Rich “Trixie” Volo has lived in Hudson since 2006 and has organized Hudson events including the Pride Parade, Polar Plunge, and library events. He is the 4th Ward Alderman on the Common Council. 

Rich describes some early events he organized when he moved to Hudson, including dance parties, where he started doing drag and dressing as Trixie Starr. Rich talks about organizing the first Pride Parade in 2010 during the time that Charlie Ferusi was elected Prom King. He speaks about his surprise at the enthusiasm from collaborators and community members during the first parade, including with the Hudson Fire Department. Rich recounts several other Hudson community events, including a bingo night at PM Wine Bar. 

Rich connects early activist and volunteer roles with Act Up, Gay Men’s Health Crisis and Planned Parenthood during the AIDS crisis in New York City in the 1980s and 1990s to his role as an event organizer today. He speaks about what it means for LGBTQ folks to live fully enriched lives in Hudson. 

Rich speaks about selling cookies at the Hudson Farmers’ Market and his walking maps, Trixie’s Hudson Walking Maps. He concludes his interview by recognizing the importance of community and mentions Ellen Thurston as one among the many people who have been important to him during his life in Hudson.

This interview might be of interest to those researching or wishing to learn more about LGBTQ+ communities in Hudson, LGBTQ+ communities in Hudson during the 2010s and 2020s, the history of the Hudson Pride Parade, the AIDS crisis in New York City in the 1980s and 1990s, and community events in Hudson in the 2010s and 2020s. 

This interview was recorded for the Hudson Area Library's LGBTQ+ Collection in collaboration with Outhudson and with support from The Spark of Hudson.