall 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY | Free

Community Sober BBQ 4 - 8 pm | Central Park Pavilion, Schenectady, NY | Free

PRIDE Kick-Off Block-Party & BBQ 4–8pm Parking Lot #2, 76 Central Ave., Albany | Free

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Alternative Prom! 7–11pm | YMCA 433 State St., Schenectady | $10 Cover at the door (Ages 13–19)

HER Party @ Oh Bar 9pm–2am | Oh Bar, 302 Lark St., Albany | Cash Bar

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Schenectady Pride 2023 1–4pm | Gateway Plaza, Liberty Park Schenectady | Free

Queer Game Night 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free

Blair Back’s Albany Pride Show 10pm - 4am | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | $10

RuPaul’s Amethyst Live! @ Waterworks Pub 11pm - 4am, | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | $10

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Pride Drag Brunch 11am - 2pm | Bard & Baker 501 Broadway Troy, NY | $20

MONDAY, JUNE 5

PRIDE Karaoke at Waterworks Pub 10pm

Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | No Cover

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Troy Flag Raising 10am | Troy Waterfront, Troy | Free

BINGO Trivia Night 8–11pm | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | No Cover

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Drag Wednesday 10pm - ROCKS, 77 Central Ave. | 11pm -

Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | No Cover

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Capital Pride Alive at Five 5pm–8pm | Jennings

Landing, 1 Quay St., Albany | Free

Vibe Pride Ball @ Waterworks Pub 11pm |

Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | Free

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Euphoria Furmeet 5pm - 9pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | $10

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride 12–5pm | Washington Park, Albany | Free

Widow Von’Du Live! @ Waterworks Pub — Say It Loud! BiPOC Pride - The Official After Party

10pm | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | $10

Geek & Gaymer Sci-Fi Pride 9pm - 4am | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | $10

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

2023 Capital PRIDE Parade 11:45am | State St. to Lark St. to Madison Ave. to Washington Park, Albany | Free

2023 Capital PRIDE Festival featuring Nina Sky & Martha Wash 1– 5pm Washington Park, Albany | Free

Capital PRIDE After Parties 5pm–? | Pride Center (332 Hudson Ave.), Waterworks Pub (76 Central Ave.), Oh Bar (304 Lark St.), ROCKS (77 Central Ave.)

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

Euphoria Munch 5:00pm - 9pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free

SUNDAY JUNE 18

PRIDE 5K Rainbow Run 9am–2pm | Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St., Albany | $40

Euphoria Drag Brunch by House of Extreme 1:00pm - 3pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | $13

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Troy Pride Night Out 6pm -? | Downtown Troy, NY | Free

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Pride Day - Troy Farmers Market 9am - 2pm | Monument Square Troy, NY | Free

Drag Cabaret & Story Hour for Kids 12pm - 3pm | The Huxley Theater, New York State Museum, 260 Madison Ave, Albany, NY | Free

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Saratoga Pride Festival 2pm–5pm | High Rock Pavilion, Saratoga NY | Free

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

Capital Pride Business Alliance Mixer 5:30pm–8pm |Troy Beer Garden Troy NY | $10

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Pride Yoga at the Plaza 9am - 10am | Stuyvesant Plaza

1475 Western Ave. Albany | Free

Euphoria Open Mic 5pm - 11pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free

IOOV Renaissance House Ball 6:30pm – 11pm | Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle St., Albany | Free

CENTER STAFF

Nathaniel Gray, MSW: Executive Director / CEO

Email: ngray@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: he/him/his

Nathaniel holds a Master’s of Social Work in Leadership and Policy Design from Fordham University and is a veteran of New York State Government, working for the Office of Children and Family Services where he wrote LGBTQ+ focused policy for youth statewide, as well as supported the LGBTQ+ Affairs work of the Governor’s Office for two administrations. His undergraduate is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Pace University, followed by ten years in local and regional theater as well as several years performing as Amanda Poupon in the New York City drag circuit. He is now the Executive Director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, the longest continually operating Pride Center in the country, working to build LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion equally across the ten counties of the Capital Region.

Jen Maley-Wheeler- Director of Programs and Operations

Email: jmaleywheeler@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

As an LMSW, Jen’s main focus is to provide competent case management and counseling services to the LGBTQ+ community in addition to providing training and education services to local organizations, schools, community centers, and nonprofits.

Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Jen moved to Albany in July 2006 with her wife, Kelly, after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. It was in college that Jen began her advocacy work with the LGBTQ+ community, serving in various roles of EKU’s Pride Alliance as well as organizations in the community.

