FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic LGBTQ+ Virtual Pride Events Take Shape in June
Pride Celebration of Virtual Events Throughout Month of June
5/18/2021
White Plains, NY
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center will be hosting Westchester Pride virtually for 2021 with a series of events designed to celebrate the range and breadth of the LGBTQ+ cultural spectrum. All events will be free and open to the public.
“It’s really going to be a month-long celebration! Not only are we focused on making sure everyone feels seen and celebrated, we’re also celebrating the fact that Westchester County has truly become one of the best places in the United States for the LGBTQ+ to live and work. We’re going to have our elected officials speak to that, musical performances, community conversations, and some surprises planned here and there! You will definitely want to see what we have in store!” says Executive Director, Judy Troilo.
While our community slowly emerges from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the necessity for Pride has never been greater, but The LOFT also recognizes the first priority must be ensuring all of the community’s safety.
“We are mindful that while we wanted our traditional day-long festival, we also know that it’s early days and there were genuine safety concerns about having thousands of folks coming together. Safety is the first priority and that’s why we’re having what will hopefully be our final, virtual Pride celebration,” says Judy Trolio, Executive Director.
By hosting Pride events throughout June, the LOFT is providing a continuous opportunity for vital social connections designed to foster bonding, community healing, and even moments of celebration and levity. While Pride cannot solve every problem in the LGBTQ+ Community, it can be a bridge that helps many get beyond the mental toll the quarantine and the pandemic have had on so many.
In partnership with Westchester County and the Board of Legislators, Westchester Pride 2021 was made possible through the support of The Leonard-Litz Foundation and TD Bank. The LOFT would also like to recognize our Event Sponsors: Circle Care Center, Pepsico, PCSB Westchester Medical Center, Hope Center, New York Presbyterian-Westchester Behavioral Health Center, and Prism Planning and Solutions Group.
LINE UP OF VIRTUAL EVENTS (Subject to updates)
For the full listing: https://www.loftgaycenter.org/event_line_up_2021:
JUNE 6, 2021| 11:30 am-12:30pm |Kick-Off Event: Pride in Westchester!
Messages from local elected officials
Broadway Sings For Pride musical performances
Special message from a major celebrity (only seen at event).
LIVE message from Westchester County Executive George Latimer
Updates on the opening of The LOFT physical campus.
JUNE 12, 2021| on ZOOM | 10:00-11:00 AM: Drag Queen Story Hour
Join Westchester Drag Superstars Angel Elektra and Shay D'Pines for a Drag Queen Story Hour! These Drag Queens will be reading This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish Swish Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess, and the Kindness Book by Todd Parr. This event is open to children and families. Adults in attendance must be accompanied by a child"
JUNE 13, 2021| on ZOOM | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Unity and Power
Join The LOFT with nationally recognized LGBTQ+ activist Tanya Tassi from the Center Action Network and additional special guests, for a Community Conversation around empowering your community, and learning ways to protect our LGBTQ+ rights.
JUNE 26, 2021| 5:30-6:30 PM| TGNCNB Pride
Join us for a TGNCNB Pride celebration, exploring ways to find community and chosen families through conversation, poetry, and entertainment, led by special guest facilitator, Cecilia Gentili.
Press Contact: Jeffrey Guard (Media and Marketing Specialist, The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center) 917-684-7767, [email protected]
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