The Rainbow Cafe, the first program of the Pride Center, is getting a makeover! With new floors being installed, fresh paint and new furniture, the first floor of the building is going to be an even warmer and more welcoming center for our community! As a result of the building improvements, cafe will be closed until Wednesday, so the Valentine’s Day Cafe Party will be rescheduled for February 24th. We look forward to seeing you around the newly improved Rainbow Cafe!
News
February 13, 2012
February 2, 2012
Romaine Brooks Gallery presents Kevin Bruce
This Friday, The Pride Center’s Romaine Brooks Gallery will be hosting works by local artist Kevin Bruce. Read gallery manager Alan Ilagan’s recent blog post about Kevin here:
http://www.alanilagan.com/general/an-artist-and-a-friend-kevin-bruce/
January 27, 2012
CommUNITY On-Line
The February issue of our CommUNITY Newsletter hits newsstands this weekend! Here’s a sneak peak at our cover story about the exciting new renovations to the Pride Center’s first floor and Rainbow Cafe!
Pride Center Upgrades the Rainbow Café
By Nora Yates, Executive Director
At the 2011 Annual Awards Gala, supporters of the Pride Center came together and donated over $7000 to make improvements and repairs to the Rainbow Café, and plans are underway to make the space more welcoming and inclusive to everyone!
Joe Schmid, from Schmid Painting, graciously donated his services to paint the entry way of the Pride Center and give the space a much needed facelift. Last year, Joe painted the Living Room and it made a world of difference and made the space look beautiful and inviting.
First off for the Café improvements, repairs to the sagging floors and patching of walls to make the space safe. The Pride Center building is over 200 years old, and
with the amount of traffic the building is currently seeing, these repairs are needed now more than ever.
After making the vital repairs, we are upgrading the kitchen space in the Café, by increasing our storage and replacing the broken cabinets. Many café patrons and volunteer staffers have often questioned why there isn’t more storage available in these cabinets, and finally we will have some!
After upgrading the kitchen, we will be moving the computers in the Café bigger desks to increase the amount of workspace individuals can have, for upgrading their resume, or working on homework. The computers were installed just over 2 years ago, and hundreds of people have used them, increasing the attendance in the Café and improving the resources available to our community.
Lastly, we’ll be improving the furniture and lighting in the Café to create a more welcoming space that has more seating and is more functional for different kinds of events, like meetings or potlucks. So much is happening the Rainbow Café each week, we’re excited to finally be able to improve the space to meet the needs to the community.
Of course, these improvements are still underway and plans may change, but keep an eye out next month for pictures of our progress, and thank you so much to everyone who has supported these changes- we couldn’t have done it without you!
January 6, 2012
Call for Volunteers: 2012 Annual Awards Gala!
If you would like to get involved with the Awards Gala, either working on the Auction or anything else, give us a call or drop us an email!
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: ANNUAL AWARDS GALA- AUCTION COMMITTEE
The Pride Center welcomes volunteers interested in participating in the 2012 Annual Awards Gala Auction Committee. This subcommittee will focus on soliciting items and organizing the auction component of the 2012 Annual Awards Gala, taking place Friday October 12, 2012.
Volunteer responsibilities include:
- Meeting monthly/bi monthly, primarily by conference call, to strategize and brainstorm possible items and businesses to solicit for prizes;
- In between monthly meetings, approaching businesses and individuals for high-value items to include in the Auction;
- Complete all paperwork on donations for tax purposes, as well as coordinate any transportation of items to the Pride Center.
If you are interested in this exciting volunteer opportunity, please contact Aaron Holbritter, Development Coordinator, at aholbritter@capitalpridecenter.org or via phone at 518-462-6138.
January 5, 2012
Job Posting: Pride Center Youth Program Assistant
Job Opening – Youth Program Assistant
The Pride Center of the Capital Region seeks a full time Youth Program Assistant beginning immediately.
The successful outgoing candidate for this entry-level position will possess an Associates Degree, (Bachelors preferred) and 2+ years professional, office experience, preferably working with young people, ages 13-24. Strong administrative and office skills necessary, including excellent written and verbal communication, including phone, are a must. This position requires experience using personal computers, electronic office systems including e-mail, desktop publishing, and Microsoft Office, as well as web-based social networking sites like Facebook. Availability on nights and weekends is necessary, as many community events take place outside of regular business hours. Friendly, a “can do” attitude and a sense of humor are essential. Familiarity with LGBT issues, as well as the greater Capital Region, are always a plus.
