06/11/2025
We’ve seen your feedback on our FLX Pride Drag Performance announcement post regarding the lack of Finger Lakes local representation in our drag performance lineup. Drag as an artform makes a statement reflective of the performers’ communities and that visibility should be standard at a Pride Festival. We appreciate everyone’s commitment to supporting local performers at FLX Pride and agree that supporting local drag is extremely important, and frankly we did not do as well as we could have this year in seeking out local performers – specifically, there are some queens who have performed with FLX Pride in the past who we wish we had reached out to this year! We know we dropped the ball on this, and have started conversations to make sure we have more local performers at the festival next year.
We hope you’ll be open to hearing a little more about the kings and queens who will be with us this year. Several of our performers got their start in the Finger Lakes and helped shape the FLX Pride Festival into what it’s become since 2015, and though some of them have moved away, we are so honored that they have reached out to be a part of our festival! We think it would be a real loss if, in advocating for more local performers, we didn’t show our appreciation and support as a team for the folks who are offering us their time and talent.
A bit about the festival as well, and our overall commitment to supporting our local community: we have over 70 vendors representing local small businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the Finger Lakes. Prior to the evening’s drag show, we have incredible local artists and teachers performing, leading activities, and displaying artwork. In addition, all money raised by the festival goes to providing direct services to, and education around, the LGBTQ+ community in the Finger Lakes – allowing Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes LGBTQ program to provide emotional support, peer groups, connection with resources, and trainings for LGBTQ+ people and their supporters.
Again, we are so sorry for dropping the ball on including more of our incredible local drag performers in this year’s event. We are committed to increasing local representation next year. We hope that folks can see that we work hard to support our local community with this event and with everything we do throughout the year, and we will ensure that next year that includes our drag show as well. Lastly, thank you to those of you who have already reached out to offer your support for FLX Pride 2026. We look forward to working with you and doing better moving forward.