ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Capital Region Pride Center was packed with nearly 100 people Saturday as the second annual Midsummer’s Backyard Bash welcomed people of color, the LGBTQ community and their allies to celebrate the end of Pride month.
The party was sponsored and hosted by six health centers and organizations that offered free medical services and a safe space to discuss mental health and addiction issues.
Organizations involved:
The event offered free HIV, hepatitis C and STI testing, as well as an opportunity to talk with professionals in a less intimidating environment.
David Reynolds, who attended the event, said the party was about more than just meeting new people, and gave people the opportunity to learn about resources and services available in the capital region.
“Sometimes if you have to go to a formal venue, it’s a harder thing to do,” Reynolds said. “It’s a more casual environment where you can actually hear what’s being offered and hear the perspective of other people who may be going through the same thing.”
With support from organizations like the Albany Damien Center, Marine Taveres, LGBTQ health navigator at the Albany Damien Center, said those in attendance felt supported by resources in the area.
“So it’s important to show up and show that we’re continuing to provide these services and provide them to the people who deserve them,” Taveres said. “So any opportunity to show up for the community and show them that we’re here is important.”
The event also recognized that testing is an important aspect of supporting the community. Shei Manon, the event organizer, said it was essential to contribute to efforts to combat the growing number of diseases in the region.
“A lot of people need health care, treatment, especially for STIs and HIV,” Manon said. “It’s a growing problem right now. STI rates are through the roof in the capital region. Other things, like employment, there are organizations here that provide jobs; whatever it takes, it’s because we don’t have enough.”