Compensation: Salary dependent on qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits.
Send letter of application, resume, and list of two professional references to Nora Yates, Executive Director, at nyates@capitalpridecenter.org. Or mail them to:
Nora Yates
Pride Center of the Capital Region
332 Hudson Ave
Albany, NY 12210
Please no phone calls.
If advanced to the interview phase of the hiring process, a writing sample and proof of editing experience will be required.
Applications accepted until position is filled. The Pride Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, people of color, and LGBT individuals strongly encouraged to apply.
…………………
Job Description:
The Youth Program Assistant is a crucial member of the staff of the Pride Center. The Youth Program Assistant reports to the Program Director and coordinates the Center Youth Program as well as supports the success of the other programs and ongoing volunteer and building management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate overall volunteer management for the Center Youth program , including regular volunteer communication, events, and appreciation- from recruitment to retention
- Work to develop the Center Youth program including the Center Youth Action Team, the GSA Network, and peer support groups using a positive youth development framework;
- Manage overall building usage by maintaining an up-to-date calendar and usage agreements, track and coordinate building use;
- Manage calendar postings for community and the Pride Center and enter events into website calendar function;
- Conduct surveys and other evaluation methods with community members and analyze data in order to constantly improve programs;
- Enter all participant data and regular demographic tracking information into database and generate monthly reports;
- Support the Program Director and other staff to ensure success of all programs, including Trans Pride, Vintage Pride, and Center Support, as well as emerging programs like Center Families and outreach and engagement to LGBT community;
- Provide support and staff community events and programs as necessary; and
- Regular Pride Center duties as necessary.Expectations:
- Work in a detail-oriented and organized manner and in conjunction with the Program Director;
- Perform as a team player, working with other Pride Center staff, the Board of Directors and others, as needed;
- Communicate in a professional and organized manner with staff, donors and the community;
- Understand and support the mission, goals and objectives of the Pride Center;
- Commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion, including race, class, gender, and sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Some nights and weekends required.
- Drivers license and transportation required.
December 9, 2011
Don We Now Our Gay Apparel!
This Holiday season, the Pride Center is pleased to announce two exciting upcoming events to help put you in that Holiday Spirit!
On Saturday, December 10, 2011, the Albany Gay Men’s Chorus will be holding a concert event entitled “A Night of Holiday Music” with special guests the Capital Pride Singers. The event will be held at Massry Center for the Arts at the COllege of Saint Rose. The show begins at 7:30pm and admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students, and kids under 12 are free.
On Wednesday, December 14th, join the Pride Center for our “Holiday Happy Hour” from 6-8pm. Brought to you by the Pride Center Business Alliance and sponsored by Halliday Financial Group this fun and festive event, is open to all! Come and enjoy a relaxing evening at Midtown Tap and Tearoom. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. There is a $5 suggested donation to benefit the Pride Center. See you there!!!
December 2, 2011
Pride Center is looking for a Capital Pride 2012 intern!
Capital Pride 2012 is right around the corner, can you believe it??
Get involved TODAY- Be the Pride Center’s Capital Pride Intern!!!
Learn event planning! Network with the community! Gain important skills!
The description can be found on our website: http://
November 29, 2011
Call for Volunteers: 2012 Awards Gala Auction Committee!
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: ANNUAL AWARDS GALA- AUCTION COMMITTEE
The Pride Center welcomes volunteers interested in participating in the 2012 Annual Awards Gala Auction Committee. This subcommittee will focus on soliciting items and organizing the auction component of the 2012 Annual Awards Gala, taking place Friday October 12, 2012.
Volunteer responsibilities include:
- Meeting monthly/bi monthly, primarily by conference call, to strategize and brainstorm possible items and businesses to solicit for prizes;
- In between monthly meetings, approaching businesses and individuals for high-value items to include in the Auction;
- Complete all paperwork on donations for tax purposes, as well as coordinate any transportation of items to the Pride Center.
