Frequently asked
The most common questions about the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, answered straight.
What is the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network?
The Network is a community-led nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ people across the South Coast of Massachusetts. We have three community spaces (New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton), run year-round programs for youth, elders, and trans community members, and produce Pride South Coast every June. Founded in 2014. 501(c)(3), Charity Navigator 4-Star rated.
Where do you serve?
New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, and surrounding communities on the South Coast of Massachusetts. We have programs in all three primary cities and meet community members where they are.
Are you a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Yes. South Coast LGBTQ+ Network is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. EIN 82-2601799. Charity Navigator 4-Star rated with a 97% score. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Are your programs free?
Most of our recurring programs are free to attend. Supper Clubs, Lavender Link-Up, Craft Night, Dungeons and Dragons Night, Art with James, and the ASD Social are all free. Pride South Coast (June 6) is free admission. Some special events have small ticket fees (the Canal Cruise is $20, for example), and those go directly to event costs.
How do I donate?
Go to sclgbtqnetwork.org/donate. We accept one-time and recurring gifts at any amount through Givebutter, our payment processor. All donations are tax-deductible. If you want to give by check or in another way, email info@sclgbtqnetwork.org and we will walk you through it.
How do I volunteer?
Visit sclgbtqnetwork.org/get-involved or write to info@sclgbtqnetwork.org. We need volunteers year-round for events, programs, and Pride day-of. No experience required. We will match you to something that fits your time and energy.
When and where is Pride South Coast 2026?
Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Weir River Waterfront Park, 33 E Water Street, Taunton, MA 02780. Free admission. Live performers, vendors, food, family-friendly. See our Pride 2026 page for the lineup and full schedule.
Is there a Pride event before Pride day?
Yes. The Pride Launch Party is Monday, June 1, 6 to 9 PM at Free Play in New Bedford. 21 and older. Live music, drag, drinks. See launch party details here.
Where is the Community Center?
We are building the SouthCoast's first dedicated LGBTQ+ community center at 60 Eighth Street, New Bedford. Construction is in progress. In the meantime, our programs run at three community spaces (1213 Purchase Street New Bedford, 2 Bank Street Fall River, 2 Knotty Walk Taunton). The capital campaign is at sclgbtqnetwork.org/community-center.
How do I get trans and nonbinary support?
Visit our Trans and Nonbinary Services page or write to info@sclgbtqnetwork.org. We help with name change navigation, affirming healthcare referrals, peer support, and family and workplace navigation. Confidential. No judgment.
Do you have programs for LGBTQ+ elders?
Yes. Aging Well is our 60+ program. Monthly Supper Clubs in Fairhaven (4th Wednesday) and Marion (2nd Wednesday), monthly Bowling Night at Wonder Bowl New Bedford, monthly Breakfast Club at Munchies in Fall River, and drop-in peer support across all three locations. Free. See /aging-well.
Do you have programs for LGBTQ+ youth?
Yes. Elevate Youth is our 14-24 program. Monthly meetups, mentorship, and leadership development, funded in part by United Way of Greater New Bedford. To refer a youth or sign up, see /programs/elevate-youth or write to info@sclgbtqnetwork.org. If a youth is in crisis right now, please contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Do you have programs for autistic and neurodivergent LGBTQ+ community members?
Yes. The LGBTQ+ ASD Social meets weekly in Taunton and monthly in New Bedford. Low-stim, low-pressure, designed with us not for us. See /asd-social for the schedule and what to expect.
I am in crisis. Where can I get help right now?
The Network is not a crisis line. For immediate support, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7), or the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 (24/7, for LGBTQ+ people under 25). Trans community: Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860. Domestic violence: Massachusetts GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project 800-832-1901.
How do I reach you?
Email info@sclgbtqnetwork.org, call (774) 775-2656, or use the form at /contact. We respond within 1-2 business days. For mental health outreach specifically, the form at /resources/mental-health goes directly to two Network staff members and we reach back the same business day.
How do I become a sponsor or partner?
For Pride South Coast 2026 sponsorship, see /pride-2026/sponsors. Five tiers from $250 to $5,000. For other partnership inquiries (program collaborations, in-kind support, grant partnerships), email info@sclgbtqnetwork.org.