Welcome to the third Issue of Proud Voice

Published by the Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance

BUFFALO NIAGARA PROUD ALLIANCE is a growing nonprofit organization that started forming a little over 20 months ago. We currently represent leaders and organizers of Western New York grassroots LGBTQ organizations and community organizers. We were responding to clear messages from the LGBTQ community, that a sense of community and solidarity had been lost. This need for connection was amplified with the election of the current administration and the attacks that we knew would be coming. We decided to combine forces, ideally across boundaries, to repair a fractured and segregated LGBTQ+ family to create something new. 

OUR MISSION: The Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance (BNPA) unites and supports LGBTQ+ organizations and leaders in the Greater Buffalo Niagara Region serving as a central hub for information sharing, centralized marketing, event coordination, outreach and collaboration. The BNPA aims to foster connection by inspiring Pride and self-acceptance for individuals, families and the community.

We have produced two major events: a community gathering in memory of Sam Nordquist, which drew nearly 400 people at Westminster Presbyterian Church, as well as COME OUT! a coming out day event spotlighting our history and the grassroots efforts of our Alliance organizations. We have published three magazine issues and hope to make that quarterly effort reflecting the stories, news, needs and successes of our community. To continue and to grow we need your support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We are a volunteer organization at this point, but we have big goals toward the mission above, including printing future magazines, Board development, community events, spotlighting local businesses and honoring success stories, sharing our Queer history. Please consider supporting this organization with a donation to the Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance. Checks can be sent to 255 Great Arrow, Suite 306, Buffalo, NY 14207, or email bnproudalliance@gmail.com. You can also support us by becoming a PROUD ALLIANCE SPONSOR. See  more information about sponsorship levels on page 11.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Recording artist Michael Farrow reviews new albums of queer artists.

Renowned activist Leslie Feinberg has been featured in a comic book of Icons. The Department of Social Services and Civics under the Department of Education in NYC, produced a comic book last year featuring the Iconic queer activist and writer Leslie Feinberg (Stone Butch Blues). The story revolves around a special night of drag and history at a women’s bar in 1993. We had a conversation with queer scholar and historian Jeff Iovannone who collaborated on the project.

Sara A. gives us an update on Intersect the event founded by the late Mickey Harmon as free alternative to the Pride Festival. This art festival carries on his legacy and energy.

We have also sprinkled in some of the local LGBTQ art and writing talent.

Look for the report from Bridge Rauch, from Equity NY, about legislation that is heading to Albany, that you might want to call your reps about.

There is a lot going on in the country and locally that is hopefully is both hopeful and frightening. Just in the LGBTQ Community the idea of a single Pride Festival has morphed into a month of separate pride events sponsored by a lot of different organizations. Watch for more centralized notice of all events.

2026 SURVEY: We are excited to share the survey results with everyone at a community gathering in early May. Watch our website and social media pages for date and location. The common thread is that you have confirmed the need to bring people together, maybe in different ways then the Buffalo community has done before. Historically when LGBTQ people come together, we have made things happen. Whether that’s a riot outside a raided club in NY or banning together with the local Arts and Cultural Community to help to oust homophobic politicians. Together we can be a force.

At the moment, the BUFFALO NIAGARA PROUD ALLIANCE and the publication of our Magazine is all volunteer. WE have a lot to do, and we are hoping to get the community’s help to do it. As we move officially to nonprofit status your financial support will be necessary. One way to support us is through Sponsorship Ads in this magazine. Please see the different sponsorship levels in our ad menu.

Your support will mean better quality, more engagement and more activities in the year ahead. Call 716 868-3435 more details.