New at This Year's New York State Fair: Pride!

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It's a sign of how far lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people have come in the Empire State.

Dawn Ennis

The Advocate's news editor Dawn Ennis successfully transitioned from broadcast journalism to online media following another transition that made headlines; in 2013, she became the first trans staffer in any major TV network newsroom. As the first out transgender editor at The Advocate, the native New Yorker continues her 30-year media career, in which she has earned more than a dozen awards, including two Emmys. With the blessing of her three children, Dawn retains the most important job title she's ever held: Dad.

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Dawn Ennis

June 22 2015 7:00 PM EST

September 20 2017 3:28 AM EST

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It's billed as the Great New York State Fair, but this year it will also be the Gayest.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the annual event, held in Syracuse, N.Y., is getting its first-ever pride day.

In addition to the usual 12-day celebration of homestyle food, entertainment, and fun, one day is being set aside to honor New York's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

This will formalize what has been an informal gathering at the fair, the New York Daily News reports.

Pride Day at the Fair will be August 28. It will begin with the raising of the rainbow flag at the main gate of the fairgrounds and end with a concert by Melissa Etheridge, who tells The Advocate she's excited to be bringing her fans new songs on a new label at a time when equality matters more than ever.

Other attractions at the fair will be concerts by Everclear, Eric Church, Rick Springfield, Buckcherry, and Cole Swindle. Find out more here.