Taking Pride in Our Future

This year's Pride Month was truly historic. Historic for the creative ways in which the LGBTQ+ community came together, in spirit and online, in the midst of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Historic for the march toward racial justice and equality powered by #BlackLivesMatter. Historic for the Supreme Court's landmark ruling protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people at work.

We may not have been able to organize parades, rallies, and dances as we have in years past, but The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network worked hard to find other ways to celebrate with all our friends in the LGBTQ+ community. On our weekly broadcast, The LGBTQ Voice, we featured a range of wonderful guests, including LGBTQ+ superstar ally Sara Cunningham, whose Free Mom Hugs campaign has inspired millions. We shined a spotlight on some of the South Coast's most talented artists and performers. We meditated and stretched. We played virtual Bingo. We reviewed books that inspired us. We talked about faith.

At the beginning of June, we launched a new website that we hope our community will always turn to for information, education, and inspiration. Now we end Pride Month 2020 by announcing some big news: The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network has purchased an historic building in downtown New Bedford which we will transform over the next two years into a new Community Center for everyone to enjoy.

It's been a long and eventful 30 days for us all. As the pandemic rages on, we send all our love and sympathy to those whose lives have been upended by this terrible event.

We want to acknowledge all the artists, organizers, partners, and participants for giving so much of yourselves during this challenging time in our history. And we want to thank you, our beautiful South Coast LGBTQ+ community, for making it all worthwhile. Before you know it, we'll be making plans for Pride 2021.

In the meantime, stay health, stay safe, and stay proud!