A message from our Executive Director
Updated: 1 hour ago
Today begins my fourth year as Executive Director of the Brooklyn Community Pride Center.
On that October day in 2023, I couldn’t imagine how eventful the next three years would be for me and the communities we serve at BCPC. What I did know is that I was excited to be back doing community programming in Brooklyn (trivia: this my third employer with Brooklyn in its name!).
As we’ve navigated the most perilous time for LGBTQ+ Americans in a generation, I keep returning to one question I ask staff and potential staff, community members, stakeholders, funders, and myself, on a regular basis - at a time when litigation and legislation, protest and policy, seem to be the most urgent responses, what is the role of community programming? The answer is everything. Providing space, programming, and resources that advance the safety, health, and well-being of LGBTQ+ Brooklynites (and many friends and allies), is critical to not only how we resist, but how we build, in this and the years to come.
I am so proud that we have taken an expansive and innovative approach to community programming - from the expansion of our behavioral health services to becoming a national leader in TGNC-inclusive sports and fitness; from ensuring that the Brooklyn Pride Center is a safe, welcoming home to more than 30+ recurring, often community-led programs at any given time, to understanding that many who need us the most, are least able to come to us. From building the capacity of numerous grassroots groups to building our own to become a truly borough-wide institution.
All of this would be impossible without our community showing up as participants, leaders, guides, and accountability partners; our small but mighty team of staff, volunteers, and Board members; and individual donors, programming partners, and funders who have truly invested in meeting this moment together. Thank you all!
We’ve got a busy year ahead and we’d love for you to join us in what we are building for Brooklyn! Come build with us!
With deep appreciation,
Kenrick Ross
Executive Director
Brooklyn Community Pride Center