Many upcoming events celebrating PRIDE in WNY
By: Johanna Elattar
Every June, the streets of Western New York come alive with rainbow flags, lively parades, and celebrations of love and diversity. It’s Pride Month—and while the parties, glitter, and rainbow gear are a big part of the festivities, there’s also a lot of history and activism behind it. Pride is a reminder of the LGBTQ+ community’s long journey toward equality, filled with hard-fought battles, courageous individuals, and, of course, the joys of celebrating love in all its forms.
LGBTQ+ activism in Western New York has deep roots that go all the way back to the 1970s, when the Stonewall Riots in New York City sparked a nationwide movement for LGBTQ+ rights. But the fight for equality didn’t stop there—it spread across the country, including here in Buffalo and Rochester, where local activists began advocating for civil rights, workplace protections, and an end to discrimination.
In Buffalo, the Gay Liberation Front and Pride Week were among the first groups organizing and demanding recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals. Similarly, in Rochester, the Out Alliance (originally the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley) was founded in 1973. Over the years, these organizations have provided vital support and services to the community, while also helping to amplify the voices of those fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.
These early efforts laid the foundation for what would eventually become annual Pride celebrations in the region, giving voice to a community that had long been marginalized. Today, Pride has transformed into one of the most visible and celebrated times for the LGBTQ+ community, but it didn’t get here without a lot of hard work and dedication.
While Pride is a celebration of identity, love, and equality, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the struggles that have led us here. It’s a time to remember those who fought for the rights many of us take for granted today—and those who continue to fight for equality and acceptance, particularly for marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community, such as transgender individuals and people of color.
Pride Month isn’t just a party—it’s a powerful movement for visibility, equality, and advocacy. It’s a reminder that the work is ongoing and that the battle for full equality and human rights is far from over. Whether it’s combating discrimination in the workplace or fighting for healthcare access, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges—but Pride Month serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go.
Major Pride Events in Western New York
Western New York has a rich tradition of Pride events, from Buffalo to Rochester, and beyond. These celebrations bring the community together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision a more inclusive future.
Other Exciting Pride Events Across the Region
Binghamton:
Don’t miss the fun in Binghamton, where Pride takes center stage with a series of vibrant community events. Pride Night with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Baseball team on June 26 combines America’s favorite pastime with a celebration of love and inclusion. Then, on June 28, the festivities continue at Ross Park Zoo for Pride Day, where visitors of all ages can enjoy entertainment, activities, and a joyful atmosphere among the animals.
Greater Niagara Region:
In Niagara Falls, Rainbow City Pride lights up Old Falls Street on June 28 from 1–6 PM with drag performances, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. After the street festival, partygoers can head to one of the Rainbow City after-parties at nearby venues (to be announced). And the grand finale? A dazzling display as the Niagara Falls are illuminated in Pride colors, followed by fireworks—a breathtaking celebration of love in one of the world’s natural wonders.
Adirondacks:
Head to Saranac Lake for Tri-Lakes Pride on June 29 in picturesque Riverside Park. This family-friendly event starts with a parade up Broadway, followed by a day filled with music, joy, and community spirit. Tri-Lakes Pride celebrates not only identity and love but also the beauty of togetherness in the heart of the Adirondacks.
Buffalo Pride Festival
Buffalo’s Pride Festival is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the region. Held annually in June, the event includes the iconic Pride Parade, which brings thousands of people together for a day of marching, dancing, and spreading love. The Pride Festival at Canalside is an all-day celebration featuring live performances, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of rainbow pride to go around. Whether you’re looking to support or just enjoy the festivities, this event is the perfect place to experience the vibrancy of Buffalo’s LGBTQ+ community.
Rochester Pride
Rochester’s Pride celebration is another huge event in the region. The Pride Parade kicks off a weekend filled with community gatherings, live performances, and cultural celebrations. The Rochester Pride Festival features everything from drag shows to musical acts, as well as educational and community-focused events throughout Pride Week. The inclusive nature of Rochester Pride makes it a standout celebration that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Pride at the Ballpark (Buffalo)
For a fun and unique Pride celebration, Pride Night at Sahlen Field in Buffalo is a must. This annual event combines baseball with Pride festivities, as the Buffalo Bisons host a night filled with rainbow-themed activities, appearances from LGBTQ+ advocates, and performances to celebrate love and inclusion. It’s a fun way to enjoy America’s pastime while supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Out Alliance and the Pride Center of Western New York
Organizations like the Out Alliance in Rochester and the Pride Center of Western New York in Buffalo are key players in organizing Pride events and providing year-round support to LGBTQ+ individuals. From educational workshops to LGBTQ+ art shows and social gatherings, these organizations create spaces for the community to thrive. They also advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and ensure access to services, helping to make Pride Month not just a celebration but a vital part of ongoing activism.
While Pride is an opportunity for celebration, it’s also an important moment to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, the legalization of same-sex marriage was a monumental victory, but the fight for equality isn’t over. Transgender rights remain a key issue, and LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare in many parts of the country.
Pride Month reminds us that we still have work to do—especially for the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. As the fight for equality continues, Pride is a powerful way to raise awareness, show support, and make sure the progress we’ve fought for doesn’t slip away.
While June is the peak of Pride celebrations, it’s important to keep the spirit of Pride alive all year round. The Pride Center of Western New York, Out Alliance, and other local organizations continue to provide critical resources and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights long after the last rainbow flag is taken down. They’re the ones working behind the scenes to ensure that LGBTQ+ people have access to the support, services, and rights they deserve.
So whether you’re attending a parade, supporting a local LGBTQ+ business, or just showing up for your friends and family, remember that Pride isn’t just a month—it’s a movement that deserves our attention every day of the year.
Note: This article was compiled with input from local LGBTQ+ organizations and community members. For more information on Pride events and LGBTQ+ resources in Western New York, please visit the Pride Center of Western New York, Out Alliance, or your local LGBTQ+ support organizations.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY based writer of community news and opinions that sometimes are uncomfortable to present. We support her 100% and you can contact her anytime, americangrrl70@gmail.com
