Page 13 - Work Force July-August 2025

CSEA celebrates Pride at the Plaza
ALBANY — CSEA sponsored and participated in the New York State Pride at the Plaza event held on June 11, 2025, at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
Members of the Statewide LGBTQ+ Committee were in attendance to help celebrate Pride Month. Committee Chair Chantalise DeMarco addressed the audience briefly at the beginning of the program, speaking in support of LGBTQ+ rights and CSEA’s commitment to advocating for them.
“We proudly stand behind all of our workers, no matter how they identify,” said DeMarco.
This is the third year the event has been held and CSEA has sponsored the event
all three years. This year’s event featured performances by local drag queens capped off with performances from Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Bosco, drag queens who have appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Each year has seen bigger attendance with this year topping out with more than 1,000 attendees.
CSEA marches in the Buffalo Pride Parade
“I stand here as a beacon and a light for others who are in the dark,” said DeMarco. “And that is I think why all of us are here today, so that we can proudly shine so that others can find their way to us.”
— Mathew L. Cantore
CSEA Statewide LGBTQ+ Committee Chair Chantalise DeMarco jokes with a young man in the audience during the 2025 Pride at
the Plaza event. Looking on at left is state General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy.
From left, CSEA Statewide LGBTQ+ Committee members Colleen DeWine and Ashley Holt, Committee Chair Chantalise DeMarco and Committee member Bess Watts attend Pride at the Plaza in Albany.
July-August 2025
The Work Force 13
Erie County Medical Center’s float in the Buffalo Pride Parade.
CSEA-represented Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority participates in the Buffalo Pride Parade.
CSEA Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin-Deyo and Capital Region activist Michele Kiuber attend Pride at the Plaza in Albany.
CSEA Erie County Medical Center Section President Ebony Rose marches with the Erie County Medical Center delegation in the Buffalo Pride Parade.
Photos by Sara McNicholas