Tora Stringfield: Program Coordinator

Email: tstringfield@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Tora came to the Pride Center at a pivotal point in her life in May 2018. Searching for a space to volunteer, Tora soon became an integral part of the Pride Center team, providing program and general administrative support. Tora is a straight ally, and mother to a Center Youth Group participant. Tora quickly learned that the Pride Center is an open and accepting place for all in the LGBTQ community as well as friends and family. Tora is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in business from Bryant and Stratton College.

Meagon Nolasco: Communications Coordinator

Email: mnolasco@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Meagon currently serves as the Pride Center’s Communications Coordinator and works to bridge the gap between what The Pride Center offers and informing those who need the services most. Meagon was a macro-level social work intern at the Pride Center in the summer of 2022 who worked on various event coordination including our “Making Gay History” with Eric Marcus event as well as our Gender Marker/Name Change clinic. Her passions for LGBTQ+ policies and rights are met with an equal passion for therapeutic counseling of the community and reaching out to those rural areas where services and accessibility are limited for LGBTQ+ folks. In her free time, Meagon is a freelance writer with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues and social justice as well as an avid plant parent.

PROUDSUPPORTEROFCAPITALPRIDE2023

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About the Entertainment

In2004, recording artists Nicole and Natalie Albino better known as Nina Sky blazed the music scene with their unique sound; a fusion of hip hop, r&b, pop and reggae. The identical twin’s infectious debut song, “Move Ya Body” and followup tracks “Turning Me On,” and “Oye Mi Canto,” not only became club anthems, but propelled the group to Billboard chart success and collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artists and producers including Bruno Mars, Diplo, Major Lazer, Rick Ross, Betty Wright, Aventura, Sean Paul, and Salaam Remi.

Following the success of their major label d but, Nina Sky, the New York Citybased Puerto Rican duo have been traveling the world touring and garnering global recognition while perfecting their artistry. Their independently released projects The Other Side (2010), and Nicole and Natalie (2012) received coverage from numerous outlets including SPIN, The Fader, Pitchfork, Vice, MTV, and VIBE.

“We’ve been performing around the world endlessly since we were teenagers,” says Natalie. “It has not only opened our eyes culturally but has inspired our music over the years. Nicole and I have grown tremendously since our first album and are excited to share our new tunes.“

Now as married women, Natalie is a new mom and has taken on the role as the lead singer and songwriter

for the group. For the last decade Nicole has honed her skills as a producer and notable DJ—curating music and spinning for some of the world’s most iconic brands including Nike, Opening Ceremony, Christie’s, The Glaad Media Awards, and Cavalli. Their progression artistically is evident not only sonically but is displayed as their ever-changing sense of style has developed them into fashion icons both on the New York City scene and in pages of fashion magazines.

“It’s an amazing feeling for us to still live out our dreams while staying true to who we are as artists,” says Nicole. “We’re truly blessed to not only do what we love, but to have a supportive fan base that have shown us love throughout the years no matter what.”

Nina Sky continues to prove that the sky is most definitely the limit. The group was recently enlisted by London-based producer TroyBoi for his 2015 smash hit, “Afterhours,” which also features Diplo and has 11.8 million plays on SoundCloud and over 7 million views on YouTube. With experience, self-awareness, and an array of musical projects under their belt, the twins reconnected with their fans on a massive level with their 2016 single, “Champion Lover” via Tommy Boy Records. The group continues to record new music, host a radio show on Apple Music Beats 1, and tour worldwide both performing live and DJing.

About the Entertainment

Martha’s voice has dominated the airwaves, and her charisma and spirit has embraced millions of people around the world. She is responsible for some of the top-selling, most recognizable pop hits of the 80s and 90s. “it’s Raining Men”, the cult pop classic, is still heard everywhere... the radio, movies, commercials, TV. “Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” was the highlight of C&C Music Factory’s career, and sold 5 1/2 million copies worldwide. Black Box’s Dreamland featured four #1 Billboard Dance singles and three Top 40 hits including “Strike It Up”, a single that continues to receives massive airplay and is still heard at every NFL and NBA game everywhere! All of the above have achieved major success and all have one common denominator - Martha Wash. She is the heart and soul of dance music. The highlights of Martha Wash’s career create a colorful history, telling the story of dance and pop music from the days of disco to the present. She has toured and performed with the world’s top entertainers. In addition to her work with countless superstars, and Martha’s projects with Black Box and C&C Music Factory, she was half of the magnificent duo Two Tons Of Fun, which evolved into the Weather Girls with the release of “it’s Raining Men”.

