Freeport Pride, a local advocacy organization that focuses on helping queer, homosexual and marginalized individuals, opened up Pride season with its Harbor Social event on May 30.
The Harbor Social, held at the Halfway Down restaurant in Freeport, helped mark the fourth year that Freeport has celebrated Pride in the village. Further events organized by local officials and community organizations are planned throughout the month of June, which had been officially proclaimed as LGBTQ+ Pride Month by representatives of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office at Freeport Pride’s event.
The event featured Adrienne Adams, former New York City Council speaker who is running for lieutenant governor of New York, alongside Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, State Senator Siela Bynoe, State Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages and Noah Burroughs and County Legislator Debra Mulé standing in public support of celebrating Pride locally.
“Freeport’s diversity has always been its strength, and its embrace and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community offers just the latest demonstration of that welcoming and inclusive spirit,” Mulé said prior to the event. “As a lifelong ally of the community, I am thrilled and inspired by Freeport Pride’s philanthropic mission.”
Freeport Pride continues to emphasize the “importance of unity and purpose” for Freeport and communities across Long Island. The organization’s theme for the year is “driving community pride with a distinctive purpose,” which has been addressed through the launch of a new scholarship program, other initiatives and fundraising for other organizations and programs that address suicide prevention and bullying. One of several grants that were awarded went to Freeport High School’s Gay Straight Alliance.
“We’re proud to champion local efforts, uplift the LGBTQ+ community and kick off Pride season right here in Freeport,” Jose Cuevas, co-founder of Freeport Pride said. “It’s inspiring to see Long Islanders come together to celebrate and stand in strong solidarity with the mission and impact of Freeport Pride.”