If you are interested in this exciting volunteer opportunity, please contact Aaron Holbritter, Development Coordinator, at aholbritter@capitalpridecenter.org or via phone at 518-462-6138.
November 23, 2011
Your gift to support LGBT families and the community
Dear Friend,
She called on a Tuesday, and she was calling for her teenager. A local mother needed the Pride Center’s help to make sure her child was safe. Just like she had turned to us for help in her own recovery from substance abuse in the early 1980′s, she was now turning to us for her 14 year old child who is struggling with gender identity issues, and getting harassed at their small k-12 school.
Click here to make a donation and support the LGBT community.
By making a tax deductible gift, you can support this family, and the hundreds like them throughout the region.
Your investment in the Pride Center lasts for generations. It is an investment not only in the assistance that individuals receive everyday, like this local mother and her child, but in the larger impact the Pride Center has in changing policies and raising awareness in communities around the Region.
As the season of giving approaches, I hope you will consider giving the gift of a supportive and empowered LGBT community. The impact of your gift will be shared amongst LGBT youth, families, and communities for years to come.
I wish you peace and happiness for the holiday season and the coming New Year.
Sincerely,
Nora Yates
Executive Director
November 11, 2011
Joe Norton Memorial Video now online
This year’s Annual Awards Gala on October 16th featured a touching video tribute to Pride Center founder Joe Norton. The video is now available to watch at the Pride Center’s youtube page. Follow the below link to view the video.
November 10, 2011
Pride Center Business Alliance Networking Happy Hour Next Tuesday, Nov 15th
The Pride Center Business Alliance announces it’s upcoming Networking Happy Hour to be held this coming Tuesday, November 15th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm at the Bath Expressions Showroom at Security Supply Plumbing and Heating. The showroom is located at 475 Central Avenue in Albany.
Admission for this months event is $15, and includes appetizers, wine, beer and soda.
Don’t miss this special event and the chance to network with other LGBT professionals. This unique space spotlights the very latest in bath and kitchen design. It’s a one-of-a-kind event you’re sure to enjoy!
Visit the Facebook event page here, or call the Pride Center at 518-462-6138 if you have any questions.
November 2, 2011
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2011
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual, internationally-recognized day when people come together as a community to celebrate, memorialize, and commemorate the lives of those individuals that were killed in the past year because of their gender identity and expression.
The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.
The 2011 Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 20, from 5:30-7:30PM in the Emerson Room at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Avenue. This year’s event is co-sponsored by In Our Own Voices, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Pride Center of the Capital Region and FUUSA.
This event will feature community speakers, a candlelight vigil and reading of names and will follow with a reception with light refreshments graciously provided by taste Restaurant, Honest Weight Food Co-op, and Chris Schloss.
For more information please call the Pride Center at 462-6138. We hope you will join us at this important event.
October 24, 2011
Press Release: Pride Center receives $150,000 grant for mental health services
PRIDE CENTER RECEIVES $150,000 GRANT FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Award will expand mental health services for LGBT community
The Pride Center of the Capital Region just announced that it has been selected by the Johnson Family Foundation to receive a three year $150,000 grant to expand the organization’s mental health services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and to increase the organization’s overall capacity. Over 70% of people participating in Center programs have reported being diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and with funding from the Johnson Family Foundation, the Pride Center will expand services to better meet these pressing needs. Two organizations were chosen by the foundation to receive the award, which is distributed over a three year period.
“We are pleased to partner with the Pride Center to expand the availability of high quality and responsive mental health services for LGBT people in the Capital Region,” said Andrew Lane, Executive Director of the Johnson Family Foundation.
LGBT people face poorer mental health outcomes because of the impact of stigma and discrimination, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Culturally competent mental health care is needed now more than ever to address this public health concern.
“For the first time in the Pride Center’s history, we will be able to expand our LGBT mental health services and build the capacity of the Center to improve our service delivery overall. We will more than double the current number of people receiving mental health services, as well as be able offer short-term case management for transgender community members that often have to navigate discriminatory agencies and health care organizations. By the end of the three-year grant period, the Pride Center will have taken definitive steps towards opening Upstate New York’s first LGBT mental health and substance abuse treatment clinic,” says Pride Center Executive Director Nora Yates.
