About Us

Our Story

In 2015, a child came out to their parents as transgender. Their parents looked in their local community to find therapeutic and/or social resources for their child to help navigate their journey and be their true, authentic self without fear. They found Dutchess County to be lacking in this area. following two other teenagers coming out as TGNC, with their parents also finding no local support, they all decided something needed to be done.

In January 2018, Dutchess County Pride Center (DCPC) was born, and the first social and support groups for LGBTQ+ teens and TGNC youth began. The community came out in force, asking DCPC for more services. the founding parents realized that the need for community was much greater than anticipated, and DCPC’s offerings more than doubled within the first year.

From the beginning, Dutchess County Pride Center's goals have been supporting, educating, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on LGBTQ+ youth. The vision was to become a true LGBTQ+ community center, where everyone feels free to be who they are.

Donate

Mission Statement

Dutchess County Pride Center is a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, including youth, to meet and socialize.

Our goal is to improve the health, safety and well-being of the entire LGBTQ+ community in Dutchess County.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Dutchess County Pride Center is committed to diversity and equal-opportunity employment. Dutchess County Pride Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability (including HIV status), veteran status, military obligations, or marital status. This policy applies to hiring, internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, and terminations, and applies to all Dutchess County Pride Center’s employees, volunteers, members, clients, and contractors.

COVID-19 Policy

Masks are preferred (but not required) by default at Dutchess County Pride Center events, especially for those who aren't fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised. Be aware that if any attendee of an event feels more comfortable with the use of masks, a mask mandate will be put into effect for all attendees of that event. Those who do not comply following the mandate will be asked to leave the event.

Protect your community! Please stay home if you are ill or are experiencing symptoms!