Since 1970, the Pride Center of the Capital Region has stood as a beacon of hope and support for our LGBTQIA+ community. As the nation's oldest continuously operating LGBTQIA+ community center, we've witnessed tremendous change while remaining steadfast in our commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces where all can thrive.

In 2026, the Pride Center of the Capital Region continues to strengthen its position as a cornerstone of LGBTQIA+ support through expanded essential services, community programming, and the creation of affirming spaces that fostered connection and belonging. Our innovative outreach initiatives and deepened advocacy efforts specifically addressed the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals in rural and suburban communities, leading crucial conversations on policy and equality. By combining direct services with community engagement and advocacy, we continued building a more equitable and resilient future for all LGBTQIA+ people in the Capital Region.

OUR MISSION

To promote the wellbeing of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

OUR VISION

A world where LGBTQIA+ people are celebrated, safe, and have equal opportunities.

OUR CORE VALUES

Inclusivity, Equity, Community, 
Empowerment, Resilience

In a year shaped by both significant challenges and remarkable resilience, 2025 stands alongside previous years as a true testament to the power of community and collective action. As we look back on this transformative year, we are proud to share how the Pride Center of the Capital Region has grown, adapted, and deepened its commitment to serving the LGBTQIA+ community. individuals across our region.

40%

reduction in suicide risk when LGBTQIA+ youth have access to affirming adults

In 2026, we will continue to grow our impact by focusing on:

  • Further Expanding rural outreach: We plan to develop additional peer support groups and services for LGBTQIA+ youth in underserved counties.
  • Growing our training programs: We aim to offer more customized training to local businesses and nonprofits to help them create affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ clients and employees.

Thanks to a five-year Department of Health grant, the Pride Center will expand its mental health services, enabling us to double the number of free counseling hours provided to the community. This funding will allow us to:

  • Increase the availability of free counseling services for LGBTQIA+ youth, seniors, and the TGNC community.
  • Implement trauma-informed care training for our mental health providers.
  • Expand rural visibility and support for all counties in the capital region by promoting telehealth services, traveling social workers to create group spaces in partner organizations and ensuring access to care for individuals in rural and suburban areas.
  • Deepen support for Pride affiliates in Saratoga, Schenectady, and other regional Pride organizations.
  • Continue to build programs that reflect the fullness of LGBTQIA+ identity—youth to elder, urban to rural, and every intersection in between.

Looking Forward

We thank our presenting sponsor Hannaford, our many Pride and Gala sponsors, and every community partner, donor, volunteer, and affiliate who helped us carry our mission forward. Your belief in our work fuels every training, support group, and celebration of queer resilience.

A special thank you to all of the practicum students from UAlbany, Syracuse Univerisity and Siena College who provided excellent dedication towards continuing to make our mental health services free and our peer support groups thrive.

Gratitude & Support

Pride Season Celebrations

Our Pride celebrations continue to grow, with Pride flag raisings across six counties symbolizing expanding acceptance throughout the region. The Pride Festival and Parade in Washington Park remains our signature event, drawing tens of thousands to celebrate diversity and inclusion in our community. Our block party and Rainbow Run 5K provide additional opportunities for connection and celebration.

Supporting our LGBTQ+ Elders

Our commitment to LGBTQIA+ seniors remains strong through our partnerships with Albany Guardian Society and the Alzheimer's Association, providing vital resources and community connections for our elder community members. The popular Aging with Pride cruise program continues to offer free social opportunities for those 55+, combating isolation while building lasting friendships.

Building on our successful Transition Expo tradition, we partnered with regional medical providers, insurance representatives, and financial advisors to host comprehensive educational sessions on transgender healthcare access, mental health resources, and healthcare rights advocacy.

Healthcare & Wellness

Our Pride Center continues to strengthen vital community connections through collaborative events that educate, celebrate, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Capital Region.

& Community Impact

PRIDE CENTER PARTNERSHIPS

OUR PRIDE CENTER TEAM

Deb Vincent
She/Her

Acting Executive Director

2026 Pride Center Staff

Director of Mental Health & Training Services

Jen Maley-Wheeler, LCSW
She/Her

Director of Programs

Tora Stringfield
She/Her

2026 Pride Center Board

Deb Vincent (She/Her)

President

Atsushi Akera (She/Her)

Vice-President

Jeremy Bond (He/Him)

Treasurer

Secretary / Capital Pride Co-chair

Anne Neslon (She/Her)

CTO / Capital Pride Co-chair

Scott Levine (He/Him)

Development Chair

Michelle Lavoy (She/Her)

Audit Committee Chair

Cat Graziose (She/They)

Members

Trisha Schell (She/Her)
Marlow Guerrant (They/Them)
Jason Ganns (He/Him)
Alex Gittens (He/Him)
Layla Champion (She/They)
Paul Oldham (He/Him)
Shashank Gouri (He/Him)

Operations Coordinator

Devani Ashe
She/Her/Any

Building a stronger, more inclusive Capital Region - together.

Albany Gaurdian Center
Albany Medical Center
Albany Parking Authority
Alliance For Positive Health
Alpin Haus
Alzheimer's Association
Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Farm Centers
Broadview Federal Credit Union
CDTA
Central Ave BID
Copps DiPaola Silverman
CSEA
Decresente Distributing Co.
Eddy Alzheimers Services
Empire Merchants
Fidelis Care
First New York Credit Union 
FLY 92
Franklin Hospitality Group
GE Renewable Energy
Gloversville Library
Hannaford
Highmark Blue Shield
Key Bank
KISS 102.3
LeClaire
Margarita City
Mark Grey Enterprises
McGeary's
Measurable SEO
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
New York Oncology Hematology
New York State Music
NYSTEC
OH Bar
Pepsi
Pioneer Bank
Price Chopper / Market 32
Proctor's 
Regeneron
Renaissance Hotel
Rivers Casino
Rocks
Roseblum Development
Russell Sage College
Schoharie Dental
Simon's Bard
TD Bank
The Spot
Thomson Accounting Group
Transfinder
Tri City Rentals
Tri-City Valley Cats
United Way
Unity House
Waterworks Pub
Whitney Young
WMHT 


Regeneron
Renaissance Hotel
Rivers Casino
Rocks
Roseblum Development
Russell Sage College
Schoharie Dental
Simon's Bard
TD Bank
The Spot
Thomson Accounting Group
Transfinder
Tri City Rentals
Tri-City Valley Cats
United Way
Unity House
Waterworks Pub
Whitney Young
WMHT 

GE Renewable Energy
Gloversville Library
Hannaford
Highmark Blue Shield
Key Bank
KISS 102.3
LeClaire
McGeary's
Measurable SEO
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Mr. Bumbles Cafe
New York Oncology Hematology
New York State Music
NYSTEC
OH Bar
Pepsi
Pioneer Bank
Price Chopper / Market 32
Proctor's 

Albany Gaurdian Center
Albany Medical Center
Albany Parking Authority
Alliance For Positive Health
Alpin Haus
Alzheimer's Association
Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Farm Centers
Broadview Federal Credit Union
CDTA
Central Ave BID
Copps DiPaola Silverman
CSEA
Decresente Distributing Co.
Eddy Alzheimers Services
Empire Merchants
Fidelis Care
First New York Credit Union 
FLY 92
Franklin Hospitality Group

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our community partners, sponsors, and government supporters. Your generosity has empowered us to expand services and make a meaningful impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive Capital Region.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS