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2023 Annual Report​

More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 2023 by policymakers in states across the nation in an effort to legislate discrimination, dehumanization, terrorization, and the erasure of millions of queer, gender-expansive, and transgender youth, as well as their caregivers, providers, and educators.

The setbacks our community endured and the negative atmosphere this created for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere, including the South Coast, made the work of The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network more challenging - and more important - than at any other time in our history.

We are proud of our achievements in 2023, but we know there is still much work to be done. We remain undeterred in our mission to help South Coast LGBTQ+ individuals across the age spectrum live happy, fulfilling lives, free of prejudice and stigma.

WHO WE ARE

The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network (The Network) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 by seven LGBTQ+ agencies and allied organizations with start-up support from The Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

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OUR PURPOSE

​The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support a thriving LGBTQ+ community on Massachusetts’ South Coast where individuals can freely, safely, and joyously celebrate their true selves and realize their full potential. Every day, The Network is dedicated to building and maintaining a comprehensive support network for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across the age spectrum, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable within the LGBTQ+ community: LGBTQ+ youth, transgender and nonbinary individuals, and older adults. The Network offers a wide range of services and events that promote LGBTQ+ awareness and education, health and wellness , social interaction, professional development, and much more.

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​Our Mission

Every day we strive to build and maintain a comprehensive support network for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across the age spectrum by:

• Working with governmental, community-based organizations, and private entities to eliminate homophobia in our communities through education, advocacy, and outreach.
• Creating inter-generational opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to learn from one another through social, educational, and community project interaction.
• Assessing, advocating, and supporting programming needs to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in our community, such as housing, education, employment, and mental and physical health.
• Ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
• Providing a central organizational home for the exchange of ideas and collaboration to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ South Coast residents

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FUTURE PROJECTS

In order to better serve the growing South Coast LGBTQ+ community, we are always looking for ways to create bigger and better-equipped spaces where members, allies, and partners can interact. Currently, we are developing an historic building at 60 Eighth Street in downtown New Bedford for a future Community Center. Stay tuned for updates.

​Board of Directors

2024 LEADERSHIP

Andrew Pollock, President​
Eileen Dugas, Executive Director
Jolene Westgate, Vice President
Gordon Amgott, Treasurer
Zach Boyer, Secretary

Mija Almeida, Director
David Civitarese, Director
Seth Dugal, Director
Mandy Fraser, Director
Joseph Holdiman, Director
John Masson, Director
Hassan Souto, Director
​Dennis Wong, Director

Board Advisor/Marketing
Kerry Zeida
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President Emeritus
Rebecca McCullough

In Memory of:
Joan Stratton (1951-2021)
​​Lenny Amaral (d. 2021)
​Connie Mayer (1943-2021)

​WE WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. When you offer financial support - which we always need! - you show your solidarity with the South Coast LGBTQ+ community. But participating in a South Coast LGBTQ+ Network event can be just as important. When you attend a Film Series presentation, drop in on one of our supper club meetings or yoga sessions, or join a Pride event, you tell the world you are here for our community.

Our calendar is full of fun events and we can use help year-round. To become a volunteer, please email [email protected] or call (774) 775-2656.
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​VOLUNTEERING IS SHARING... AND CARING

​Maureen brings her experience working with the elderly to enrich the lives of senior LGBTQ+ individuals. Kevin shares his belief in diversity and equality with people in transition. Nate believes humor and positivity lead to acceptance. Sarah satisfies her passion for meeting new people and learning new things. All of them embrace a desire to make the South Coast a warm and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community around them.

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