Lower Adirondack PRIDE Festival Kicks Off Pride Month

Lower Adirondack PRIDE kicked off Pride Month with a celebration in Glens Falls City Park last Sunday, and the festivities are expected to continue! This event was attended by over 500 people, and included a drag show, story-time for kids, and speeches by local officials. 

The vice president of hospital and community engagement for Glens Falls Hospital, Ray Agnew, was on hand to say a few words: “We are there to provide access to healthcare regardless of who you are, regardless of who you love, regardless of the way you were born, or regardless of the way you were born and now you identify as somebody else,” Agnew said. 

Also in attendance were Glens Falls’ Third Ward councilwoman Diana Palmer, 113th District assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and representatives for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Hudson Headwaters, Southern Adirondack Independent Living, and Alliance for Positive Health. 

The event was both celebratory and somber… There was a moment of silence for those who have suffered in silence, who had not been able to express their true identities, as well as a silent march around the block of city park for those who lost their lives or loved ones who felt they could never be themselves. This was followed by a walk filled with cheers and chanting for the LGBTQ+ community to have their voices heard! The celebration continued with a drag show, to highlight that drag shows are under attack throughout the country. Six drag queens and a drag king performed.

Pride events will continue throughout the month – on June 16th, at the Charles R. Wood Theater, there will be a Pride & Paint Event led by artist Shelley Fairbanks. Admission is $20.00, which includes supplies, and the proceeds after the cost of supplies will be shared between the Wood Theater and Lower Adirondack Pride to support their mission. Doors open at 6:30 PM to grab a seat and mingle; painting will begin at 7:00 PM. This is a family-friendly, non-alcoholic event, and all are welcome.