Berkshire Magazine May/June 2024 | Page 58

B y S h a w n H o l l e n b a c h
Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile will perform at Tanglewood on Sunday , June 30 .

What to Do , Where to Go

MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS
THE LGBTQIA + DENIZENS OF THE BERKSHIRES HAVE YOU COVERED
As the summer approaches with its promise of welcomed warmth , anticipation fills the air for a season of events and vibrant celebrations of community . To say that Berkshire County is queer-friendly is an understatement . Around 129,000 people live in the rolling hills and quaint towns nestled between Connecticut to Vermont boasting three LGBTQIA + Pride groups with their own dedicated celebrations and a smattering of organizations that serve the queer community . That ’ s a lot of pride to go around and a plethora of events for individuals to feel seen and safe .
The Berkshires , known as a cultural resort , has always had majestic happenings , riveting theater , and delectable bites to attract a queer audience , but now more than ever Berkshire County offers a myriad of events and festivities that cater to every shade of the rainbow . We ’ ve asked LGBTQIA + denizens of the Berkshires to share which events have piqued their interest this summer to truly make it one to remember .
JV Hampton-VanSant
( they / she ) is a transfemme voice actor , podcaster , sewer , and writer in Great Barrington . She leads immersive workshops in partnership with Berkshire Pride called “ Sew Ready Runway ,” where you can learn sewing techniques , fabric selection , and connect with like-minded individuals .
Tanglewood ( 297 West St . Lenox ; bso . org ) is popping off this year . Oh my God ! En
Vogue ?!? Jon Batiste ?!? Brandi Carlisle ? Yeah , friends , I ’ ll see y ’ all out there on the lawn of Tanglewood .
One of my favorites is Pride Night with DJ Pup Daddy ( first Thursday of the month , 8 p . m ., Methuselah , 391 North St ., Pittsfield ; methbar . com ). The drinks are great , as is the food !
But also selfishly , Sew Runway Ready ( monthly at Berkshire Pride , 34 Depot St ., Suite 207 ,
Pittsfield ; berkshirepride . org ) and Drag Story Hour ( various dates ; instagram . com / dshberkshires ). Because , of course , the quiet , creative , library gays need events , too !
Sam Backhaus ( she / her ) is a Berkshire native now residing in Chatham , New York , with her wife , Paige Lang , their horses , and their two dogs . She is a fine art photographer based in Berkshire and Columbia counties
, has a small portrait studio in Chatham , and is launching The Happy Crows Feet Photo Booth trailer this summer !
I ’ m kicking off my summer with the Berkshire Pride Festival ( Saturday , June 8 , 11 a . m ., The Common in Pittsfield ; berkshirepride . org ). Once Pride season hits , you know it ’ s summer , and what better way to celebrate sunshine , happiness , and love !
I ' m really looking forward to
56 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2024