SAVE THE DATE:
Rainbow Rally | October 11, 2023-Wednesday
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
In Person: The LOFT Campus
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Center Partners with Advocacy Groups to Mobilize Community in "Rally for Our Rights"
Free Banned Books and Pride Merchandise to be Distributed
(White Plains, NY)
October 5, 2023 – The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is proud to announce the Rainbow Rally, taking place on October 11, 2023, from 6:30 PM to 8 PM at The LOFT Campus, 252 Bryant Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605. Hosted in honor of Coming Out Day, the event is free to attend.
The Rainbow Rally aims to raise awareness about strategies being employed to suppress, minimize, and erase the LGBTQ+ community. The event also seeks to provide practical solutions that individuals can implement to counter the rising tide of LGBTQ+ hate.
Topics to be covered include banned books, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and the actions necessary for securing a brighter future for the community.
"October 11—Wednesday—is about Coming Out and gathering with the community to share the solutions we all must adopt to counter the alarming rise in LGBTQ+ hate," says The LOFT's CEO, Judy Troilo. "It's critical that we register to vote, join school boards, and utilize local resources to report hate crimes, discrimination, and harassment."
Scheduled speakers include local LGBTQ+ leaders and allies such as Judy Troilo, Anthony Nicodemo, NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) ED 16 Director, Tejash V. Sanchala, Esq., Executive Director of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, DD The Drag Queen—a local drag queen recently targeted by anti-LGBTQ+ protesters—and Christina Picciano, The LOFT Artist-in-Residence and Ossining LGBTQ+ Alliance founder.
In partnership with The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), The LOFT will distribute free copies of banned books.
"The LGBTQ community is under attack all across our country. Extremists are using children in an attempt to eradicate the LGBTQ community. Being able to distribute banned books is the perfect way to push back against these unamerican attacks" says Anthony Nicodemo.
Free Pride "Drag is Art" shirts and flags will also be available. Attendees will find a variety of informational tables offering local resources, including voter registration, LGBTQ+ health information, and advocacy organizations. Confirmed organizations include Be Yourself Bookshop, H Line (New York State HIV Hotline), PFLAG, WJCS Center Lane, Prideworks for Youth, and Moms Demand Action. The LOFT welcomes any non-profit institutions focused on affirming the LGBTQ+ community to table at the event.
For More Information
Press Inquiries: Jeffrey Guard ([email protected] | 917-684-7767)
To Table: Scott Havelka ([email protected] | 914-948-2932 ext. 12)
About The LOFT
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is a non-profit organization offering a range of services to the LGBTQ+ community in Westchester County, NY, and the Lower Hudson Valley Region. The LOFT provides in-person, virtual, and hybrid services, support groups, social activities, and special events like Westchester Pride and The Hudson Valley TransForum. It also runs the Trans Support of the Hudson Valley (TSHV), a program designed to assist and empower TGNCNB communities across the Lower Hudson Valley region. Founded in 1983, The LOFT is located at 252 Bryant Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605.
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