people . Ray Garnett and the Berkshire Trans Group have organized four gatherings a month in various locations for trans and non-binary people and those who are questioning to gather and provide support , community , and laughter . Berkshire Pride Executive Director Cass Santos-China is hopeful about the local community ’ s capacity to respond powerfully and effectively . “ What gives me hope is the immense power of the younger generations of our LGBTQIA + community at the voting polls . Their passion , activism , and dedication to social justice issues are truly inspiring . I firmly believe that if we all come together and exercise our right to vote , we can effect positive change in our country . The energy and determination of Gen Z to create a more equitable and inclusive society are driving forces that instill hope for a better future . Their commitment to progressive values and their willingness to challenge the status quo are catalysts for meaningful transformation in our communities and beyond .”
Lemons :
CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS AND THE LGBTQIA + COMMUNITY : Berkshire County is seeing a slight decrease in population but a large increase in the percentage of residents over
60 . Because elder queer people are much more likely to live alone and not have children , this means a lot of queer seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to stay in their homes . This aging of the queer community may also impact queer-friendly bars , restaurants , coffee houses , and dance venues as some queer Gen X , Y , Z , and Millennials are challenged to find living wage jobs , affordable housing , and places to socialize and meet potential partners and friends .
Lemonade :
FOSTERING INTERGENERATIONAL QUEER COLLABORATION : Jay Miller , Berkshire Community College ( BCC ) Digital and Video Assets Manager and Advisor to the Queer Student Association , says queer students often face huge challenges in finding affordable housing because BCC does not provide dorms . He would like the local queer community to get more involved in making Berkshire County work better for its queer students and young adults through 1 ) creating more affordable housing , 2 ) expanding public transportation , 3 ) helping young people find affirming healthcare providers , and 4 ) helping young queer people find more fun recreation and social events and spaces to combat queer youth isolation .
Carla Stephens , Director of the Bard Queer Leadership Project ( BQLP ) at Simon ’ s Rock , is providing a safe and affirming place for young LGBTQIA + people to learn queer leadership as they are exploring fields of interest and developing the critical thinking and other skills needed to be successful in their chosen careers . The four pillars of the BQLP are 1 ) queer leadership in theory and practice , 2 ) queer theory , 3 ) queer history and culture , and 4 ) career pathways . Key to their success is the opportunities for young queer folk to meet and learn from current queer leaders . Also very important is for the LGBTQIA + youth to learn to communicate and collaborate across differences within as well as outside of the queer community .
BRPC is funding a series of Aging Well Focus Groups for LGBTQIA + seniors hosted by Rainbow Seniors , Q-MoB , and various senior centers to learn about the unique challenges they have in negotiating housing , transportation , and connection to community . Based on the ideas from these focus groups , BRPC will help find funding for programs to help LGBTQIA + seniors find easier , better ways to connect with community . Q-MoB is hosting more than 25 intergenerational social , recreation / wellness , and arts / culture activities per month in Pittsfield , North Adams , Williamstown , Great Barrington , and Bennington , Vermont .
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60 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2024