SchoCo Pride Establishment Begins Planning Local 2026 Event

By Lei Rowan

MIDDLEBURGH– Last Thursday, several community members came together to start coordinating SchoCo Pride, aiming to coordinate a large Pride event starting June 2026 right here in Schoharie county. The group discussed possible events to do, locations, and funding necessities.

Sam Addams facilitated the meeting along with other friends such as Krissy Traver and Casey Chanton. A meeting schedule was provided, and ground rules established included being respectful of others, not talking over one another, and allowing everyone to voice their ideas, comments, and concerns. Roles assigned for the meeting include facilitator, note keeper, time keeper, and liaison.

SchoCo Pride is currently planning on having an educational vendor fair as the local pride event, informing the count more about the queer community, as well as providing resources for LGBTQ+ people who may need it.

“Street fests are what Middleburgh is known for,” one member stated.

Proposed booths currently include how to change your legal name, different gender and sexual orientations, and gender affirming clothing, with more to be decided.

Another goal of the organization is to show locally that LGBTQ+ people are just like everyone else and deserve the same respect.

“We’ve been gay the whole time, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” Krissy Traver told the group.

Currently, SchoCo Pride is still being established. The group plans on potentially starting a non-profit 501(c)3 prior to setting up large-scale events. The largest question is where to find funding for upkeep and events. The meeting discussed potential sponsors and smaller pride events throughout the year to raise money, as well as a small fee for vendors at the possible large street-fest Pride in June.

The details for SchoCo Pride are still in the early stages of development. If you’d like to join future meetings, mailing lists, or Discord, contact schoharielgbtqia@gmail.com for more information.

Contact schoharielgbtqia@gmail.com for meeting times and locations.

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