In recognition of Pride Month, New York State Senator Pete Harckham honored four LGBTQ+ advocates –Ryan Hontz, Cade Schwark, Rev. Thomas Stubbs and Laurie Doppman–for their exceptional leadership in promoting visibility, understanding and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Hudson Valley’s greatest strength is its diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community is a vital part of that,” said Harckham. “At a time when intolerance continues to rise, it’s more important than ever for allies to stand with LGBTQ+ individuals and celebrate their resilience, achievements, and contributions—like those of these four remarkable community leaders.”
The commemorative ceremony was held on Monday August 11 at the Yorktown United Methodist Church where the honorees received official New York State Senate Proclamations in front of family, friends and community members. The ceremony was aired live on facebook; click here to see a video of the event.
Ryan Hontz is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, where he works to amplify the LOFT’s supportive services for LGBTQ+ residents. As editor of OUTSPOKEN Magazine, the LOFT’s signature publication, Ryan brings authentic LGBTQ+ voices and stories into the spotlight. Through his work he has strengthened the LOFT’s programming, deepened community engagement and uplifted underrepresented voices.
“At a time when we need it most, our community is there for each other,” said Ryan. “I have to plug the LOFT in White Plains and the programs, support groups and social events we offer that connect our community at a time when we need it most. I am honored to work at a place where my personal mission aligns with my company’s mission. Thank you, Senator Harckham, for this recognition.”
Cade Schwark, a recent graduate of John Jay High School, serves as the youth representative on the Westchester LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. As president of his school’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance, Cade advocated passionately for LGBTQ+ students and transgender rights, frequently addressing the school board. His leadership has positively impacted student mental health and reinforced the message that being seen and heard can change lives.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped get me to this point, especially my mother, who has been my number one supporter,” said Cade. “One of my biggest concerns with going away to school was ‘who is going to take my place in Katonah and at John Jay?’, but knowing my community and seeing people around me and seeing you all here today makes me so proud and makes me feel secure in knowing that I’m leaving Westchester in safe hands so thank you all so much.”
Reverend Thomas Stubbs is the lead pastor at Yorktown United Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Mount Kisco. He has consistently worked to strengthen the church’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community—whether by participating in local Pride events or engaging with high school students through community discussions. Stubbs ensures that gender identity and sexual orientation are never barriers to full inclusion within the church.
“When people ask me how someone from Knoxville, Tennessee, ends up in Westchester County, New York, my stock answer is because until recently it was much easier for an openly gay man to be a United Methodist Minister in Westchester County than it was in Knoxville,” said Stubbs. “Because of that, it is important to me to acknowledge the complicated relationship that I and many other LGBTQ+ people have with organized religion, and do my best to show that there is more to the story than the worst headlines you’ve read. There is also a vision of faith and community which is welcoming and delights in the great tapestry of human expression and human identity.”
Laurie Doppman, a licensed mental health counselor, has long provided compassionate, client-centered care to individuals of all backgrounds. She serves on the board of CoveCare Center and volunteers actively with Putnam Pride. Recently, she launched “Be Proud! Testimonials”, a photo essay project that highlights LGBTQ+ voices across Putnam County. Through both her professional work and advocacy, Laurie has worked to foster stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
“Thank you to Senator Harckham for this proclamation,” said Laurie. “Being part of the Putnam community and being part of the LGBTQ+ community is not easy. Often, I will hang flyers for Putnam Pride or LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and they are taken down before the next day. It can make you feel unsafe and alone. I felt it was time for a project like Be Proud! Testimonials to help people understand that they are not the only member of their county who is gay, or an ally, or trans, or however they identify. The goal was visibility, and we need it now more than ever.”
Pride Month, observed each June, honors the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to the history, culture and progress of the United States.
