Belchertown’s Rainbow Social Hour
Monthly gatherings
2nd Wednesday every month
10AM - 11 AM
at the Belchertown Senior Center
60 State Streeet
Belchertown, MA 01007
parking available
Who we are
The Belchertown Rainbow Social Hour is a safe, social space for all adult members and allies of Belchertown LGBTQIA+ residents to connect with friends new and old, and find inspiration and community.
goals
- Create a safe space where queer individuals in the community can be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
- Build a sense of community and support in the area by organizing monthly meetings
- Provide resources to queer individuals in the community, including information about local LGBTQ+ organizations and educational references.
What have we been up to?
Take pride in action
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Our story
Marc Barrette
It all started with Marc...
In 2022, Marc Barrette started this social group as a means for the community and allies to gather and support each other in their golden years. “I’ve lived in several places in the United States where they’ve had big Pride festivals, but here in Belchertown, a smaller town, we had nothing.” Barrette explained. “Some seniors are very concerned as to how they will/would be treated if they
have to go into a facility,” Barrette said. “As a senior member of the LGBTQIA+ community I have seen and experienced over the years the discrimination, hatred, and non-acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ members of our community,” “These are genuine concerns and by forming this social group it allows topics such as these to be discussed.”
Barrette said "Things have changed somewhat but there is still a long way to go to win the hearts and minds of others.” “June is a month to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices that members of our community have made to better a greater society," said Marc Barrette “the group is important for the community.” Over 50 people attended their very first meeting which Barrette admitted he was taken aback by the amount of people that showed up. He said the other people in the room were taken aback as well because they never knew so many people were in the area.
More local groups to explore
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