December ‘25 with Come Out CNY
Practicing Gratitude, Holding Each Other
As we enter the final month of the year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary community that has grown around Come Out CNY — the people who show up, who build connection, who choose to create joy together, month after month. I am deeply grateful for every one of you who has attended an event, shared a post, brought a friend, given support, or simply helped make Central New York feel a little more welcoming.
At the same time, this season can be difficult for many. With the rising cost of living, food insecurity, cuts to assistance programs, and the emotional weight that the holidays can carry, a lot of our neighbors, friends, and chosen family are struggling. If you are one of those people, please know you are not alone. And if you have the capacity, I invite you to reach out — check in on someone, send a text, meet for coffee, or offer a moment of care. These small acts create the web that holds us together.
This week also brings a moment of collective remembrance: A World AIDS Day observance event on Wednesday, December 3. Come Out CNY is partnering with ACR Health, Gilead Sciences, OUTSyracuse and Project OutLoud for “Then, Now, and Tomorrow,” an evening honoring those we’ve lost, recognizing the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS, and lifting up the work of advocates and healers in our community. We hope you’ll join us as we reflect, learn, and stand with one another.
➡️ Event details here
And as always, we invite you into spaces of connection and joy throughout the month:
🗓️ DECEMBER EVENTS
🕯️ World AIDS Day: “Then, Now, and Tomorrow”
Wednesday, December 3 | 6–8 PM @ SALTspace
An evening of remembrance and community partnership with ACR Health — featuring speakers, free HIV testing, the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and a resource fair.
Details here.
💻 Queer Co-Working Day
Wednesday, December 10 | 9 AM–5 PM @ GereBlock Lounge
Find focus, share space, and get some work done with fellow LGBTQ+ professionals and creatives.
Learn More and RSVP.
🍸 Queer Happy Hour
Friday, December 12 | 5–9 PM @ Salt City Coffee & Bar
Ease into the weekend with good company, great drinks, and the cozy energy of a December evening downtown.
Info and RSVP.
🌈 Syracuse Guerrilla Gay Bar
Thursday, December 18 | 7–11 PM — Location TBA
The monthly queer takeover returns! The secret location revealed at noon the day of via our newsletter and on social media.
Details here.
❤️ Holding Gratitude & Care
Thank you for showing up this year — for one another, for our shared spaces, and for the joy we make together in Central New York. As we move through December, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and each other. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. And you are part of something bigger than you know.
With gratitude,
Kevin Bailey
Founder, Come Out Central New York