| June 8, 2014 |
Gay Pride Rockland is part of the VCS initiative to implement social justice, anti-oppression programming throughout Rockland County. VCS provides a critical analysis of the social and political conditions relating to racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, bias-related incidents and other issues of oppression. Key programs include VCS Gay Pride Rockland, the NY Model for Batterer Programs and racial justice organizing with special commitment to the analysis presented by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. VCS social justice programs, events and initiatives are intended to promote social change on systemic, institutional and community levels.
Gay Pride Rockland 2014
Since 1970, VCS Inc., a non-profit, family service 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, and social justice programs 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.
THE HISTORY OF VCS GAY PRIDE ROCKLAND
In early 1999, VCS tested the idea of developing a gay pride event with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community members, local shop keepers, religious leaders, non-profit agencies and elected officials. From the onset, we shared 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 adversely impact the LGBT community.
To achieve this, we promised that VCS 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 and visit; our mission would be to assure that these qualities extend to all – with no exceptions.
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 of New York State 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, over 150 non-profit agencies, community organizations, faith communities, municipalities and elected officials, from across the county and beyond, co-sponsor VCS 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.
VCS Gay Pride Rockland has become a major part of Rockland’s summer calendar. Additional LGBT programs are presented several times a month, throughout the year. See the VCS Gay Pride Rockland calendar of events to find out what’s happening.
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