As Pride season approaches us, it is an important time to celebrate and honor those who have worked towards creating more inclusive spaces for all in the LGBTQIA+ community. Just recently, the Sullivan County Legislature voted to officially declare June 2024 “LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Sullivan County,” and affirmed its “commitment of support to the LGBTQIA+ community.” This is a huge accomplishment and a historic first for the county, and to celebrate a number of Pride events have scheduled.

In the spirit of honoring others, Catskills Pride, a nonprofit group devoted to supporting this region for nearly two decades, will host their inaugural Awards Gala to honor those who have contributed to the LGBTQIA+ community. The gala will take place at The Eldred Preserve the evening of June 15. Catskills Pride President Gary Ott believes that Pride is an important time to reflect on the past as much as it is a time to look at the present and future. “It’s a chance to speak openly about who we are, where we came from, what our aspirations are, and just really to be proud of ourselves,” said Ott.

Livingston Manor’s Catskill Art Space will celebrate with dedicated Pride programming for its fourth year. Executive Director Sally Wright discussed why representation is vital, especially in a rural area where it may not be as easy to come by.

“For me, really, it’s about teens and youth being able to see themselves reflected and celebrated,” Wright said. CAS will present the work of Roscoe local and queer identifying artist Terry Dame. Her month-long installation, called “Sonic Graphite,” is an immersive, interactive piece which allows viewers to draw on large wall-mounted paper while triggering sound. The result will be a communal visual and auditory art. CAS will also be hosting a Queer Love Storytelling Workshop focusing on joyful narratives which are often overshadowed by painful ones. A formal performance will be held June 30.

Other events include a weekend of festivities from June 14 to 16 dubbed “Drag Me to the Catskills,” with drag queen performances ranging from family-friendly story reading to comedy sets. For more family-oriented events, Common Ground Catskills, based in Glen Spey, will co-host a Pride Family Fun Day with Camp Reimagined at the campgrounds on June 1. Hurleyville Arts Centre will also have their annual Pride Festival on June 8.

For more social parties, look out for future events from local groups Roscoe Pride, roscoepride.org, and Gay Holiday, instagram.com/gayholiday_catskills.

Pride events for June

Queer Love Storytelling Workshop: Wednesdays, 6-7p.m., through June 26; Catskill Art Space, 48 Main St, Livingston Manor. catskillartspace.org
Terry Dame exhibit: June 1–30; CAS. catskillartspace.org
Hurleyville Pride Festival: noon-4p.m., June 8; Main Street, Hurleyville. hpacny.org
Drag me to the Catskills: June 14-16; multiple venues across Sullivan County. dragmetothecatskills.com
Catskills Pride Awards Gala: 5:30 p.m., June 15; The Eldred Preserve, 1040 State Rte. 55, Eldred. catskillspride.com