2024 Pride Preview: Your guide to all the LGBTQ+ Pride Month Events in the Mohawk Valley
For information about all the Pride Month 2024 events in Utica, Rome, and the Mohawk Valley scroll down. For my interview with Ace Morreale, from the Oneida County Pride Association, and “Scarlett Vendetta”, check out my Hot Seat: Media Monday “2024 Pride Preview Show” at the link. I will update this page as new events are added.
This episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday features Ace Morreale and drag performer Scarlett Vendetta, who discuss the Oneida County Pride Association’s Utica Pride Festival, scheduled for June 1, 2024. The guests discuss the art of drag and distinguish between child-friendly drag shows and those with more mature humor.
Scarlett Vendetta spoke about how drag is an art form that emphasizes creativity and attention to detail, with the face serving as a canvas for self-expression and performance. He shared his personal journey into the world of drag and how it has contributed to his personal growth as a full-time student at SUNY Potsdam. Scarlett also highlighted the importance of Gay-Straight Alliances on school and college campuses to foster community support.
The group discussed the history of the modern Gay Rights Movement, starting with the Stonewall Uprising, during which drag queens fought back against police brutality and societal oppression. Despite recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the decision by Utica Mayor Michael Galime not to fly the Pride flag outside City Hall, the group agreed that progress had been made.
For more information about the Oneida County Pride Association like them at Facebook.com/OneidaCountyPride and follow them at Instagram.com/oneidacountypride. Like and follow “Scarlett Vendetta” at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092513162390, Instagram.com/scarlett.vendetta/, Twitter.com/ScarletVendetta, and Tiktok.com/@scarlettvendetta.
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Friday, May 31: Pride Eve Drag Story Hour at 6 pm
The Treehouse Reading and Arts Center, 587 Main St., Suite 304 (Fitness Mill Building, 3rd Floor), New York Mills, NY
The 2nd annual Pride Eve Drag Story Hour is a free and child-friendly event! Our featured book will be Twas the Night Before Pride. Featuring Makenzie Taylor, Electra Cute, and Arista Krat.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/414256584346743/
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Saturday, June 1: Utica Pride Festival from 10 am – 4 pm
Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica, NY
Oneida County Pride Association’s second Utica Pride Festival is a family-friendly event with something for everyone, from vendors and community resources to performers and more. Bring your loved ones and join us in celebrating diversity!
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/802274951929256
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Saturday, June 1: Pride Drag Show (21+) at 8 pm
Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts, 2014 Genesee St., Utica, NY
The third annual 21+ Pride Drag Show is the unofficial Oneida County Pride After Party! Hosted by Makenzie Taylor and Natalie Taylor! Featuring Starling Silver, Miss Viola, Ianna Rouge, Jumper Bones, Arista Krat, Electra Cute, and Glory Hellelur Serel!
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/820761590068637
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Monday, June 3: Rome NY Pride Flag Raising at 1 pm
Rome Historical Society – Friends of the Fort, 200 Church St., Rome, NY
Rome will have a Pride flag-raising ceremony to kick off Pride Month at the Rome Historical Society (due to construction at City Hall.)
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/954660059494348
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Wednesday, June 12: Hamilton LGBTQIA+ Social, 5 pm – 7 pm
FoJo Beans, 10 Utica St., Hamilton, NY
FoJo Beans at 10 Utica Street in Hamilton will host an after-hours LGBTQIA+ Social event every second Wednesday from 5-7 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Street parking should be available nearby, and parking is also available in the Village of Hamilton municipal parking lot behind the Hamilton Public Library.
For more information, go to: https://madcolgbtqia.org/calendar/
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Sunday, June 16: Rome Pride Fair 2024, 12 pm – 4 pm
Outside the Capitol Arts Complex, 216 West Dominick Street, Rome, NY
The Capitol Arts Complex Tenants: Keaton & Lloyd Bookshop, The Copper Easel, and Superofficial are teaming up to show love and support to LGBTQIA+ folks with a fair featuring over 30 vendors, artists, local organizations, face painting, caricatures, community paintings, sidewalk chalk and food trucks!
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/985981906515835
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Friday, June 28: Stonewall Anniversary, 6 pm
Jervis Public Library, 613 Washington Street, Rome, NY
This anniversary event celebrates the Stonewall Riots with a documentary and a discussion panel following.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/466534165776288
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Ron Klopfanstein is a multimedia investigative journalist, news and features editor, and creative content producer for the Utica Phoenix digital platform and 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He also hosts the Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Twitter.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein.
