The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love
Friends,
This is a tense and unsettling moment in our country.
We're watching powerful people implicated in horrific wrongdoing. We're witnessing violence against those who protest injustice. We're seeing families and neighbors detained and torn apart by immigration enforcement. Many of us are carrying anger, fear, grief, exhaustion—or all of the above.
And yet.
At the Super Bowl, millions of people watched Bad Bunny stand on one of the biggest stages in the world and performing with this phrase behind him:
“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
That doesn't mean love as a slogan. It means love as action. Love as showing up. Love as care for our neighbors. Love as refusing to disappear. Love as building community even when it would be easier to retreat.
I invite you to come out this February and join us. Whether you come to work alongside others, skate in the square, dance, talk with a health educator, cheer at a hockey game, or sit down for a shared meal, you are participating in something powerful: choosing connection over isolation.
February Events
Wednesday, February 11 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
GereBlock Lounge
Bring your laptop, grab a seat, and stay as long as you like. Whether you're working on a deadline or simply seeking connection and camaraderie, you'll find it here.
Free to attend; RSVP requested.
Thursday, February 12 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Clinton Square Ice Rink
Come skate, glide, and sparkle with us for a cozy winter night of Pride, joy, and community.
$5 admission / $5 skate rental. Everyone's welcome.
Queer Happy Hour + Wellness Corner
Friday, February 13 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Salt City Bar
Our monthly Queer Happy Hour with a Wellness Corner hosted by ACR Health, featuring DJ Shaykey. Learn about PrEP, PEP, insurance, HIV/STI/HCV testing, and living with HIV.
All are welcome.
Friday, February 13 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Pink Rock Culture Co-Op
Calling all couples, polycules, pals, and singles ready to mingle—let's celebrate expansive love this Valentine's Day.
Thursday, February 19 | 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Location TBA (revealed at noon the day before)
Our signature secret-location queer bar takeover returns. Follow along for the reveal and come ready for joy, surprise, and connection.
Pride Night with the Syracuse Crunch
Friday, February 20 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Upstate Medical Arena at the War Memorial
Get your queer hockey fix—this year featuring RuPaul's Drag Race icon Jan Sport!
Tickets available at syracusecrunch.com/pride
Sunday, February 22 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Location TBA (revealed at 9:00 AM the day before)
A daytime queer takeover focused on visibility, warmth, and connection—no alcohol required.
Friends of Dorothy House Dinner
Wednesday, February 25 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
All Saints Roman Catholic Church
A monthly community dinner supporting Friends of Dorothy House and their work caring for people living with AIDS.
In Closing
If this moment feels heavy, confusing, or exhausting in ways that are hard to name, know that many of us are carrying different versions of that weight — and that gathering, even briefly, can help us remember what's possible together.
Community doesn't fix everything—but it does make everything more survivable, more human, and more hopeful.
Thank you for continuing to choose love.
With care,
Kevin
Founder, Come Out Central New York