The Pride Center of the Capital Region is the oldest continuously-operating LGBT community center in the country, and provides a range of programs and services to the LGBT community throughout nine counties in Upstate New York.
The mission of the Pride Center of the Capital Region is To promote the well being of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
October 17, 2011
Out in Corporate America: A Panel Discussion
Out in Corporate America: A Panel Discussion
Attention all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally students! Join us at this intriguing event to learn about what it’s like to be Out in the Workplace. Includes a FREE Networking Dinner and mixer for local students!
Tuesday, October 25th 5:30-8:30PM
GE Global Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY
Space is limited. Please RSVP to dlepage@capitalpridecenter.org by 10/21 if attending.
October 10, 2011
THIS FRIDAY: 2011 Annual Awards Gala, Get your tickets
Join hundreds of community members for the premiere LGBT event of the season!
2011 Annual Awards Gala
Friday October 14, 2011
6pm Cocktail Hour, 7:15pm Program
Buy tickets ONLINE by clicking HERE https://www.capitalpridecenter.org/events/register.cfm?EID=550
October 6, 2011
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Annual Awards Gala – Will you be dressed to the nines?
Sometimes, there’s nothing more fun than a chance to break out the very best from your closet, or an excuse to go shopping for something new. The Pride Center of the Capital Region 2011 Annual Awards Gala, held next Friday, October 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy is just such an event. With a cocktail reception, four-star dinner, awards presentation and dancing into the night, the Gala is the event at which to see and be seen in the LGBTQ community.
Freelance writer, amateur photographer and local fashion icon Alan Ilagan will be accepting this year’s award for Volunteer of the Year. He took a break from working on his very popular blog (www.alanilagan.com) and his role as Manager of the Pride Center’s Romaine Brooks Art Gallery, to tell us about some of his ideas for this year’s spectacular event, and some advice on how to achieve that “perfect look”.
Have you decided on what you’ll be wearing to this year’s gala?
Yes, but it’s a secret (and still at the tailor, so it’s not set in stone). I haven’t decided on outerwear yet, but there is talk of a cloak or a robe (both of which will probably be nixed. As the great Coco Chanel once advised, you should always take off the last thing you put on. She was talking about accessories, but for me that’s usually an opera coat or cape. And she’s absolutely correct.)
Where do you get your ideas from?
Everywhere. I find some in the traditional places like fashion shows and magazine ads, but I also get a lot of inspiration from books and movies. Sometimes the smallest scene or description will be enough to trigger an idea, or a look or feeling I want to evoke. For instance, if you watch Tom Ford’s ‘A Single Man’ you will never want to wear a non-fitted dress shirt again – the fashion is that powerful and well-presented. A book like ‘Vanity Fair’ may have been written and set far in the past, and the notion of all those petticoats and bustles may seem out of place with the present moment, but there are ways you can bring out elements of that period – in a ruffled cuff or baroque cameo.
What are some important things to take into account when planning an outfit for this type of event?
I always think you should dress up, but not to the point where you feel uncomfortable. Extra effort should be made for a special evening, but within the scope of your normal wardrobe. A man who never wears a tuxedo will never be at ease in one, and a woman who hates a ball gown will never be happy in a fancy dress, so you shouldn’t force those things. It’s easier to simply take your natural style and just elevate it a little. If you’re used to wearing jeans and a T-shirt, try adding a well-tailored jacket and a pair of dress shoes to a decent pair of jeans. Which reminds me – sometimes the best way to dress up for an event is simply to have what you normally wear specifically tailored to your body – in some cases that is like buying a whole new outfit.
Why is it important to stand out?
It’s only important to stand out if that’s what you want to do – and it’s more important to stand out for what you say rather than what you wear. As superficial and fashion-obsessed as I may sometimes seem, the people I remember from parties or dinners are those who have entertained me with their conversation – it’s never been because of what they were wearing.
Have you ever had any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions?
None that were unintentional. I was, however, once mistaken for a clown at Ponderosa. (Don’t ask me what I was wearing, or what I was doing at Ponderosa.)
