LGBTQ+ Resources

Founded more than 400 years ago, Albany is filled with rich history and traditions, beautiful architecture, spectacular events and entertainment venues, amazing restaurants, and a vibrant and active gay and lesbian community.

A Welcoming Community

Residents, business leaders, community partners, and public figures work together to support the LGBTQ+ community in Albany. 

• The Pride Center of the Capital Region is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ center in the country. Based in Albany, the Pride Center has been meeting the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community since 1970.
• Learn more about the history of the Pride Center through the New York State Museum's Pride exhibit page. In honor of the center's 50th anniversary, the museum collected oral histories from members of the community which resulted in additional panel exhibition the following year which is now available for viewing online.
• The Pride Center of the Capital Region hosts the Capital Pride Festival, one of the largest celebrations of pride in Upstate New York every June. 
• Based in Albany, In Our Own Voices is an organization with a mission to work for and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic survival and growth of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of color communities. 
• In Our Own Voices hosts the annual Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride a monthlong event highlighting the presence and contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + People of Color in the Capital Region. 
• Albany scored a 100% on the Human Rights Campaign's 2017 Municipality Equality Index (MEI). The MEI rates cities based on criteria falling under five broad categories: non-discrimination laws; municipality as employer; municipal services; law enforcement; and relationship with the LBGTQ+ community.
• Trivago Magazine ranks Albany as one of the "10 Best Gaycation Destinations That Might Surprise You." 
• New York State is the most desired travel location in the world for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more from the I LOVE NEW YORK's LGBT resources.