About Us
Our Mission Statement
The Ithaca Pride Alliance advances well-being, connection, and a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community in Ithaca, NY and Tompkins County.
How We Work
The Ithaca Pride Alliance serves as a hub for inclusive LGBTQ+ community-building initiatives that foster a visible, joyful sense of queer community. We are a 100% volunteer-run organization, including our Board. Through strategic advocacy, volunteer opportunities, cross-network capacity building, and events - including our centerpiece, the annual Pride Festival - we serve as a hub for fostering inclusive initiatives that activate a visible queer community of joy and belonging.
IPA is run as a project of the Tompkins Chamber Foundation 501(c)3 non-profit, administered by the Tompkins Chamber, which supports our educational focus and programming.
Our Story
Launching a hub that builds on history.
Since the 1970’s, Ithaca, NY and Tompkins County have been a safe haven and gathering place for queer people and their families - through the engagement of strong legislative protections, the presence of a vibrant queer artistic and performing community as well as businesses supporting and run by queer people, and visible and joyful community efforts to protect and celebrate LGBTQ+ people. From protecting same-sex partnerships long before it was legal at the federal level, to our stellar regional collegiate LGBTQ+ support centers, bustling nightlife, and famous queer commune “Lavender Hill,” our community has long been a bustling hub for connection, belonging, and advocacy for queer community.
The Ithaca Pride Alliance was formed in 2023 as a way to create a central hub for organizing, connecting, and protecting LGBTQ+ keystone community events, such as the annual Pride Festival. Bringing together nightlife performers, representatives from local colleges & government, and community organizers, the Ithaca Pride Alliance created an organizing board and began recruiting volunteer support and sponsorship and has been growing ever since.
What We Do
Pride Festival
We host an annual community-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture every June. The annual Pride Festival includes an all-ages dance party, queer rock festival, vending and tabling for community organizations, and much more!
Events & Education
From the All Ya’ll Clothing Swap and Trans Day of Remembrance to LGBTQ+ organizations’ networking meetings, the Ithaca Pride Alliance hosts events and education focused on advocacy, connection, and networking for our community.
Volunteer Coordination
We are 100% volunteer-run organization! To get involved as a volunteer check out ways to join or lead working groups, become a lead volunteer for Pride, sign-up for general volunteer opportunities, or take on shifts to make our Pride Festival and tabling opportunities a success.