In early 1999, we tested the idea of developing a gay pride event with LGBT community members, local shop keepers, religious leaders, non-profit agencies and elected officials. We shared from the outset that our mission would be to affirm the dignity of all LGBT people, their families, friends, and allies who live in every hamlet, village and town in Rockland County. And at the same time, we wanted to transform the stereotypes that so adversely impact the LGBT community.

To achieve this, we promised that Gay Pride Rockland Sunday would be organized and maintained as a fun-filled, family event – free, open to the public and welcoming to all. We knew that Rockland County was a wonderful place to live, work, play and visit. Our mission would be to assure that these qualities extend to all - with no exceptions.

Gay Pride events are held in major cities everywhere. The streets are filled with families while fun and floats abound. The media, however, too often only cover images that distort the reality of the full spectrum of the LGBT community. It was therefore no surprise that in response to our community’s first concern we needed to be reassuring. "Don’t worry," we said, "If we do it at all, Gay Pride Rockland will not be a parade. It will be an event for everyone."

The community approved and showed their support. More than two dozen non-profit agencies and interested individuals joined the planning committee as Rockland became the first county in the lower Hudson Valley to organize and launch a Gay Pride event. More than 1,000 people attended the first event titled, "Gay Pride Rockland, It’s Not a Parade – It’s an Event for Everyone," making it an unqualified success.

That was the beginning. Today, more than 100 non-profit agencies, community organizations, faith communities, municipalities and elected officials from across the county and beyond co-sponsor Gay Pride Rockland. This number continues to grow and is matched only by the scores of businesses and individuals who advertise in our Directory of LGBT-Friendly Businesses, Services and Community Organizations.

Gay Pride Rockland events have not only become a major part of Rockland's summer calendar – but a wide range of programs with LGBT themes are presented throughout the year. This year is no different. See the Gay Pride Rockland calendar of events listed right here on this website to stay abreast of our programs. Most of all please join us!



Gay Pride Rockland is an initiative of the multi-service Community Change Project. The Community Change Project provides a critical analysis of the social and political conditions relating to domestic violence, racism, sexism, heterosexism, bias-related incidents and other issues of oppression. Key programs include Gay Pride Rockland, the NY Model for Batterer Programs (www.nymbp.org) and anti-racism organizing with special commitment to the analysis presented by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (www.pisab.org). The Community Change Project’s programs, events and initiatives are intended to promote social change on systemic and institutional levels.



VCS Inc. is comprised of three divisions: the Community Change Project, Clinical and Family Services and the Center for Conflict Resolution. Since 1970, VCS Inc., a non-profit organization located in Rockland County, New York, has provided continuous service and programs throughout the Hudson Valley and in other areas as determined by the needs of the community.

The VCS mission is to provide cost-effective, accessible counseling, education, conflict resolution and community organizing services that enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. This is accomplished through the pioneering use of professionally trained volunteers, by working collaboratively with governmental and other community-based institutions and by responding to determined gaps in service delivery systems throughout the communities we serve.