A TALK WITH MICHAEL TAYLOR
B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h
NICK BURCHARD
THE BERKSHIRE PRIDE PRESIDENT SHARES A WELL-INFORMED PERSPECTIVE
From Pittsfield’ s daily operations to the city’ s historic Pride moments, Michael Taylor has helped knit together boards, partners, and people into a more welcoming Berkshires. As the City of Pittsfield’ s Director of Human Resources and the Board President of Berkshire Pride, Michael combines public service and community advocacy, striving to bolster workplace inclusivity and enhance LGBTQ + presence. The lifelong Berkshire resident talked with me about how he has worked to strengthen the community in a year that marks the 10th Annual Berkshire Pride season, celebrating a decade of LGBTQ + visibility, community, and joy across the county. Themed“ Every Day Is Pride,” the milestone decade anniversary includes a month-long series of events in June, featuring a flagship parade and festival in Pittsfield.
TAYLOR: You’ ve been with Berkshire Pride since its inception. MICHAEL: That’ s right! I learned someone was organizing the inaugural event, and once I did, I reached out to ask how I could get involved. I was so excited someone was finally spearheading this!
TAYLOR: If you could go to that first committee meeting and show them a snapshot of what Berkshire Pride is today, what would the reaction be? MICHAEL: I think they’ d be a little stunned, honestly. If they could see it today with the crowds, the visibility, and the joy— they’ d probably be overwhelmed in the best way. What started as grassroots energy and a small group of people hoping to create space has grown into something that brings the whole community together.
TAYLOR: What’ s new this year with the 10th anniversary of Pride? MICHAEL: Lenox Pride is new this year! We’ re still in the planning stages, but this is a testament to how the community continues to support us and show that they believe in creating welcoming spaces here in the Berkshires, which is the core of Berkshire Pride’ s mission. In the future, I hope to see a focus on sustainability and impact— expanded programming, community partnerships, family-friendly events, and moments that reflect both our history and our future.
TAYLOR: As Board President for this milestone year, what will“ success” look like for this summer’ s celebration? MICHAEL: Personally, I think success is when folks can attend our events as their authentic selves and feel safe and supported in doing so. It would be easy to say,“ I hope to see a thousand, two thousand visitors to Pride.” Sure, that would be amazing! But even if we only have 100 visitors, if it means folks are visiting and they feel safe, seen, and supported— that’ s how I know it was a success. Especially for young LGBTQ individuals— seeing their community celebrated openly can be life-changing.
TAYLOR: Pittsfield is seeing a concentration of queer-owned businesses and organizations. As someone who grew up here, did you ever imagine a downtown like this? MICHAEL: This is such a HUGE change for our region! I was born and raised in Pittsfield, went to Pittsfield public schools, went to college at MCLA, so I’ ve been in the Berkshires my entire