Staten Island kicked off pride month activities on Saturday with the reopening of the borough's pride center.

“Our goal is to advocate for equal rights and to help people find their community and help people with the whole process. Maybe somebody who’s transgender and finding the right resources to really help them so it’s done the right way and safely," said Executive Director Carol Bullock.

The old location was closed in favor of a bigger space. It would have been hard to abide by COVID restrictions at the previous site. But this new larger space offers many services including free HIV testing and dog therapy programs.

“The pride center is probably the most important thing for LGBTQ youth and people who are just coming into their own on Staten Island. It’s not the most accepting borough and this is part of the change that will help the future kids not need something like this," said Timothy Tomai, a Eltingville resident.

The ribbon cutting took place on a momentous day known as Harvey Milk Day. He was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States and was assassinated shortly after taking office.

“We are here today also remembering those who have gone before and to make the road so that we can be here. Generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer people who were brave and courageous to live their own lives and some suffered for it and paid the price. But they kept making the road that brings you and I to this place" said community advocate Brendan Fay.

The center will open for in-person services in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations. Virtual services are available on the Pride centers website.

“You walk in and you’re going to find your community. You’re going to find people who you can talk to about whatever you’re going through. You can create your own community. A whole new set of friends" said Bullock.

Staten Island is the first borough to kick off pride activities. The pride center’s virtual festival will take place on May 29.