The Westchester LGBTQ+ History Project

Between her work organizing as the founder of the Ossining LGBTQ+ Alliance, running Queer Voices and LOFT Night OUT, gearing up to release a new album, serving as a resident artist at The LOFT, and planning for her latest advocacy project: “The Hudson Valley Queer Collective,” it’s hard to fathom how Christina Picciano even found the time to sit down and discuss her commitment to strengthening community here in the place she has spent all 37 years of her life so far.

“I just want folks to feel like they’re supported and they’re valued and they matter,” she said.

Christina was born and raised in Ossining, where she became involved in the county’s local punk scene while still in high school. After obtaining a bachelor of music in studio production from the music conservatory at SUNY Purchase (a formative time for her as a musician and in her living authentically as an out lesbian), she moved back to her hometown. It was at this point she formed a band called “All My Friends,” and became involved in local political organizing and community-building.

Today, Christina is a central figure in the Westchester LGBTQ+ music scene. She has remained in Ossining, where she lives with her wife of almost six years.

In this interview with the Westchester LGBTQ+ History Project, Christina discusses the role music plays in her life, her work within the community, and the plans she has for the future.

To view the full transcript of this interview, click here.