For the last month and a half, I’ve been experiencing a constant barrage of work-related issues, what I'd call 'hot messes', on almost a daily basis, unlike anything I’ve ever faced in the past. The run-up to the start of the school year is always peppered with a few challenges here and there, but this year was different. The pace was relentless, and the complexity of the issues was daunting.

And yet, through it all, I’ve been surrounded by colleagues whose professionalism, patience, and kindness carried me forward. My support team has played a crucial role in helping me navigate most of these challenges. Without them, I can honestly say the load would have felt unmanageable.

This has reminded me of something important: even when life feels overwhelming, having a strong support system makes all the difference.

I have touched on coming out a few times before and this time I am going to talk about a few things that are common to expect after you come out or if someone comes out to you. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and an individual’s situations will have nuance. If you are someone who is coming out or has recently come out, hopefully this can be a way to see your own story reflected back to show you are not alone. For the allies reading this, remember to lead with curiosity and compassion, but don’t push for information you don’t need to know; people are allowed their privacy around their lives and identities.

It is important to take breaks and rest. We live in a very go-go-go, never stop culture and burnout is a common occurrence. It’s very easy to fall into that mindset that you are only productive if you are actively doing something and creating, but that often leads to increased stress and unrealistic expectations. Many different things can also push you towards this stress, and they may be things you have to engage with – taking care of family, doing schoolwork, doing your job requirements, being in a leadership position for a group – but there are still ways to manage your workload and find ways to take the rest you need.

Pride season is winding down, but Pride and allyship are year-round! While Cortland Pride this year, for the first time, had no protesters, that does not mean that anti-LGBTQ messaging has stopped. Now you may not see or hear openly hateful messages online or in your personal life, but those people are still out there, and I was recently reminded of a very helpful tactic on seeing who those people are and being able to block them (if it’s an online space), assess your social circles (if in person), or at the very least be aware of who might be raising some red flags (in either your personal or professional life).

This year will be the third annual Cortland Community Pride Festival! We are extremely excited to bring this event back! The festival will be on Saturday July 19^th, from 10am to 2pm at Courthouse Park in Cortland. We will have over 60 agencies and vendors, a raffle giveaway, a pride costume contest, and our family friendly drag show! Our Pride Emcee, Jo Boring, will also be back this year to help run the music, help with the event, and have a good time. We also have a group of sponsors that gave over $5500 to help fund the event this year! We are extremely thankful to all of our sponsors and partners that are helping with the event. You can find the full list of sponsors on the flyer for the event and on the Center’s website.

It is officially Pride season! There will be Pride events taking place at many cities all over the place starting in June and that means an increase in travel, being outside, large groups, and fun! Each Pride will have their own set of events and timeframe, but I wanted to make to go over some reminders on how to stay safe and have the best time you can.

This month’s article might be on the shorter side, but I think it’s important for those of us in the community to remember to reclaim and embrace joy, and for our allies to help uplift or protect us when they can.

Hello everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to announce to everyone that Pride Season is almost here and the Cortland LGBTQ Center is hard at work to bring a range of events this summer! While Pride is celebrated in June, Pride Season is not just one month, and it is important to remind folks that the LGBTQ community is here year round. The Center will have our normally planned monthly groups and events, so keep an eye out for those as the season gets closer!

(Written by Advisory Board Member Garry Haraveth) Empowerment doesn’t have to be grand or revolutionary to be impactful. Small, everyday acts of self-empowerment have the potential to inspire more significant movements, leading to justice, equity, and systemic change. When one person finds their voice, stands in their truth, and claims their worth, the effects ripple outward—touching friends, family, and entire communities. Social change always begins with individuals who recognize their power and use it to create a meaningful impact.

I know I have talked a lot in the past about staying safe, and I believe I have touched on this topic at least a little bit when talking about relationships, but I felt it important to dive back into some ways to stay safe while being online. Being online has become such a big part of our lives that we sometimes forget that there are potential risks– falling for a scam, posting too much information, or someone trying to take advantage of you. Even if you know what to look out for, it’s also important to check in with those you are close to and make sure that they also know at least some ways to stay safe.