This year's Pride parade was one of the Capital Region's most highly-attended. While many think of Pride Month as a celebration, the LGBTQIA+ community also knows it's a month of commemoration.
Forty years ago, the parade was very different. Nancy Klepsch was at one of the first Pride marches in Albany in the 1980s, and says there were only about 50 people there, and no one came to cheer or watch.
She says it was a good thing, because many times, they were threatened or attacked because of their sexuality.
"At times, we did experience threats of violence. It was also really important to be visible," Klepsch said. "We used to do these funny chats saying 'we're here, we're queer, we're not going shopping.' The reality was our presence did make a difference in the world."
Klepsch says it was a surreal moment walking in this year's parade, filled with allies, corporate sponsors, and political figures, including Richard Conti — who has been an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community for more than 30 years.
"Back in 87' it was a challenge to come out because, in some ways, you put yourself at risk," Conti said.
He helped pass ordinances that laid the groundwork for equal rights. This year, he was honored for his achievement by having 'Capital Pride Day' named after him.
"It was appreciated, but I'm just one person, and there have been so many people to advance where we are today," Conti said.
Together, the two are creating change on the streets. Klepsch is also creating it in the classroom.
"This was the first time ever, as a teacher, I came back from pride month and my students said 'happy Pride,'" Klepsch said.
She's helping the youth learn to accept each other, and even, themselves.
"I feel lke I'm planting seeds, and even if I don't get to see them grow, it's really important," Klepsch said.
While she says it's been a long road, she's proud of where society is today, but noted there's work to be done focusing on transgender men and women.