LGBTQ+ Commission Meeting

March 27, 2025

Agenda

1. 1. Welcome
   2. Approve / Modify Agenda
   3. Approve Previous Minutes
   4. Introductions
   5. Discussion of Pride 2025 with Mayor Simmons.
      1. The Youth WG suggests that there be youth representation on the Pride Planning Committee.
   6. Updates on Previous Action Items
      1. Name Change Process Advocacy - Commissioner Gardner spoke with the staff from the Mass Trans Political Coalition (MTPC) about the state requirement to publish a legal name change in a local newspaper. Many other states have removed this requirement from the process, and this could be a good opportunity for Advocacy from the Commission. Commissioner Gardner will report back on any action items from MTPC about advocacy opportunities. Commissioner Egleson will follow up with MTPC.
   7. Project Updates (current actions, and plans) including reports from Carolina, Sarah, Amelia, & Phoebe
   8. Working Group Reports
      1. Outreach & Visibility WG (Greg & Bill) - March meeting did not attain quorum. A new date needs to be scheduled.Policy & Advocacy (Vinny)
      2. Public Health & Safety WG (Vinny)
      3. Seniors WG (Evan) - Met on March 11th. We would like to host a Book Group at the Central Square Library, meeting perhaps three times (6pm weekday)
         1. What is the purpose of the event? - Reading group of “How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective”. The Combahee River Collective, a path-breaking group of radical black feminists, was one of the most important organizations to develop out of the antiracist and women’s liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s. In this collection of essays and interviews edited by activist-scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, founding members of the organization and contemporary activists reflect on the legacy of its contributions to Black feminism and its impact on today’s struggles. Importantly for our commission, the Combahee River Collective was based in Greater Boston. The goals are to learn from and increase understanding of Black lesbian LGBTQ+ influence in Boston history and Black queer feminist perspectives on identity politics.
         2. What outcomes do we hope to achieve (e.g., education, community building, advocacy)? Community building, education, and dialogue
         3. Who is the event for (e.g., youth, LGBTQ older adults, allies)? People who enjoy reading and engaging in thoughtful discussion, regardless of age of LGBTQ+ identity
      4. Youth WG (Emmy) Youth Pride is Saturday May 17th at City Hall Plaza. We have been invited to share a table with CampOUT (“A Farm Camp Experience for Queer and Gender Expansive Youth, Youth from LGBTQ+ Families, and Allies ages 10 – 15” – https://farmschool.org/summer-program/ ). Tabling volunteers are needed.
   9. Old Business
   10. New Business
   11. Report from Rainbows Across Communities
   12. Public Comments / Announcements
   13. Next Commission Meeting: Thursday, May 23rd, 6-7:30 PM. Hybrid (51 Inman St & Zoom – see link below)

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