Mountain Lake PBS honors and celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride this June and all year!
Pride month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, dedicated to the self-affirmation, equality, and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. A time to commemorate the historic fight for equal rights, Pride offers an opportunity to have open discussions about the experiences and lives of LGBTQ+ individuals of today and yesterday. By reflecting on watershed moments like the 1969 New York City Stonewall Riots and learning about generations of LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates, we gain a better understanding of how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go.
Learn about the history of LGBTQ+ rights and queer experience—from historians and LGBTQ+ icons of today and yesterday—with a curated list of PBS documentaries and series below. Each program highlight includes educational resources like articles, primary source documents, timelines and more. Keep scrolling for additional allyship and advocacy resources and info on Pride events happening in the North Country this June.
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LGBTQ+ Visionaries & History
10 Must-Watch LGBTQ+ Documentaries
This curated list features documentaries shedding light on LGBTQ+ history and voices, exploring national demonstrations like the Stonewall Uprising and contributions from local communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They also highlight the contributions of queer icons like Christine Jorgensen and Alison Bechdel.
The LGBTQ+ experience ┃ American Experience collection
Explore this collection featuring a selection of films documenting the LGBTQ+ Experience — along with articles, digital shorts, and original features exploring America’s continued struggle with democracy, inclusion and justice for LGBTQ+ Americans, and celebrating the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the American story.
LGBTQIA+ creatives and voices to know on PBS
From artists and musicians to playwrights, poets and countless other inspirations, LGBTQIA+ individuals leave their mark on the world. PBS brings their stories to light, showcasing their impactful contributions and the inspirational narratives that are reshaping our cultural landscape. These LGBTQIA+ voices are not only changing the face of creativity but also advancing the cause of acceptance and understanding.
Allyship & Advocacy Resources
Talking to Your Child About Identity: A Resource for Parents – Planned Parenthood
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender nonconforming people are a part of every community and beloved members of many families. Learn how to discuss sexual orientations and gender identities with your kid, and how to support them if they’re LGBTQ. Find resources and tips for talking to children of all ages.
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance
A safe space and environment for LGBTQI-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Queer/Non-Conforming, Intersex youth, adults, family members & allies. Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance hosts peer support groups, book readings, the annual Adirondack North Country – Plattsburgh Pride parade, and distributes resources and tools to support the LGBTQ+ community.
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award winning short film Trevor, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Support for LGBTQI Individuals – NAMI
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersexed (LGBTQI*) community represents a diverse range of identities and expressions of gender and sexual orientation. While belonging to the LGBTQI community can be a source of strength, it also brings unique challenges. For those who identify as LGBTQI, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation and gender identity relates to your mental health. Find steps towards seeking LGBTQI-competent care, and a list of resources for educational and support topics on a range of LGBTQ+ topics.
Local Pride Month Events
Pride Gayme Night
To kickoff Pride month, Planned Parenthood and the Alliance for Positive Health are hosting a ga(y)me night! Bring your own game or use what’s available on June 4th, 6-7:30 PM, at the Planned Parenthood Outreach Center, located at 77 Margaret Street in Plattsburgh, NY. This is a free event and open to all ages.
Pride Festivals across the North Country
- Small Town PRIDE Celebration – Saturday, June 7th, 11AM – 3PM
Join a spirited and inclusive celebration of Small Town Pride at Arsenal Green Park in Malone, NY. This event features guest speakers, music and live entertainment, food trucks, a pride parade kicking off at 10:30 AM and more. - PPNCNY & Plattsburgh Pride Committee’s Pride Fest – Friday, June 13th, 3-6 PM
Join in an afternoon of fun at the Strand Center for the Arts and Betty Little Arts Park in downtown Plattsburgh, NY. This free, family-friendly event includes art activities, lawn games, LGBTQ+ resources, vendors, music and more. The Pride Flag Raising Ceremony will commence at 5pm. - Tri-Lakes Pride Parade and Festival – Sunday, June 29th, 12-4 PM
Celebrate Pride in Riverside Park in Saranac Lake, NY with family-friendly music, speakers, vendors, youth fashion show, and parade starting at 12 PM.
Queer Stories – Open Mic Night for Pride
Join Plattsburgh Queer Collective and Plattsburgh Pride for an open mic night for queer stories on June 12th, 6:30-8:30 PM, at Norma J’s in downtown Plattsburgh, NY. Share your coming out story, your first crush, or your best queer moment. Any and all are welcome.
Family Friendly Pride Karaoke
DJ CoCo Entertainment, Old Soul Design Shop Inc, and Plattsburgh Pride are teaming for a night of family friendly Pride karaoke on Sunday, June 22nd, from 5-7 PM. During the event, take part in the Show Us Your Pride contest for a chance at the “best-dressed person” prize.