Great New York State Fair hosts LGBT ‘Pride Day’ for first time
New York governor Andrew M. Cuomo has good news for the Great New York State fair-goers- LGBT ‘Pride Day’ will be celebrated for the first time ever this year at the event on Friday, August 28.
While the LGBT community has held unofficial functions at the fair in years past, this will be the first time that a formal event is officiated in its honour.
Governor Cuomo told the Great New York State Fair website: “New York is proud to be a leader in the fight for equality, and this summer we’re extending our celebration and support of the LGBT community to the State Fair.”
The morning begins with the Rainbow Flag being raised at the Main Gate of the Fairgrounds.
An informational fair, with representatives from multiple organizations, will occur throughout the park for the remainder of the day. The LGBT Booth and its officials from local advocacy groups will continue to sit in the Center of Progress Building.
The Pride Day ceremony presents event-goers with speakers from the LGBT community and strong participation in the daily parade.
Grammy-award winner Melissa Etheridge will perform at Chevy Court for a free evening concert. Etheridge is known for her activism in the LGBT community since her coming out in January 1993.
The president of CNY Pride, D. Bruce Carter, PhD, told the Great New York State Fair website: “Where once LGBTQ individuals were relegated to the sidelines, we can now stand proudly among our brothers and sisters, joining them as yet another part of the complex network of citizens of the state of New York.”
Taking place from August 27 to September 7, Pride Day will join a series of other formal celebrations, such as Governor’s Day, Law Enforcement Day, Armed Forces Day, both Senior Days, Women’s Day, SUNY Day and the Six Nations Day.
