4 days ago
Buffalo kicks off Pride Month with joy and remembrance
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Sunday marked the beginning of Pride Month — a time of joy, unity, and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community across the country. In Buffalo, the day was filled with vibrant parades, spirited gatherings, and festivities centered around the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
But along with the celebration, there was also a deep sense of remembrance.
This year's Pride in Buffalo was the first to take place without two of the city's most beloved LGBTQ+ figures, Mickey Harmon and Jordan Celotto, who were tragically killed in their home earlier this year. Their absence was felt during the festivities, especially among those who knew them best.
'Mickey was spunky and pugnacious,' said Buffalo Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski. 'He was constantly pushing people and society's norms to the limit. Jordan was a sweet soul who loved music, loved dancing, and loved bringing people together.'
Harmon and Celotto were both accomplished artists who left marks on the city. Harmon served on the board of the Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project, while Celotto was a cherished team member at the Twenty Six Allen bar, according to his former manager and friend Michael Moch.
'It was such a tragic way for them to leave this world,' Moch said. 'All we can do is make sure that their memories mean something, that we keep creating spaces for their spirit to live on, like the Intersect Festival.'
The couple played an instrumental role in organizing the annual Intersect Pride Arts Festival on Allen Street. This year's event, held on Saturday, was the first in years without their leadership, but their influence was still strongly felt.
'It has Mickey written all over it,' Moch said. 'He was amazing at pulling everything together and delivering a polished event. We're all struggling to do as good of a job as he did, but it turned out really well. I think this is going to be a regular fixture in Buffalo Pride.'
'If Mickey were here, he'd be organizing the entire thing,' Nowakowski added. 'He'd have the schedule down to the minute and Jordan would be entertaining everyone, playing the best music in town.'
For Nowakowski, who represents the district where the couple lived — and considered them friends — Pride this year is a time to both celebrate and reflect.
'Sometimes the pain is immense when I think about their loss,' he said. 'But then I remember who they were — people who brought others together through art, dance, music, and by living authentically. Celebrating who you are and doing what you want to do out in the world and being who you want to be. That's the celebration of Pride and that's what it brings out in people the most.'
Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
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