Happy Queersgiving! We enjoyed celebrating with everyone who could make it. We have a lot to be grateful for: the delicious food we shared; having a safe space where we can gather and relax; and we are so grateful you exist.

Did you know? Our committee meetings are open to the public, and we hold them every other Sunday (the newsletter’s “off” week)! We allot time at the beginning of our meetings for public comment. Our next meeting is Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. Stop in and say hi!

P.S. Make sure to check the events for important dates! With the holidays coming up, we will have closures.

-The Meriden Pride Team

This Moment in Queerstory 🪶

Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day

Pansexual & Panromantic Pride Day, celebrated on December 8, was created by community advocates in the early 2010s to give pan-identifying people a dedicated moment of visibility and pride. It highlights the community’s place within the LGBTQ+ movement and helps counter common misconceptions and erasure.

Pansexual describes sexual attraction to people regardless of gender identity, while panromantic refers to romantic attraction across genders. While definitions may vary from person to person, many describe pan identities as emphasizing attraction to individuals based on who they are, not their gender.

Pan people often face erasure or stereotyping, making this Pride Day an important opportunity to uplift their voices and celebrate their experiences.

Giving Tuesday: Dec. 2

Giving Tuesday exists to uplift groups like ours and help spread awareness of all the good work we’re doing. Because we are 100% volunteer-run, we rely on the generosity of the community.

If you are able, we would greatly appreciate any donations of time or money to support our mission to uplift the Greater Meriden LGBTQ+ community through free, accessible programming that celebrates identity, fosters belonging, and sparks joy.

Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to this year:

• Launched our food pantry. We have fed more than 96 households and 286 individuals across Meriden, Middletown, Wallingford, Waterbury, and New Britain.

• Celebrated our second annual Meriden Pride Fest with 34 vendors, a drag show, and live music.

• Held two “Trans-formation” events. Participants were given free gender-affirming haircuts, clothing, and fashion and makeup consultations.

• Participated in community events such as Trunk or Treat, National Night Out, Pride in the Library, Daffodil Fest, Memorial Day Parade, and the Farmer’s Market.

• Planned various informative events: sex ed, financial literacy, hair styling tips, and more.

• Hosted craft nights and “gayme” nights monthly to foster community.

Do what you can, when you can. No contribution of time or money is too little.

December 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)

Note: We will be closed on December 6 and 27 (including the food pantry).

• Sat. 12/6, Pints and Pasties: A Foodlesque Revue. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. / Show starts at 7:30 p.m. @ New England Cider Co.

• 12/10, Craft Night. 5-8 p.m. @ Meriden Public Library

• 12/17, Gayme Night. 5-8 p.m. @ Meriden Public Library

Observances

• (1) World AIDS Day

• (2) Giving Tuesday

• (8) Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day

• (14) HIV Cure Research Day

Visit (or Donate to) Our Food Bank & Coat Closet

The Meriden Pride Center Food Bank remains open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12–4 PM unless otherwise noted (see monthly events; we are closed today, 11/30).

If you or someone you know could use a little extra help, please stop by and pick up some groceries — everyone is welcome. Please remember to bring a valid photo ID and your own bags. We’re here to make sure our community has what it needs.

If you would like to donate to the pantry, you are welcome to stop in during those same hours or donate financially online. We also need volunteers to help with distribution.

We are also accepting donations of new or lightly worn winter coats, gloves, scarves, and hats. Please drop off during our center hours. All visitors are welcome to peruse what we have and take what they 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:

• Assisting with the food pantry on Saturdays and Sundays

• Staffing the center with a committee member on Saturdays and Sundays

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