This year’s gala honored three important figures in the LGBTQ+ community on Long Island. Michael Caputo, of the LI Pride Lions, the Rev. Lana Hurst, the first openly transgender pastor to practice on Long Island, and Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive of GLAAD, were among this year’s honorees.

New HIV cases and AIDS-related deaths have fallen significantly in recent years, but on Long Island and nationwide the epidemic continues to hit Black and Latino communities harder than white and Asian ones.
Disparities exist throughout the health care system, but few are as stark as those related to HIV.

As PFY is gearing up to celebrate the month of pride in June, and the LGBTQ community in general, this year it is also celebrating its own history, as 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the agency, which was the first of its kind in a suburban setting in the United States.

14th Annual Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide event

Pride Month is typically a time for celebration, where the LGBTQ community can proclaim their individuality without fear of discrimination.

As Pride Month begins, PFY, formerly known as Pride for Youth, is set to kick off the month with a virtual event while continuing to serve the LGBTQ+ community.

History was made on Long Island when participants strutted their best looks, demonstrated their fiercest walks, and experienced Long Island's first ever KiKi Ball.

School isn’t in session, but preparation never ends for teachers and administrators. In addition to educating young minds, creating a safe and welcoming environment for students is vital.

The Ruby Red Ball, hosted by PFY on Jan. 20, is one of many events held by the organization to support activities for the LGBTQ+ community such as rapid HIV and syphilis testing.

Nearly $6,000 was raised for PFY, formerly Pride for Youth, a division of the Long Island Crisis Center whose mission is to enhance the health and wellness of the LGBTQ+ community, through a PrideFest grass volleyball tournament on June 10.

Pride For Youth, a LGBTQ nonprofit based in Bellmore, hosts an annual Ruby Red Ball, an event focused on HIV/AIDS Awareness. As an educational and advocacy center, PFY educates and provides testing to vulnerable populations all year long.

VBLI, a local volleyball organization that holds tournaments year round, held its very-first Grass Volleyball PrideFest and fundraised for PFY, formerly known as Pride for Youth, on June 11.

On Aug. 6, blue, pink and silver balloons decorated the backyard of the Bellmore Presbyterian Church, where Pride for Youth, an organization that offers support and service to LGBTQ+ youth from across Nassau County, held its annual prom.

As this year’s Pride Month comes to a close, LGBTQ+ rights activists in Bellmore-Merrick are reflecting on the community’s progress and shortcomings in creating a safer, more welcoming Long Island for people of all identities.

Nassau County is putting policies in place to protect transgender workers from harassment and discrimination in county offices, officials said Tuesday.