Niagara Pride launches new LGBTQ+ drop-in programs in Niagara County

Press Release

Beginning in September, Niagara Pride will launch two new LGBTQ+ drop-in programs at its center in Niagara Falls. The focus will be LGBTQ+ youth, ages 14 to 21, and LGBTQ+ seniors, ages 55 and older.

The monthly drop-in programs are part of an overall expansion by Niagara Pride to offer more services and programs in Niagara County aimed at creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Drop-in program information:

•LGBTQ+ senior drop-in – Every first Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can gather, engage in various activities with others, or partake in solo activities such as accessing our library or craft area, and learn about various community programs via presentations from other providers

•LGBTQ+ youth drop-in – Every second Friday of the month, from 2:30-5 p.m. Attendees will be afforded space to meet other local LGBTQ+ youth, engage in various activities, learn about a variety of topics pertaining to wellbeing and health, and have opportunities to meet with representatives from local agencies to learn about job-seeking skills, higher education, finances, and other life skills

Both programs are free to attend and do not require any preregistration.

Sherry Fossett, programming chair and co-executive director of Niagara Pride, said, "LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to this community cannot turn on the news nor go on social media without being hit by a daily news story regarding an attack on LGBTQ+ civil rights in the U.S. nowadays. For many, it's a scary and depressing time that is invoking a lot of fear. Niagara Pride is working hard to create spaces where Niagara County and WNY LGBTQ+ youth, adults and seniors have a place to go where they are safe, accepted, and be their authentic selves."

Regarding Niagara Pride's growth over the past few years, President and Co-Executive Director of Niagara Pride Dr. Ronald Piaseczny said, "Niagara Pride has always worked hard at meeting the needs of the community we serve. It is mission critical for us as we enter our fifth year of existence as an agency that we continue to provide meaningful programs that serve to educate, support those in need, and inspire others to build up our communities, not divide and separate us."

In the coming months, Niagara Pride will be announcing additional programs and services as it creates more partnerships with local providers and community service organizations to enhance its list of services. At this time, Niagara Pride provides: a monthly LGBTQ+ focused TV show titled “Pride In Our Community”; free sexual wellness materials; fair housing services in partnership with Housing Opportunities Made Equal; LGBTQ+ trainings for businesses, organizations and groups; senior financial management services in partnership with Center for Elder Law and Justice; grants to local GSAs at schools throughout WNY; various scholarships to WNY students, both youth and adult; and free notary services.

For more information on Niagara Pride, visit www.niagarapride.org or make an appointment at 1522 Main St., Niagara Falls (inside the Niagara Family Center).