About the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance
Our Mission
We work to create a safe space and environment for the LBGTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Queer/Non-Comforming, Intersex and Asexual) youth, adults, family members and allies to meet and enjoy being themselves.
Hosting a variety of events throughout the year, include 3 Pride celebrations in Saranac Lake, Malone, and Plattsburgh, we are an inclusive, affirming, and accepting organization who is active in our community.
Thank you to all of our participants and their allies for helping to make our organization a leader in the LGBTQIA+ Adirondack North Country community.
Kelly Metzgar
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Our Service Area
Our service area includes Franklin, Essex and Clinton Counties in the Adirondack Mountains of Northeastern New York state.
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization headquartered in Saranac Lake, NY.
What We Do
We provide a variety of services and events to serve our LGBTQIA+ community, including:
- Provide needed peer support services pertaining to personal LGBTQIA+ issues and/or referrals to other agencies for support services.
- Provide outreach, education & advocacy on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Provide Safe Place services for domestic violence, discrimination & sexual violence, as well as counseling and prevention.
- Provide age-appropriate trainings and workshops in regional middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, religious centers, and civic/business organizations on LGBTQIA+ issues.
- Coordinate with local, regional, state & national organizations to provide services to LGBTQIA+ individuals, families and providers.
- Attend and participate in local, regional, state & national conferences and events that focus on LGBTQIA+ topics.
- Keep up-to-date on current trends and issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community so we can lend educational expertise as we are able.
Our Team
Kelly Leigh Metzgar, Sage Wolf, Sean Brace, Tara Lancto, Fallon Nichols, Jessie Pokorny and Chris Chamars
Kelly Leigh Metzgar
Co-Founder and Executive Director
She was a co-founding board member of Gender Equality NY (GENY), Core Team Member Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Advisory Board Member – Travel Unity and serves on the NYS Division of Human Rights North Country Region – Hate and Bias Prevention team.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Gannon University in Erie, PA, as well as an Associates in Applied Science degree in Data Processing, Programming & Systems from Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, NY.
Kelly spent most of her professional career in the Information Technology field as a software developer, network administrator and help desk client support.
Kelly is a Pommy Mommy to Sable, Cinnamon and Artisan!
Sage Wolf
Co-Founder and Board Member
Sage is transgender rights advocate. He is a co-founder and board member of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, an organization dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community. His goal is to make the future easier for queer youth.
Sean Brace
Board Member
Sean has been a part of the Adirondack North Country Pride planning committee from September 2017, filling the role of Entertainment Coordinator and Lead Vendor for the annual Pride events. He is now currently working on Coordinating Talent for the 2nd Annual Tri-lakes Pride.
Tara Lancto
Board Member
Small Town Pride formed in May 2021 when Tara’s then 13-year-old son had a vision of bringing love and inclusivity in their small town. He asked if he could start a Pride event to let people know that even in their tiny town that you can be who you are unapologetically. This idea grew very quickly and resulted in bringing on a few more like-minded individuals to help organize.
Jessie Pokorny
Board Member
Sara Nichols
Board Member
Sara Nichols (she/her) is a diverse individual from Malone, New York. Sara is one of the co-founders of Small Town Pride, which originated in Small Town Malone, NY.
Sara is known for her enthusiasm and dedication in everything she undertakes. Whether it’s diving into a new hobby or anything for that matter, Sara’s passion and drive are evident. With a keen interest in exploring new ideas and a love for her community and making everyone feel included, she continually seeks to expand her horizons and make meaningful contributions to her community.
In her free time, Sara enjoys connecting with friends and family and engaging in various activities that bring joy and fulfillment, especially bringing people together in the community for their annual summer celebration!!!
Together we Can and we WILL!!!
Sean Hance
Board Member
Sean has lived in the North Country his whole life and is raising his family here as a proud and visible Trans man. Sean has spent his career serving Franklin County in the Human Services field. Sean truly enjoys using his lived experience to support and empower others in his community to achieve recovery from substance use disorder and mental illness.
Sean hopes that the ANCGA creates a space of love, acceptance and most important to him, community for all trans or gender non-conforming individuals in this area.
“Community is going to be the best way to ensure happiness and health for our community. It has to start somewhere, so why not with us.”