Well, LGBTQ Syracuse Has Been Busy!

Making Peace, Protecting Mental Health, and Bringing Our Community Closer

When we launched LGBTQ Syracuse’s website a year ago, we had big hopes of building something meaningful for the community — an extension of the work we had already been doing across our social media platforms. Like many grassroots community efforts, the vision was always bigger than the hours available in the day. Between full-time jobs, personal responsibilities, and the realities of life, progress sometimes moved slower than we imagined. But even through the challenges, one thing never changed: our commitment to showing up for this community.

Three years ago, we found ourselves at the center of conflict with another LGBTQ group in the area. There were disagreements about our actions, and at times it felt like attempts were being made to bully us into silence or submission. It was painful, exhausting, and honestly took a toll on our mental health. But instead of responding with anger or division, we made a conscious decision to rise above it.

We kept going.

We kept showing up.

And we kept trying to lead with kindness, compassion, and community.

Over the last three years, we have accomplished more than we ever imagined possible. Together, we have:

• Raised funds for CNY Pride
• Supported the Alejandro Garcia Runaway & Homeless Youth House
• Contributed to SAGE
• Helped GoFundMe campaigns for parents of trans youth lost to suicide
• Organized a Red Cross Blood Drive
• Supported Beyond powered by NYPenn Pathways
• Worked alongside Fair NY
• Been selected as Grand Marshals of the Pride Day Parade at the Great New York State Fair
• Brought groups together to protest and advocate for equality
• Hosted our “Joy Is Resistance” day party at The Wolf’s Den
• Organized numerous community meetups, including gatherings at Liverpool Methodist Church
• Participated in the Rochester Pride Parade

Every event, fundraiser, meetup, protest, and conversation has come from one place: love for this community.

That is why, when we recently learned about a new queer directory project called Queeracuse, we were surprised. Years ago, we had begun building our own directory, but the process became difficult as questions constantly arose about who would be included and how businesses or organizations would be selected. When we were invited to the Queeracuse launch party, we still carried some uncertainty and hesitation because of the history we had experienced.

But something important happened.

Some of the people who once hurt us, criticized us, or contributed to division in the community have reflected on the past and apologized. It may have taken three years, but growth and accountability matter. Those apologies opened the door to something we desperately need right now: healing.

At the end of the day, none of us have to agree on everything to coexist, collaborate, and support one another. The world around us feels increasingly heavy, hostile, and uncertain for LGBTQ people. In moments like these, tearing each other down only weakens our collective strength. Lifting each other up — even when we have different perspectives — is what will keep our community moving forward.

Mental health has always been something we prioritize. Community work can be beautiful, but it can also be emotionally draining. Burnout, anxiety, hurt, and disappointment are real, especially when the people causing pain are within spaces that are supposed to feel safe.

Still, we are hopeful.

For the first time in a long time, it feels like the Syracuse queer community may finally be moving toward a place of greater understanding and unity. Not perfection. Not agreement on every issue. But peace.

And honestly, peace matters.

As we look ahead, 2026 feels different. It feels like a year where we can finally breathe a sigh of relief, focus on protecting our mental health, and continue building connections instead of barriers.

We are proud of what we have accomplished. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us, collaborated with us, and believed in our vision. Most importantly, we remain committed to creating spaces where LGBTQ people across Central New York can feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

The work continues.

But now, maybe, we can move forward together.

Until later,

LGBTQ Syracuse

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