Trans Org Pivots Sayville Pride Event Plans Due To Scheduling Snafu

SAYVILLE, NY — The Transgender Resource Center of Long Island will host a Sayville Pride Fest, after its permit for an annual Pride march and picnic was rejected by the Town of Islip.

The "Pride Fest" will take place on Sunday, June 11 at 8:30 p.m. at The Station Pub, located at 3 Lakeland Ave.

Hosted by drag queens Annie Manildoo and Ivy Stalls, the event will fundraise for the center and feature free food donated by the Station Pub, raffles, drag performances, and more.

The center will also host a "PB + Pride" fundraiser at Pickleball Hall, located at 246 N Main St. on Saturday, June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature pickleball, music, beer, wine, and food.

For six consecutive years, the center had hosted its Equality March & Pride Picnic in Sayville, where members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies would walk downtown and then socialize in Common Ground at Rotary Park.

"It's families and blankets and kids. There's no booze, it's just bringing people together," said Ursula Nigro, the center's director of operation. "It's really a fun event. And I feel bad that people can't go."

Nigro told Patch that another organization had applied for a permit for a Pride parade in the same location and date as their Equality March & Pride Picnic, despite months of planning in advance.

However, the other organization withdrew their permit on May 24, a Town of Islip representative said.

"The Town of Islip approved the Pride Parade. Unfortunately, the Town was unable to approve a large gathering at a local park following the parade," the representative said.

With short notice, the center was unable to plan for the picnic.

"We're going to take the punch, and we're going to try again next year," said Mila Madison, executive director of the center.

The center is a nonprofit organization established by members of the transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming community that strives to be a "one-stop hub for the vital resources that our community desperately needs", according to its website.

It offers a variety of programs and workshops, such as assistance with records, access to doctors and healthcare, inclusivity training, and housing assistance.

"Not having a pride parade in our town, it feels like a piece of the puzzle is missing. It’s just not same," said Eileen Tyznar, president of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce. "We hope to have the event next year and to assist our friends at the TRCLI."

Nigro told Patch that when the Station Pub found out about the picnic's cancellation, they wanted to do to something. The bar had also hosted last year's after-event.

"They're like, we don't care. We'll just make it a fundraiser this year for the center," she said.

At least 11 drag performers will entertain at the event.

"Those folks don't get paid, except for tips," said Nigro. "But they are all donating their time to put this fundraiser on for us, which is the sweetest thing. So we're going to be out, and we're going to be celebrating, regardless of not having our full events."

Both Nigro and Madison said that despite the setback, the Sayville community — especially the Sayville Chamber of Commerce — continues to support their work.

"It is a bit of a silver lining. Our community is strong," said Nigro. "The LGBTQ population is here, we are everywhere. We're regular people, just like you."

To learn more about the Transgender Resource Center of Long Island, click here.