On the Book Front:

Pride Celebration set for June 11
at Montour Falls Farmer's Market

The following column was written by Karin Thomas, Director of the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, located at 106 First St. in Odessa.

Pride Marches first began in New York City in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising one year earlier. Over time, the movement spread to cities and towns across the United States, creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to gather in celebration, remembrance, and advocacy. In 1999, June was nationally recognized as Pride Month in honor of the LGBTQ+ community and its many contributions to culture and history across the country.

The Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, Watkins Glen Public Library, Montour Falls Memorial Library, and Elizabeth B. Pert Library are proud collaborators on the First Annual Schuyler Pride Celebration on June 11th from 4-6 p.m. at the Montour Falls Farmer’s Market. We have received an overwhelming amount of encouragement and community support for this event, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share why Pride celebrations are so meaningful, especially in small, rural communities such as ours.

Why Pride?

Because in 2024, The Trevor Project reported 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Because Pride is about not feeling alone. It’s about being seen, valued, and celebrated as you are. Beyond identity, it represents a hope that everyone, queer or not, can experience that same sense of recognition and joy.

Because Pride is a national cultural moment for LGBTQ+ people to embrace who they are. For generations, marginalized groups have been made to feel wrong or broken, something underscored by the fact that homosexuality was once classified as a mental illness. Even today, many still face negativity, pressure, and rejection in various aspects of their lives.

Because Pride is an intentional act of inclusion. In cultures where dominant voices often overshadow others, it creates a public space to uplift identities that have historically been marginalized or overlooked. This visibility is especially important in rural communities, where Pride events may be the first opportunity for individuals to see themselves reflected positively in their own surroundings, reminding them that they are not alone.

Because Pride is also a powerful source of connection, particularly for those who may feel isolated in their everyday lives. It creates networks of care, belonging, and mutual support, all of which contribute to stronger mental health and well-being. Community building is fundamental to who we are as humans. Being part of something larger gives us purpose, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. In this way, Pride helps strengthen entire communities, not just individuals.

Because every person deserves happiness, security, respect, and a sense of community

Because the opposite of Shame is Pride

Thank you to the following contributors:

Alex Andrasik, PennYan Public Library
Keturah Cappadonia, Southern Tier Library System
Erik House, Southeast Steuben County Library
Maryalice Little, Southeast Steuben County Library
Melanie Miller, Alfred Box of Books Library
Sally Jacoby Murphy, Fred and Harriett Taylor Memorial Library
Kelly Povero, Watkins Glen Public Library
Karin Thomas, Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library
Sarah Trumpp, Friendship Free Library
Jess Westlake, Montour Falls Memorial Library
Amanda Zell, Elizabeth B. Pert Library