Word on the street had been that the event organizing committee had dwindled to two or three individuals who were at the end of their pride organizing part of their lives. They decided to end the corporation and offered the pride event chores to Aids Community Services.

Aids Community Services' Pride Center agreed to take on the task and have already set the schedule for the parades; carrying many of the same traditions with some much needed changes for the events in 2010.

The 2010 Buffalo LGBT Pride events will kick off on Friday, June 4th with the Dykes of Hazard Variety Hour Volume V - Pride Kickoff Party, with Special Guests singer/songwriters Joanna Barbera and Melissa Ferrick. 9pm, Ninth Ward at Babeville.

June will also again see the 464 Gallery host Color: A Celebration of Local LGBT Art (464 Amherst Street)

464 and Blink Galleries is seeking work from artists in the LGBT community for our upcoming show: "Color". This event is an official Pride buffalo event, and the opening is scheduled for Friday June, 4, 2010. Interested artists should review the prospectus for the show for further information. All media are welcome.

Look for the Gay Pride flags to start going up along Elmwood Avenue and in front City Hall during the first week of June. (see maps below for the Dyke March actual route)

The 2010 Dyke March will actually end in the heart of Buffalo's gay neighborhood, Allen Street.

This will mark the first time since the 1998 that a gay pride street parade or march has taken place in what is Buffalo's Historic Gay neighborhood. The Dyke March will not only end on Allen Street but will also be the location of the post march rally and festivities.

The change in location should be a big shot in the arm for the Saturday events which will benefit from improved access to public transportation, parking and of course the support of the many lgbt residents, businesses and the many gay and lesbian nightspots that will now by proximity be part of Pride.

The Sunday Pride Parade will again end at the Elmwood and Bidwell Avenue intersection. The post parade stage and vendors will be relocated to the west side of Elmwood; in the traffic divide on Bidwell Parkway that goes westward towards Richmond Avenue. (see map below for the actual route of the gay pride parade)

Jorien Brock, Pride Center Senior Director told Outcome that this was done in response to complaints from the Bidwell Parkway residents.

When asked if consideration was given to bringing the Sunday events downtown into Buffalo's gay neighborhoods Brock responded that with so little time to organize the events it was decided not to change logistics too drastically for 2010.

This is the first time that Aids Community Services Pride Center has taken responsibility for such a large mainstream gay and lesbian community event. As with any large event volunteers will be needed and any and all who are willing to help out are invited to visit the Pride Parade website and click on the volunteer icon.

The website also provides information for those who are interested in marching in either the Dyke March or the Gay Pride Parade. —Staff