Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - Local leaders in the LGBTQ community along with political leaders gathered in Niagara Square Tuesday afternoon to raise the rainbow flag as Pride Week kicks off.
In addressing the importance and meaning of Pride Week, one Buffalo area LGBTQ+ leader tells WBEN the key concerns locally are the same as those facing the community around the country.
Justin Azzarella of Evergreen Health says although laws may be different in other states where rights and the ability to express themselves in the LGBTQ community are being restricted, that's not happening here in New York State.
"But think about if you had a family member who lived in another country, and they lived in a state of repression, or they couldn't be their full, authentic self, or they're afraid of afraid of violence, or being persecuted for who they are, those folks across the country and other states, the rest of that queer community and the United States of America," says Azzarella, who considers them part of his family.
Azzarella says his biggest concern is for trans individuals, trans individuals of color, and trans youth. "We know that we need more services for the youth of our community, we know when they see laws being passed against them, rights being stripped away. It impacts me as an adult, I couldn't imagine how that would impact me and my worldview, and my fear of my own country, as a child," notes Azzarella.
Azzarella says he takes pause when young people or people of the trans community would not be able to have gender affirming surgery in different states across the country. "That is something that thankfully, we don't need to worry about here in Western New York. But again, I think it's the holistic the mental health for folks, and especially youth in the trans community," says Azzarella, adding more resources are needed to help this community.
Azzarella notes people from midwestern and southern communities have moved to WNY over the past few years, because they feel safer here.
"Appropriate and affirming health care as we provide at Evergreen Health is another huge thing that folks don't necessarily have in other parts of the country. So when they come here, they're, they're thankful and they feel like they're at home," says Azzarella. He says the need has been steadily rising over the years. In addition, he says he works with other underserved communities, such as people of color, including folks who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.
On Tuesday, numerous elected officials, members of the LGBTQ commumity and allies stood in Niagara Square for the annual rainbow flag raising ceremony.
"Each year, Pride Month and Pride Week are opportunities to find strength through love, inclusivity, and unity," said Kelly Craig, Executive Director WNY Pride Center. "We are so excited for the Pride Parade and Festival this Sunday, June 4, and all of the amazing community events throughout Pride Month. The theme of this year's Pride festival is Show up, Turn up. We show up because there's so much to fight for, we turn up because there's so much to celebrate. This year we are going to show up together, be visible, be present for ourselves in our communities and we're going to turn up to with each other and celebrate our beautiful community, make noise, and have a great time. What better way to celebrate than being together."
Visit buffaloprideweek.com for a full list of events.
