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The (Bi)weekly Kiki
Meriden Pride Community Center
These newsletters will be another way to keep us connected, learn about events and highlights, and build community. Keep an eye on your inbox every other Sunday for these updates. Make sure this email address is on your Safe Senders list so you don’t miss a kiki.
We’re glad you’re here.
Who we are and what we stand for
Meriden Pride, founded in November 2023 by Branddon Arroyo and Melissa Gervais, is a vibrant community-driven organization dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive spaces where EVERYONE can belong. We advocate unapologetically for LGBTQ+ justice, equality, and affirmation through empowering events—from monthly gatherings to our annual Pride Fest—and bold advocacy initiatives. Rooted in compassion and solidarity, we are committed to creating environments where all individuals are celebrated, respected, and free to thrive.
Above all, Meriden Pride is a family: a beacon of hope, resilience, and unwavering acceptance, ensuring no one walks the path toward equality alone.
Table of Contents
Rise up for Love Rally & Daffodil Fest 🦋
Protest and advocacy are core to our work. On April 27, we gathered at the corner of Paddock and Main for a powerful demonstration of love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. We will continue to demand justice, dignity, and equality for all, reject harmful policies that target LGBTQ+ lives, and show up for our community. Love will ALWAYS triumph over hate.
Did you get a flag from us at the Daffodil Festival Parade? Better yet, did you SEE us? We were a fabulous flock of butterflies! We got down, got loud, and had a lot of fun. We’ll be in more parades this May and always welcome more marchers. Email [email protected] if you’d like to join.
May Events 🌼
Wed. 5/14, Sex Ed for Kink. 6-8:00 p.m. @ Meriden Pride Community Center
Sat. 5/17, Guilford Pride Parade. 12:45 p.m. @ Guilford Town Green
Sat. 5/17, Ladybird Vixen’s Birthday Party. 12-5 p.m. @ New England Cider Company
Wed. 5/21, Gayme Night. 5-8 p.m. @ Dawg House Bar & Grill
Mon. 5/26, Memorial Day Parade. 9 a.m. line up/10 a.m. step off @ Curtis St. in Meriden
Wed. 5/28, Craft Night. 5-8 p.m. @ Meriden Public Library
Observances
(17) International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
(19) National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
(22) Harvey Milk Day
(24) Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day
Advocacy Announcement ✊
The City of Meriden is considering a proposal to declare June as Pride month permanently and to fly the Pride flag in June.
What you can do: Attend these upcoming town meetings and support us as we take a stand.
Parks & Recreation Meeting, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. @ City Hall (142 East Main Street)
City Council Meeting, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. @ City Hall & Online
About the Community Center 🌈
The Meriden Pride Community Center offers a wide range of free resources and support services to empower and assist the community, including:
Sexual health supplies such as male and female condoms, dental dams, and lubrication
Free at-home COVID-19 test kits, Narcan overdose prevention kits, and blood glucose meters for health monitoring
Assistance with applications for heating and renters’ reimbursement programs
Personalized help connecting to broader city and state services
Borrowing books from our LGBTQ+ library
Complimentary internet and printing access
Committed to holistic support, the center strives to address immediate and long-term needs through its inclusive, accessible offerings.
Community Center Hours
Fridays, 3-6 p.m.
Saturdays, 12-3 p.m.
Sundays, 1-4 p.m.
Donate to the Center 💝
Every donation fuels our mission to uplift the Greater Meriden LGBTQ+ community through free, accessible programming that celebrates identity, fosters belonging, and sparks joy. From inclusive workshops and peer support networks to vibrant Pride events and educational resources, we create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive. Led entirely by volunteers, our work is powered by your generosity—ensuring queer voices are heard, stories are celebrated, and no one faces barriers to connection. Together, we’re building a world where everyone can live authentically, proudly, and without compromise.
Venmo: @MeridenPride
Cashapp: $MeridenPride