“it’s Raining Men” hit BIG worldwide. “Martha Wash “The Collection” reintroduces the legendary hit, reproduced 90’s-style guest-starring larger-than-life media personality RuPaul. “Strike It Up” has also been

re-recorded especially for this album. “Sweat”, which helped the duo Cole/ Civiles (C&C Music Factory) sell multiplatinum, is featured on this collection in its original form. All of these hits were turning points in pop music, bringing an underground, club flavor into the mainstream and enduring as classic radio favorites.

Martha Wash began her musical career at the age of two in her parents’ church in her native San Francisco. She went on to study opera and tour Europe while still in high school. Martha became part of a contemporary gospel group called N.O.W. (News Of The World). This mix of classical and gospel training and experience accounts for her seemingly effortless transition, from ballads to dance music to pop. In addition to her vast career in pop music, Martha has also starred in major theater productions, and has recorded numerous jingles and movie soundtracks (Kiss Me Guide, First Wives Club, Mighty Ducks, Gun Ho).

Martha Wash “The Collection” is the perfect presentation of her varied talent, which has been called her “twelve different voices”. The importance of this collection rests on the fact that this is the first time all of her great multi-platinum hits are featured on one album, proudly boasting the voice and now the name. Martha will also take to the stage to promote Martha Wash “The Collection’: keeping close to her millions of fans around the world.

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 Best Singer/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

About the Entertainment CAPITAL

The ‘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

CARMIE HOPE & FRIEDA MUNCHON

Carmie Hope and Frieda Munchon have been on the PRIDE stage since 2004; Cohosting 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.

PRIDE DRAG REVUE

Philly Pina Mor’Glamazon Blair Back CiCi LaRue

Amanda Blair

June 1–June 30

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Albany Flag Raising Ceremony

10am | Albany City Hall, 24 Eagle St., Albany | Free

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! Join the Pride Center, In Our Own Voices, and Mayor Kathy Sheehan for a special ceremonial raising of rainbow flags to acknowledge and kick off PRIDE.

Saratoga Springs Flag Raising

Noon | Saratoga Springs City Hall 474 Broadway | Free

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event!

Join us at Saratoga Springs City Hall to raise the pride flag, take a photo, and kick off Pride Month!

Community Sober BBQ

4–8pm | Thomas E. Isabella Pavilion 1791 Central Pkwy, Schenectady, NY | Free

Are you ready to CELEBRATE with Community? Join us for an afternoon of field day style games, slammin’ tunes and great food fresh from the grill! Come enjoy the start of the Pride season in a safe, substance-free, fun, event. No Alcohol, Drugs, or Illegal Substances permitted!

PRIDE Kick-Off Block Party

4–8pm | City Parking Lot #2, 76 Central Ave., Albany Free ($5 Suggested Donation)

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! This annual tradition that continues to get bigger and better each year! Come together with The Pride Center and In Our Own Voices as we officially kick off PRIDE with our new revamped Kickoff BLOCK PARTY in the parking lot next to Waterworks Pub and ROCKS. Enjoy a fun evening with food, music, libations, and chances to win fun prizes. Get tickets to upcoming events and learn more about the festivals. Meet up with friends, new and old, as the community kicks off the 2023 PRIDE season, Block Party Style!

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Alternative Prom!

7–11pm | YMCA, 433 State St., Schenectady | $10 Cover at the Door (Ages 13-19)

An Official Pride Center Event! Join us for our 22nd annual Alternative Prom, a fun-filled evening for

LGBTQ+ youth and their allies ages 19 and under. Come as you are, no judgments, to this amazing event! We hope you can come out to be a part of the action! Learn more about Center Youth at www.capitalpridecenter.org.

HER Party at Oh Bar

9pm | Oh Bar, 302 Lark Street, Albany |Free PRIDE Week and LGBTQ+ women go hand in hand! Join us for a fabulous night at Oh Bar! Great music Pool, Darts and fun for all. You will be sure to have an amazing time!

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Schenectady Pride 2023

1:00pm–4pm | 12 State St., Schenectady NY | Free Schenectady Pride to host our 11th annual festival. Saturday, June 3 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Gateway Plaza at the Rainbow Pride Arches, next to SUNY Schenectady. Live entertainment, DJs, Drag show and more. Excited to bring back food, drink and merch vendors along with local non-profits and other friends.

