A Wantagh mother has spent the last decade organizing Pride events for the LGBTQ community.

June is Pride Month, which is when the world's LGBTQ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Pride gatherings reflect on the struggle to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are.

Anne LiPuma started her first Long Island Pride event in 2010 with a social media post. Now there's about 20 different events a year. 

LiPuma is focused on giving back to the community. She holds diaper drives for families in need, breast cancer events and supports Pride events for youths.

"So many people have met each other over the years through the events, which I'm so grateful for,”  LiPuma says. “So many people have become longtime friends. There has been engagements, marriages and friendships formed through my events and I feel like it’s a gift to have this opportunity to do this.”