Pride doesn’t end with June. We can support LGBTQ+ New Yorkers all year long

With Pride Month behind us, it is important to recognize that for New York’s LGBTQ+ community, the celebration of pride isn't confined to just one month. Living out and proud and supporting LGBTQ+ entertainers and businesses is a commitment that stretches 365 days a year. At Big Gay Hudson Valley — our ever-growing social media network — this is our daily work. We aim to transform the region into a vibrant hub for queer-owned and gay-friendly businesses, and as a center for diverse events that bring people together to support queer voices and causes all year round.

LGBTQ+-owned businesses contribute a staggering $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy. The community’s impact and purchasing power has a multiplier effect that elevates our entire economy. We’re talking about a dynamic network of 1.4 million business owners who create tens of thousands of jobs and collectively influence market trends and consumer behaviors. Digital platforms have been crucial in accelerating this growth and economic impact, connecting consumers with businesses and community events that might otherwise go unnoticed by the exact audiences that we want to reach and bring together. When people can’t find information, they can’t find community.

Big Gay Hudson Valley, the organization we founded as a Facebook Group back in 2008, is focused on showcasing and uplifting upstate New York’s LGBTQ+ presence. Since launching due to the simple fact that many gay-community publications were slow to adopt a digital presence — and we were tired of hearing our friends say the region was boring — Big Gay Hudson Valley has become a driving force for connecting the community both online and in person. Starting with a modest social media presence, it has blossomed into a robust hub where community members can discover events, resources and businesses that are not only queer-friendly but are owned and operated by LGBTQ+ individuals. By leveraging our Facebook and Instagram presence, we’re connecting queer communities across New York State for the first-ever Empire State of Pride Conference on Nov. 8 in Syracuse, New York.

Social media drove attendance to our own "Pride in the Sky" Pride Month kick-off event. We brought together over 2,500 spectators and 250 volunteers. We partnered with local businesses to increase visibility and establish the region as a thriving center of commerce and comradery. Bad Seed craft cidery collaborated with us on a BHGV label cider and we worked with local artist Jason O’Malley to highlight Hudson Valley wildlife with a queer-inspired twist — together we created characters like the Drag Bear, Rainbow Trout and Queer Deer. With social media, we’re amplifying local creators and entrepreneurs and forging a greater sense of belonging and solidarity.

Beyond our network, digital platforms and social media play a transformative role in how communities interact and support each other. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially when it comes to young people, these tools are more than just a means to post pictures and chat with friends, they are a portal to a world where they can find acceptance, support, and healthcare information. For youth from unsupportive households, social media can be a gateway to understanding that they are not alone, and things will get better from here.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the temporary or permanent closure of many traditional LGBTQ+ gathering spaces, social media became critical infrastructure. Facebook Groups and online communities have become even more essential. They offer a virtual meeting place to find connection, share experiences, and support one another, ensuring that our vibrant culture can thrive, even in challenging times.

Digital media has democratized access to resources, allowing people from all walks of life to discover events, connect with others, and engage with businesses that champion LGBTQ+ rights. Through these platforms, and thriving online networks like ours, the LGBTQ+ community not only finds visibility but also the momentum to leave a lasting impression on the broader economy and enrich the cultural fabric of the region.

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From providing an outlet for struggling youth to supporting local businesses, social media is a critical tool for connecting and nurturing the LGBTQ+ community. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our times, we’re here to build and showcase an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community. We are dedicated to building a world where everyone can live openly and proudly.

It's a continuous celebration of pride – each and every day of the year.

Stephan Hengst and Patrick Decker are the founders of Big Gay Hudson Valley, an online network that promotes resources that empower people to make new connections, explore the Hudson Valley and live life as their authentic LGBTQ+ selves. Find BGHV online at biggayhudsonvalley.com and @BigGayHudsonValley on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Pride doesn't end in June