Gov. Kathy Hochul has proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in New York and directed state buildings and landmarks to raise Pride flags and illuminate in Pride colors throughout the month.
Pride Month proclamation
Hochul announced the designation Monday, June 1, recognizing New York’s role as the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
“As the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York has long been at the forefront of advancing equality,” Hochul said in a statement. “During Pride Month, we celebrate New York’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community and acknowledge the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.”
The Pride flag was raised Monday at the New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza and the Governor’s Executive Mansion.
State landmarks to light up in Pride colors
Sixteen state landmarks will be illuminated in colors representing the Pride flag on June 1 and June 23-30. Capital Region landmarks will also be lit June 12-14.
Among the sites participating are:
Pride flags flying at state buildings, parks
The Pride flag will be displayed at dozens of state office buildings and agencies across New York, including the Capitol, Empire State Plaza and state office campuses in Albany, Binghamton, Utica and New York City.
The state also announced Pride flags will fly at numerous state parks, including:
More than 30 state parks across New York are participating.
State highlights LGBTQ+ initiatives
Hochul’s office also highlighted recent efforts supporting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, including protections for transgender youth, expanded safeguards for gender-affirming care providers and patients, and support programs for LGBTQ+ youth.
The governor’s office is also accepting workshop proposals for the fifth annual LGBTQIA+ Convening, scheduled for Sept. 15 in Albany.
New York’s tourism division, through its LGBTQ+ travel initiative, is promoting more than 100 Pride celebrations statewide throughout June.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Hochul declares Pride Month in New York; landmarks to light up statewide
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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