Tickets for the Annual Awards Gala are still available and can be purchased on-line at www.capitalpridecenter.org, or by calling the Pride Center at 518-462-6138. In addition to Mr. Ilagan, this year’s awardees include Joshua Dunning Powell (Paul Postiglione Youth Services Award), Lillie Langford (Nancy Burton Straight-but-not-Narrow Award), Bombers Burrito Bar (Business of the Year) and Judy Disco (Harvey Milk Award). You won’t want to miss this amazing event. SEE YOU THERE!!!
October 5, 2011
Special Upcoming Panel Discussion: “Planning to Say ‘I Do’?” Wed. Oct. 26
Join us for a panel discussion with lawyers, financial services professionals, and therapists. Community discussion and question and answer period to follow.
- What are the legal, financial, and tax issues associated with same sex marriage that might factor in to a couple’s decision to say “I do”?
- What conversations might couples engage in to determine whether marriage is a good fit for them?
Wednesday October 26, 2011 6:00 pm—8:00 pm
New York Life 26 Century Hill Drive, Suite 301 Latham NY 12110
RSVP required by 10/25 by calling the Pride Center at 462-6138 or at https://www.capitalpridecenter.org/events/eventdetail.cfm?eID=531
September 30, 2011
2011 Awardee Profile: Lillie Langford, Straight But Not Narrow Award
This year’s Nancy Burton Award is being given to a woman who has helped so many people over the countless year’s she has worked at Albany Med’s Division of HIV Medicine. Lillie Langford has served as a nutritionist at 66 Hackett for over 44 years, and works directly with patients on improving their health and life. She genuinely cares for each person she works with, as well as anyone that comes into the office; she is a welcoming face at Albany Med as well as an advocate for anyone needing services or support.
Born in Manila, Phillippines, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and business administration, she moved to the United States in 1964. She says about her work at Albany Med “I take care of patients with AIDS and additions and those who are homeless and poor. Many times they don’t have enough money to buy food. I hook them up with a place like a food pantry. Those are works of mercy.” In the summer of 2011, Lillie received the Mother Theresa Award from the Ladies Ancient Order of the Hiberians, which is given to one person a year who practices mercy in their everyday life.
Because of her commitment and support of all people, we are proud to honor Lillie Langford with the Nancy Burton Straight But Not Narrow Award this year.
September 23, 2011
AIDS WALK 2011 Tomorrow!!!
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 24th is the 2011 15th annual AIDS Walk!! It’s not too late to walk with the Pride Center Team! Meet us at the Pride Center table inside of the Lake House at Washington Park at 11:45AM for the walk that begins at noon and MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY!!!
Since 1997 the AIDS Walk has generated over 2 million to help more than 30 organizations in our community as they provide prevention, education and support services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. With more people living with AIDS than ever before, your help is important!
Take a step in the right direction and join the Pride Center’s Team tomorrow for a fun-filled day with food, entertainment, and awards to support local organizations providing HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention education, counseling, and healthcare services for those living with this disease. Free anonymous and confidential HIV testing will be available on site. Proceeds benefit the hundreds of men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in the Capital Region.
Free t-shirts and goody bags with condoms and rainbow wristlets for all who walk with us to represent the Pride Center Team!
September 20, 2011
2011 Awardee Profile: Harvey Milk Award Winner Judy Disco
This year’s Harvey Milk Award is being given to a longtime community advocate and someone who has dedicated her career to social justice, much like Harvey Milk. Judy Disco academic background is in Women’s Studies, and her entire professional career she has dedicated to social justice causes. She has worked on behalf of the people who are disabled with the New York State Association for the Learning Disabled, as well as with young people with the New York State Youth Council. She served as Executive Director of Women’s Services of Western MA, on behalf of women affected by domestic violence, as well as Director of Administration for the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
Judy has also committed her volunteer time to causes she believes in, including the Empire State Pride Agenda, the Women’s Building, and our very own Pride Center of the Capital Region, where she served two terms as President of the Board. Judy received an award from the Pride Center for her service in 1989, before it was named the “Libby Post Council Leadership Award”, and has only continued her commitment to the Pride center and the LGBT community in the Capital Region since then. The Pride Center is proud to honor Judy’s lifelong commitment to empowering individuals and communities by awarding her the 2011 Harvey Milk Award.
Get your tickets for the 2011 Annual Awards Dinner at http://www.capitalpridecenter.org/events/eventdetail.cfm?eID=550