Queer Game Night

5pm - 9pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free BYO Board Games! Or use one of ours. If you want to hang out for several hours playing games with friends and new folks you meet here, please join us!

Blair Black’s ROCKS Prom

10pm–close | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave, Albany | $10 Join the ROCKS family for Prom Night, a night of drag performances, music by DJ London Jae Precise, Prom Photobooth and Mx Queen & King crown. Hosted by Blair Black. (21+ to enter).

RuPaul’s Amethyst! LIVE @ Waterworks Pub

11pm - 4am | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave. Albany | $10

An Official Pride Center Event! Waterworks Pub monthly Illusions Party presents RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Amethyst. Your favorite gem invaded televisions around the world on Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Fan favorite, Amethyst shines her light and raw talent on Waterworks Pub, along with some of the area’s best drag queens, in a benefit for the Capital Pride Center (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink).

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Bard & Baker Pride Drag Brunch

11am - 2pm | Bard & Baker 501 Broadway, Troy | $20

Opal Essence and Bard & Baker are proud to present: Sunday Funday Pride Drag Brunch! This event will not be one to miss. There will be laughs, tears, smiles and lots of fun. Ticket just includes entry to the restaurant and the food and drinks will be an additional charge.

MONDAY, JUNE 5

PRIDE Karaoke at Waterworks Pub

10pm | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | Free

Join us for PRIDE Karaoke. Don’t miss an evening of good times and great voices. This Capital PRIDE classic returns with Karaoke Wars; have fun donating cash to change a song, change a singer, or just give to a good cause! Proceeds benefit The Pride Center of the Capital Region.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Troy Flag Raising

10am | Troy Waterfront, Troy, NY | Free

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! Join your local LGBTQ+ leaders alongside leadership from the Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices and Mayor Patrick Madden raise the Pride Flag to kick off Pride Month

ROCKS Pride Bingo Night

8–11pm | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | Free

Pride Bingo at ROCKS, hosted by Frieda Munchon. Free to Play, one card per person. Donations accepted for the Pride Center of the Capital Region. (21+ to enter.)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Capital Pride Drag Wednesday at Waterworks Pub and ROCKS

10pm–12am | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave. 12am–4am | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany | No Cover

Join the Pride Center for a fun PRIDE celebration of Drag at both ROCKS and Waterworks Pub. Performances from some of the area’s top drag queens. Rocks (21+ to enter) Waterworks Pub (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

PRIDE Alive at Five

5–8pm | Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St., Albany

The City of Albany presents the Kick-off of the 2022 Alive at Five signature concert series and recogizes Capital Pride at the annual Pride Alive at Five!

Vibes! Pride Ball @ Waterworks Pub

11pm | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave. Albany | Free

Vibe Pride Ball at Waterworks Pub, featuring DJ Shawn Gillie with a variety of Vibes including R&B, top 40, latin and remixes all night long. Contests and performances from Albany’s best drag performers. (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Euphoria Furmeet

6pm - 9pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | $10 Check out the Capital Region’s furry fandom. We’re snakes, wolves, bunnies, rats, cheetahs, and so much more. Furries are very LGBTQ so come have dinner with us!

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Say It Loud! BI POC Pride 2023

Noon–5pm | Washington Park, Albany NY | Free

An In Our Own Voices Event! Formerly Black & Latino Gay Pride, BI POC Pride is our way of recognizing the contributions, resilience, and struggles of LGBTQIA + Black, Indigenous, & People of Color in the Capital Region through music, food and entertainment. Featuring a DJ set from Nina Sky, performances from local and other national entertainers, a health & wellness expo, kids’ corner, and more.

Geek & Gaymer Sci-Fi Pride

9pm – Close | ROCKS, 77 Central Ave., Albany | $10 ROCKS presents a Geek & Gaymer special event featuring Hardlee Him, DJ Ujderdog, Daniella Read and more. Saturday Junne 10, 9pm - Close (21+ to enter.)

Rupaul’s Widow Von’Du Live! @ BIPOC Pride — The Official After Party

10pm - 4am | Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave., Albany $10

A Waterworks Pub and In Our Own Voices Event! Widow Von’Du from Rupaul’s Drag Race S12 & Untucked S12 will be live at Waterworks Pub for the Official BIPOC Pride After-Party. Enjoy a night of music and dancing at Waterworks Pub with Widow, DJ Hasan and Albany’s best talent opening the show. (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

SUNDAY JUNE 11

2023 Capital PRIDE Parade

11:45am | State St. to Lark St. to Madison Ave. to Washington Park, Albany | Free

An Official Pride Center Event! The Capital PRIDE Parade steps off at 11:45am in Washington Park, led by the Community March, and is full of music, inspiration, and of course, a sense of celebration and unity! The Parade and March will feature Capital Region community members, elected officials supporting the LGBTQ+ community, businesses, organizations, allies, and of course amazing floats, music and dancing. Bring friends and set up on the Parade route to cheer on this amazing event! The parade route is along State St. to Lark St. to Madison Ave. to Washington Park, Albany NY.

