It’s finally starting to feel like spring!

…speaking of March, have you ever wanted to march in a parade? Meriden Pride will be marching in Meriden’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the more the merrier! Sign up to march with us via our volunteer form, or, if you’ve volunteered with us before, send us an email at [email protected].

In case you missed it: We have discontinued our food pantry, effective last weekend. We have seen a decline in food pantry visitors, and we hope this is a sign that everyone is well-supported again. Because of your generosity, we supported over 200 families facing food insecurity. The remaining food has been thoughtfully dispersed to local food pantries. Thank you for showing up for your neighbors and for believing in this work.

As we look toward spring and summer, we are working hard to plan a variety of inclusive programming. We hope to see you soon. 🌈

Warmly,

-The Meriden Pride Team

This moment in Queerstory 🪶

Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month

March is Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month (BHAM), a time dedicated to addressing the specific health disparities that impact the bisexual+ community.

According to recent estimates, bisexual+ (bi, pan, fluid, queer, m-spec, and non-monosexual) individuals represent over half of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States, but experience significantly worse physical, mental, and social health than their gay, lesbian, and heterosexual peers. (I see you, ACE/ARO community, even if the data doesn’t.) Nonetheless, bisexual+ populations are often understudied in health research and bi-specific community services are critically underfunded. 

In response to these ongoing disparities, Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month works to raise awareness about bisexual+ community health and pushes for more action and resources to support bisexual+ wellbeing.

Online resources:

• Mental Health: A practical guide for bi+ people navigating therapy and psychiatric care.

• Sexual & Reproductive Health: A practical guide for bi+ people navigating STI screening, contraception, fertility, and gynecologic or sexual health care.

• Neurodiversity: A practical guide for bi+ people navigating neurodiversity-related care.

• Substance Use: A practical guide for bi+ people navigating substance use care.

• See BHAM website for so much more!

Local resources:

• MidState Medical Center (Meriden): Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, MidState offers inclusive primary care and specialized gender-affirming services.

• Hartford HealthCare Center for Gender Health: Offers comprehensive services, including behavioral health, primary care, and specialized support groups for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Wheeler Health "Walk With Me": A specialized outpatient program (with nearby locations) designed for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages seeking therapeutic and peer support.

• NAMI CT Young Adult Rainbow Connections: A free, peer-led support group for LGBTQ+ young adults (ages 18–29) to discuss mental health in a safe space.

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

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.

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