A Central New York LGBTQ+ organization has dissolved and a longtime community partner has severed ties following the arrest of Cazenovia Pride founder Travis Barr-Longo on charges related to alleged communications with a child.
Cazenovia Pride announced it was dissolving after an emergency board meeting held in the wake of Barr-Longo’s arrest. The organization also canceled its upcoming Pride festival, according to statements from the group’s leadership. Barr-Longo, who also serves as vice president of the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education, faces four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned and later released from custody.
Danielle Synborski, president of Cazenovia Pride, told WSYR-TV that members felt “betrayed” by the allegations and unanimously agreed to dissolve the organization. She said the decision was driven by the group’s mission of serving the LGBTQ+ community, particularly young people. Synborski also said members were unaware of the alleged conduct before the arrest and emphasized support for the alleged victim.
The fallout expanded Friday when Meier’s Creek Brewing Company publicly announced it was formally disassociating from Cazenovia Pride. In a statement posted to social media, the brewery said it had been a longtime ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and a partner of Cazenovia Pride but believed ending that relationship was the “right and necessary step” following recent developments.
The brewery stressed that its decision was directed at the organization, not the local LGBTQIA+ community. The company pledged continued support for LGBTQIA+ residents in Cazenovia and beyond and said its commitment to inclusivity “does not waver in difficult moments.”
Meier’s Creek also announced the cancellation of a Cazenovia Pride after-party that had been scheduled for June 27 at its Cazenovia location. Despite the cancellation, the brewery said its taproom would remain open as a gathering space for community members.
The developments mark a sudden end for an organization that began nearly six years ago as Cazenovia Pride Fest before evolving into Cazenovia Pride. Community leaders now face questions about what comes next for local Pride celebrations and LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts in the village.
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