2023 Capital PRIDE Festival

1–5pm | Washington Park, Albany | Free

An Official Pride Center Event! Don’t miss the largest PRIDE celebration in Upstate New York! The Capital Pride Festival headlined by the Nina Sky and Martha Wash. With performances by Hark, the Erin Harkes Band, Albany’s Annual Drag Revue and will be hosted and emceed by Comedian and Fly 92.3 DJ Shawn Gillie. With an amazing attendance, high energy, top notch entertainment, a family carnival zone, hundreds of vendors, —including some of the area’s best food trucks, crafters, shops and merchants, as well as community groups the 2023 Capital PRIDE Festival is one of the region’s biggest and most highly anticipated events!

Capital PRIDE After Parties

5pm–? | Pride Center (332 Hudson Ave.), Waterworks Pub (76 Central Ave.), Oh Bar (304 Lark St.), ROCKS (77 Central Ave.)

Keep the celebration going at the official Capital PRIDE after parties! Unwind or heat up at on both floors at Waterworks Pub (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink), at Oh Bar (21+ to enter), ROCKS (21+ to enter), or join a very special sober party for the entire community at the Pride Center (all ages).

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

Euphoric Munch

5:00pm - 9pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free

Join us for the Pride installment of Euphoric Munch, a vanilla meetup with a focus on community building for queer kinksters in the Capital Region and beyond. This event takes place monthly at Cafe Euphoria.

SUNDAY JUNE 18

PRIDE 5K Rainbow Run

9am–1pm | Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St., Albany | $40

An Official Pride Center and In Our Own Voices Event! Registration begins at 9:00am at Jennings Landing, Rainbow Fun Run (0.62 miles; open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities) at 10:00am, and 5K (3.1 miles) at 11:00am. Awards and prizes immediately following the 5K! Prizes will then be awarded to the top three participants in the female, male, and open gender categories, as well as the top three participants in the each age bracket. Also, wear your Rainbow Best! Awards for Individuals and Teams “Best Use of Rainbow.”

Euphoria Drag Brunch by House of Extreme

1pm - 3pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | $13 Haus of Extreme presents the Euphoria Drag Brunch. Tickets ($13) available for advance purchase via Eventbrite and at the door. Food & beverages available to purchase, centered on our vegan/vegetarian options.

FRIDAY JUNE 23

Troy Pride Night Out & Block Party

5pm - ? | Downtown Troy, NY | Free Brighten Troy with your pride colors and flags. Support the many local LGBTQ businesses in Downtown Troy and celebrate your Pride at the first Pride Night Out Block Party. Every Troy Night Out, the streets of downtown come alive with music and culture beckoning you to discover local businesses, art galleries, fine restaurants, and unique boutiques of all varieties.

SATURDAY JUNE 24

Pride Day at the Troy Farmers Market

9am - 2pm | Monument Square, Troy | Free Wear and show off your Pride Colors, stop by the Pride Center table and receive a prize and an opportunity for our raffle. Support local and LGBTQ-owned businesses. The Market has evolved into a shopping and community destination in the Capital Region and beyond, with close to 100 local, producer-only Vendors, and a year-round marketplace.

Drag Cabaret & Story Hour for Kids

12pm - 3pm | The Huxley Theater, New York State Museum, 260 Madison Ave, Albany, NY | Free Come to the museum for an afternoon of song and stories for kids of all ages sung and told in drag. Drag queens and kings are the epitome of dress-up, and that’s something all children understand. Drag isn’t dangerous, it is a creative and colorful way to express yourself. Join some of our favorite drag performers, led by hosts Frieda and Carmie, at the New York Musem for a fun-filled, fabulous, family show.

