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- The (Bi)weekly Kiki | Feb. 23
The (Bi)weekly Kiki | Feb. 23
Meriden Pride Community Center
Meriden Pride Fest is BACK!
Join us on Saturday, August 15, from 12–5 p.m. at the Meriden Pride Center for a day of live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, community resources, and family-friendly fun.
Our theme is “Celebrating 250 Years of Queer History.” From the revolution to today’s movement for equality, queer history has always been American history. This year, we’re proud to celebrate it right here in our own community.
With Pride,
-The Meriden Pride Team
Table of Contents
This moment in Queerstory 🪶
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
February 16-22 was Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week.
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week (ASAW) recognizes those who experience little to no romantic attraction. By celebrating the "aro" community, we challenge amatonormativity—the societal pressure to prioritize romantic relationships above all others. Whether through deep platonic bonds or queerplatonic partnerships, aromantic individuals remind us that a fulfilling life isn't defined by romance, but by the meaningful connections we choose.
Visibility matters. Few have championed this better than Alice Oseman, the award-winning author of Heartstopper (which we have at the Meriden Pride Center’s library!). Oseman, who identifies as aromantic and asexual, uses her platform to create authentic representation, most notably through the character Isaac Henderson. Her work offers a mirror for those who have long felt sidelined by traditional love stories, proving that "happily ever after" looks different for everyone.
Resources to learn more:
AUREA: The Aromantic-spectrum Union for Recognition, Education, and Advocacy.
ASAW Official Site: More information on Aromanticism and ASAW.
The Trevor Project: A helpful guide on understanding aromantic identities.
Did you know? In a Trevor Project study of over 40,000 LGBTQ+ young people, 10% identified as asexual or ace spectrum.
February Events 💘
Please check our Facebook pages to RSVP to events. If you’re not already a member, join the private group for Meriden Pride. (Main FB page | Private group)
2/25, Gayme Night: TCG Night. 5-8 p.m. @ Meriden Pride Center
Observances
(16-22) Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
(28) HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day
March Events 🍀
Please check our Facebook pages to RSVP to events. If you’re not already a member, join the private group for Meriden Pride. (Main FB page | Private group)
3/18, Gayme Night: Influencers in the Wild. 5-8 p.m. @ Meriden Pride Center
3/28, City of Meriden St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Lineup begins at noon @ corner of Parker Ave. & East Main St. (Sign up to march with us!)
3/29, Trans Day of Visibility Protest. Begins at noon @ Meriden Pride Center; march ends at the corner of Paddock Ave. & East Main St., where the protest will continue (No sign-up necessary; bring yourself, a sign, and make some noise!)
Observances
March is Bisexual Health Awareness Month
(10) National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
(16-20) National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week
(20) National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
(31) International Transgender Day of Visibility
Visit our Food Pantry, Coat Closet, and School Supply table!
We have tons of freebies at the center! Stop in during our weekend hours from 12-4 p.m. and take what you need.
Volunteer Opportunities 🙌
Connect with the local LGBTQ+ community! We’d love to have your help at events. Please fill out a volunteer form if you would like to volunteer with us.
Right now, we need volunteers for:
Staffing the center with a committee member on Saturdays and Sundays
Marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 28 starting at noon
Joining us at our Trans Day of Visibility protest on March 29 starting at noon
Staffing the health fair on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. We are stronger together!
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 and accessible offerings.
Community Center Hours
Saturdays, 12-4 p.m.
Sundays, 12-4 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.