GLOW OUT! announces annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival on June 27

Press Release, GLOW OUT!

BATAVIA – GLOW OUT!’s annual parade and festival to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride will return on Saturday, June 27, and this year, it’s moving to Centennial Park.

“Batavia Pride is, by far, our biggest event,” said Lauren Berger, GLOW OUT!’s executive director. “People look forward to it, all year – but especially now, when feelings of division are so high.”

June is recognized as National LGBTQ+ Pride Month in remembrance of the Stonewall riots in New York City in June of 1969, which catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. GLOW OUT!’s theme for Pride 2026 is “Rooted in Resistance,” highlighting the historical connections to advocacy and awareness efforts that continue today. The Batavia event first occurred in 2019.

“Pride, and events that are a kind of joy, are empowering,” said Agnes Bowers, GLOW OUT! Board President. “It can be isolating to be LGBTQ+ in a rural area, or a small school…coming together in a celebration of who we are, and having fun, it’s really meaningful to people.”

GLOW OUT! provides training, support, and events to raise awareness, build community and celebrate those in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are LGBTQ+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. Many allies – straight and/or cisgender (non-trans) people who support and advocate for their loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community – also attend Pride each year.

“These days, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by bad news,” said Berger, “but there is a lot of good work happening, too.”

GLOW OUT! celebrated some of this good work this past Monday at the Pride Opening Ceremony and Block Party at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, recognizing DivasWho Entertainment as their “Pride 2026 Business Ally,” RESTORE Sexual Assault Services as “Pride 2026 Nonprofit Ally,” and Krysta Aina as “Pride 2026 Community Advocate.” These awards are given for consistent, demonstrable efforts toward LGBTQ+ inclusion and support.

On Saturday June 27, the Batavia Pride Parade will begin at 12 p.m. from Centennial Park on North Street. The approximately one-mile route will make right turns at Summit Street, Washington Avenue, and State Street before returning to the park for the Pride Festival.

Batavia Pride will once again feature the talents of the Flower City Pride Marching Band as well as the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus / Nickle City Treble Makers. A Drag Queen Story Hour for families will take place on the grass before the drag show begins. The festival will also feature a Vendor/Nonprofit fair and food trucks. An after party for those 21 and older will follow at Euphoria Bar and Lounge.

“GLOW OUT! has come a long way, just like the LGBTQ+ community has,” said Bowers. “We’re looking forward to the best Batavia Pride yet.”

GLOW OUT! has a page on their website with information on Batavia Pride, and ways to be involved on June 27 – as well as  other programming information – at GLOWOUT.org.

GLOW OUT! connects the rural LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community in times when we need it most.