SUNDAY JUNE 25

Saratoga Pride Festival

2pm–5pm | High Rock Pavilion, Saratoga NY | Free

A Pride Center and Saratoga Pride event in High Rock Pavilion. Saratoga Pride has activities planned throughout the month of June, culminating in its annual Pride Festival, Sunday, June 25th, 2-5 pm at High Rock Park. Check out SaratogaPride.com, Facebook and Instagram for more details.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 28

Capital Pride Business Alliance Mixer

5:30pm–8pm |Troy Beer Garden 2 King St, Troy, NY | $10 Suggested Donation

Diversify Your Business, Strengthen Your Brand. Enjoy great food, cocktails, and music from DJ Phoenix as you watch the sunset over Troy and the Hudson River. This event brings together nearly 100 LGBTQ+ business professionals for a fun and enjoyable evening and shared connections.

FRIDAY JUNE 30

Pride Yoga at the Plaza

9am - 10am | Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Ave. Albany | Free

Pride Yoga at Stuyvesant Plaza. Get on your mat and get that yoga all up in your soul and finish Pride month right.

Euphoria Open Mic

5pm - 11pm | Cafe Euphoria 225 River St., Troy | Free

Euphoria Open Mic (5-11pm) with General dinner service open to everyone. Doors open 5pm; kitchen open 530830pm. Please see our main FB page for menu options for the evening. Music, poetry, and all other genres of performance welcome! Original content only

IOOV Renaissance Ball

6:30pm - 11pm | Albany Capital Center; 55 Eagle St

Albany NY | Free 18+

An In Our Own Voices Event! The Category is…. Renaissance! Join IOOV and members from the House Ball community as we pay homage to the Queen (Bey) with a night of vogue, self-expression, music, and more. Categories to include: Vogue, Realness, Best Dressed Spectator, etc. Pre-Ball food, network, and chill hour- 6:30pm-7:30pm. Event begins at 8:00pm

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors who helped make Capital PRIDE possible!

Presenting Sponsor

Hannaford Supermarkets

Platinum Level Sponsor

Broadview FCU

Empire Merchants North

- Barefoot Wines

- Jack Daniels Fire

- Stoli Vodka

- 1800

Regeneron

Diamond Level Sponsor

City of Albany

DeCrescente Distributing Company

Waterworks Pub

Rainbow Level Sponsor

NYSTEC

United Way

Gold Level Sponsor

CDTA

Eddy Alzheimers Services

Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern NY

Keybank

Price Chopper/Market32

Rivers Casino and Resort

TD Bank Foundation

Transfinder

Media Sponsor

HomoRadio

New York Music

The Spot 518

WMHT

Silver Level Sponsor

Alliance for Positive Health

Alpin Haus

Alzheimer’s Association

Berkshire Bank

Berkshire Farm Centers

Copps, DiPaola, & Silverman Law Firm

Craig LeClaire

CSEA

Fidelis Care

First New York Credit Union

FLY92.3

KISS 102.3 I Heart Radio

GE Vernova

GE Aerospace

Margarita City

New York Oncology Hematology

Pepsi Co

Pioneer Bank

Proctor’s

Renaissance Albany Hotel

ROCKS

Schoharie Dental

Simon’s Rock at Bard College

TriCity Rentals

Unity House

Whitney Young Health

Bronze Level Sponsor

Albany Medical Center

Albany Parking Authority

Mark Gray Enterprises

Measurable SEO

Mr. Bumbles Cafe

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society

Oh Bar

Roseblum Development

Tri-City Valley Cats

Vibrant Brands

STAY UNIONSTAY STRONG

Mary E. Sullivan, President

Be you — everyone else is taken.

At Regeneron, we celebrate our pride January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. When we include everyone, great things happen — like discovering and delivering new medicines to patients in need.

Included isn’t just a buzz word, it’s a non-negotiable belief of ours.

Proud to support Capital Pride

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc is proud to support The Pride Center

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. prides itself with providing premier independent senior (55+) living communities that are welcoming, inclusive and affordable.

Come see our beautiful community at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany, adjacent to The Crossings of Colonie and close to many attractions including restaurants and shopping. It is better at The Beltrone. Call 518-459-2711 to schedule a private tour.

Aging with Pride

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. is excited to partner with the Pride Center of the Capital Region to help host Aging with Pride, a monthly group for LGBTQ+ folks 55+ to allow participants to connect with each other and build community in an safe and accepting space. Join us every 4th Friday of the month from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany. Expect music, fun, camaraderie, and a lot of love and support! Attendees are able to make a reservation and stay for lunch afterwards.

OVS is proud to support Capital PRIDE 2023!

HAPPY PRIDE FROM VIBRANT BRANDS

“Thank you to the Pride Center for all the services you provide to our community!”

DRAFT