Pride Of The Empire (State)

Scott Baldinger reports from Rhinebeck. Literally billions of cicadas were screaching out liberated mating calls all around the glorious Stanford White designed Astor Courts on the evening of Empire State Pride Agenda's Hudson Valley Engagement on Saturday, June 8. Their deafening sound only occasionally disturbed the event indoors, a jam-packed celebration of the gains that have been achieved for LGBT equality and justice, both throughout the state and the nation, and much with the help of ESPA. On hand were a whole bevvy of Empire State Pride officials and volunteers, supporters and underwriters, and guests thereof. Specially honored was New York State Senator Stephen Saland (pictured at left with his wife of 48 years, Linda), whose swing vote was essential in getting marriage equality approved in the state.

Jerry Pagliari and realtor Peter Amendola; Hector Lozada, interior designer Michael Van Nort, and David Merrill.

Kendra Hutchinson, Empire Pride deputy executive director Lynn Faria, Adam Drawve, Empire Pride executive director Nathan Schaefer, and Alexandra Berk.

RI's Wandering Eye columnist, designer Carey Maloney and husband, architect Hermes Mallea, both of M(Group); Chelsea Streifeneder and Andrew Mackenzie of Body Be Well Pilates of Red Hook and Catskill.

Alberto Aquilano and architect Alan Wanzenberg; Pride Agenda director Sheilah Sable and The Chatham Courier's Sesame Campbell.

New York State Senator Terry Gipson and wife Michelle Donner; Stacey Sinclair and Alex Channing.

Kevin de l'Aigle of Armani Exchange, an underwriter of the event, with Tim Farrell, Daniel Vincent, and Stephen Borboroglu.

Career counselor Andrea G. Eisenberg and compensation consultant Martha J. Glantz; Mitchell Klein, Rob Warner, MD, and Joseph S. Grabaz, Jr.