ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Pride Month is a celebration every June that honors the LGBTQ+ community and their push for equal rights. The month includes events like parades, festivals, and activities that focus on acceptance. Elmira Pride kicks off the festivities on Saturday, June 1st. 

"Pride Month is really celebrating the LGBTQIA, and so part of that is the 'A,' which is people who are allies and support people, but it's more about embracing the community and embracing the differences of our community," says Chemung County Legislator, Brent Stermer.

The first Pride celebration happened in 1970. Now, Pride is federally recognized as a time to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and community.

"Many communities around America celebrate Pride during June and we will be kicking off the month with Elmira Pride tomorrow [Saturday, June 1] at Wisner Park," says Reverend Gary Brinn, of Park Church in Elmira.

At the 2024 event in downtown Elmira, there will be vendors, community organizations, musicians,  theatrical performances, drag performances, and story time.

"It's really about giving people who are often shunned in today's world a place where they're welcome and they feel accepted. There are often people in that community who are kicked out of homes while they're teenagers and put into bad environments," says Reverend Brinn. 

Elmira's Pride celebration takes place Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission is free and the event is open to the public.