Come Out, Hudson, for OutHudson

Back in March, it appeared there would be no Pride Parade in Hudson this year, but Rich Volo, a.k.a. Trixie Starr, Hudson's beloved impresario in drag, who had organized the very first Pride Parade back in 2010, was not willing to let that happen. In a matter of days, there was a new organization, OutHudson, with plans in the works not only for a parade but an entire weekend of events to celebrate LGBTQ pride. That weekend is coming up soon: June 17 through 19.  

This morning, Gossips received the following press release: 

OutHudson, a newly formed organization for the advancement of LGBTQ awareness in the Hudson Valley, is pleased to announce its plans for events and a parade the weekend of June 17-19 are on target to attract a large number of visitors.

Rich "Trixie" Volo, one of OutHudson's founders said, "Our goal is both to support local LGBTQ pride, as well as to make Hudson a destination for this weekend and encourage visitors to enjoy our beautiful and diverse town. I want to thank all of our supporters, volunteers, and sponsors as well as my fellow OutHudson founders, Rob Bujan and John Schobel." The group also offered additional thanks to the City of Hudson, the Hudson Police Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Hudson Fire Department. "We could not have done this without the enormous outpouring of support we've seen from the City and our individual and group supporters."

The organization also announced that Hudson's mayor, Tiffany Martin Hamilton, has agreed to be the parade's Grand Marshal. Said Hamilton, "This year's parade will represent the essence of what draws many people to Hudson--most notably, its diversity, inclusivity, and community. I am honored to be selected as Grand Marshal." 

Planned events include a boat cruise, after party at Half Moon, cabaret at Helsinki Hudson, tea dance at the Red Dot, and Hudson's first "bear event" at the Hudson Brewing Company. In addition, Wm. Farmer and Sons will host a family event directly after the parade, and Etsy will sponsor a youth craft fair. For more information on events, locations, and times, see www.OutHudson.com.