Frequently people ask members of the LGBTQ+ Task Force how they can learn about and support our community. Most of us at FPC are aware that our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex friends are threatened by right-wing groups and state governments across America. Even in Massachusetts, where gender and sexual identity rights are protected by law, hate crimes rose dramatically last year.
In today's context, showing up at a Pride month event matters. Allies at Pride show the community they are respected and loved, and it normalizes that support when some would divide us. As a bonus, the events are fun for everyone to attend!
June 2024 PRIDE MONTH
Email lgbtq@fpc-stow-acton.org if you want to participate with other FPC members at PRIDE month events.
Becoming an LGBTQ+ Ally Workshop
This is a discussion-based workshop for folks at any stage of becoming an ally or learning about how to support folks in the LGBTQ+ community. All UUs, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are welcome to attend and contribute to the discussion.
- Workshop available 2 different times
1. Sunday June 2, 2024 from 12:30-2:30 pm with optional noon potluck lunch OR
2. Friday June 7, 2024 from 7-9 pm with optional 6:30 potluck dinner
- First Parish Church of Stow & Acton Community Room (353 Great Road Stow, MA)
- Ages: Middle school through adult.
- Potluck: Vegetarian meal will be provided. Please bring desserts or drinks (nut free).
- RSVP to lgbtq@fpc-stow-acton.org by noon Jun 2nd for Jun 2, by June 4 for June 7
- Please RSVP with your name, church you attend, date you wish to attend, whether in person or via zoom (sessions will not be recorded).
- Please send questions for the workshop with RSVP and they will remain anonymous
- We are only admitting those who RSVP in advance
Nashoba Valley Pride Festival: June 1
- (organized by NASJA - Nashoba Area Social Justice Alliance board)
- Sunday June 1, 2024 1-5 pm in Bolton Town Common
- Parade from Emerson School at 1 pm, speakers, children's & Teen activiies, music, food, vendors
- nashobaareasja.org
- Instagram & Facebook @nashobavalleypride
- FPC will host a table - contact lgbtq@fpc-stow-acton.org to join us!
Boston Pride: June 8
- Saturday June 8, 2024
- Start time: 11 am
- bostonprideforthepeople.org/
This year we suggest folks attend and watch to get a better sense of how this has been reorganized rather than marching. Big focus on Boston Common including for teens, families with young kids, food trucks, etc.
Family Pride Day in Sudbury: June 9
- Sunday June 9, 2024
- Good event to bring your youth and children.
Acton Pride Festival: June 14-15
- Friday June 14, 2024
- Drag Show at 8pm Nara Park Amphitheater - Follow link for Tickets
- Saturday June 15, 2024 12-3pm
- Acton Pride Festival
- Free at Nara Park; also a good event for youth and children
- Proposing an FPC Table
- https://www.acton-ma.gov/306/Concerts-and-Special-Events
Maynard Pride: June 7-9
- Friday-Saturday-Sunday June 7-9, 2024
- Friday: Pride Comedy Night, Sanctuary
- Saturday: LGBTQ+ Film Fest: Maynard Fine Arts Theatre & Pride by the River: Assabet Co-op
- Sunday: Pride in the Park Festival, Memorial Park 12-4pm
- https://discovermaynard.com/event/first-annual-maynard-pride-fest-pride-in-the-park-festival/
- FPC will host a table - contact lgbtq@fpc-stow-acton.org to join us!
Monthly Events
ADULTS Monthly
Trans Community of New England (TCNE):
- a free Virtual Workshop on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7-9pm
- tcne.org/events/workshop-wednesdays
YOUTH and ADULTS Monthly
OUTMetroWest offers regular support groups for LGBTQ+ youth and their families
outmetrowest.org
Satellite in Acton - new in 2024
- Hosts LGBTQ+ Youth in Middle/High School for Games, Arts & Crafts on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:00-8:30pm (e.g. April 11) Danny's Place, 543 Massachusetts Ave, Acton
- Parallel Pflag support group for parents/caregivers
- Registration Required for both: https://www.hisawyer.com/dannys-place/schedules/activity-set/572791
UUA UPLIFT Gathering for Trans/Nonbinary+ Community
- 4th Tuesdays 8-9:30pm ET Monthly Sept-June
- Multigenerational, for ages 14+ (13 and under bring a trusted adult)
- Closed space for Trans/Nonbinary+
- See https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb for the virtual link and registration
UUA UPLIFT Pastoral Care Space for Trans/Nonbinary+ Community
- 2nd Friday 8-9 pm ET Monthly Sept-June
- Adults only
- Closed space for Trans/Nonbinary+ support for navigating life
- See https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb for the virtual link and registration
Upcoming Events
UUA UPLIFT Action Programs
- UUA Side with Love lists upcoming events for LGBTQ+ and Reproductive Justice Issues
- https://sidewithlove.org/upliftaction
January 2025
First Event Conference - Boston
- Hosted by Trans Community of New England (TCNE)
- Boston Park Plaza Hotel
4 days full of incredibly valuable workshops such as how to share your story, gender-affirming voice, hair, clothing, trans medicine, legal issues, …, fashion shows, vendors
Trans youth and Family Day
- Co-hosted by Greater Boston PFLAG Includes youth, family and young adult targeted sessions
- tcne.org
- pflag.org
March 2025
Summer Camps
Check LGBTQ+ and Allies summer camp application deadlines: PFLAG Camps for Youth
Trans Youth Summit
- 2024 date: Saturday March 23rd 9am-4:30pm
- Hayes School, Brookline MA
- Open to trans/nonbinary youth 25 and under
- with separate track for parents/guardians/caregivers
- Get FREE Tickets here: bagly.org/tys
LGBTQ+*/TGQNB* Days of Observance
First Wednesday of February - National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility
April 12 - Day of Silence (US)
April 26 - International Lesbian Visibility Day
May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
June - LGBT Pride Month
June 28 - Stonewall Riots Anniversary
September 23 - Celebrate Bisexuality Day
October - LGBT History Month (USA)
October 11 - National Coming Out Day
October 26 - Intersex Awareness Day
November 2 - Transgender Parent Day
November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
December 1 - Worlds AIDS Day
All 35 LGBTQ Awareness Days in 2024
*LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, + (Asexual, Aromantic, …)
*TGQNB stands for Transgender, Genderqueer & Non-Binary