Capital Region LGBTQ community kicks off Pride Month in scaled-back way

ALBANY – Pride Month celebrations took place in downtown Albany on Tuesday.

A scaled back celebration with music and speeches at the Palace Theatre replaced what normally would have been a big celebration with a parade.

The scaled back program is because of the pandemic.

However, in keeping with tradition, things kicked things off Tuesday morning with the raising the Pride Flag outside City Hall.

The kick-off also came with a check from the New York State Senate for $25,000 to the Pride Center, presented by Senator Neil Breslin.

The money will go right towards keeping programs to help the LGBTQ community afloat.

The events continue all month. Many of them are virtual this year.

The big event is June 12 at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont.

One voice outspoken for years in the LGBTQ movement is Albany Common Council Member Richard Conti. The flag raising is now named in his honor.

Hear his story and the emotional impact this day had on him by watching the video of Subrina Dhammi’s story.