Berkshire Pride

About: Berkshire Pride Berkshire Pride is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies in Berkshire County. Established in 2017 to address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in rural and underserved areas, Berkshire Pride has become a vital resource hub, offering year-round programs, advocacy, and events to empower individuals, build community, and promote equity.

Berkshire Pride serves as a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community, providing spaces and resources where individuals can thrive and feel supported in their identities. Our organization’s work spans advocacy, youth programming, community education, and cultural celebrations. Through our initiatives, we address critical needs, such as mental health, leadership development, food insecurity, and social isolation.

Key Initiatives: Annual Berkshire Pride Festival: Our flagship event, drawing thousands of attendees each year, celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity, culture, and advocacy while creating a visible and vibrant space for connection. Youth Programming Weekly after-school programs for LGBTQ+ teens and tweens (ages 11–19) focus on mental health, leadership development, violence prevention through healthy relationship education, and creative expression. We also partner with local schools to support Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

Community Education and Training: Berkshire Pride offers Safe Spaces training for schools, businesses, and organizations to foster affirming environments. These workshops address LGBTQ+ terminology, pronoun usage, and the importance of inclusion. Health and Wellness Collaborations We work with partners like Tapestry Health and Berkshire Harm Reduction to ensure access to gender-affirming care and educate youth about healthy relationships and substance abuse prevention.

Expanding Regional Pride: With the recent merge of North Adams Pride and the launch of Lee Pride, Berkshire Pride has extended its reach across the county, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals in rural and underserved areas are supported. Why We Exist LGBTQ+ individuals in Berkshire County face unique challenges, including isolation, discrimination, and barriers to accessing resources. These challenges are often compounded by rural geography and limited infrastructure for LGBTQ+ support. Berkshire Pride addresses these disparities through programs and services that center the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, empowering them to live authentically and thrive in their communities.

Community Impact: Since its founding, Berkshire Pride has:

• Created lasting change by supporting the formation and growth of Gender and Sexuality Alliances across the county, empowering LGBTQ+ youth and establishing a strong network of community partners to amplify resources and services.
• Hosted events that bring thousands of attendees together, fostering unity and understanding.
• Provided year-round support through education, advocacy, and direct services.
• Collaborated with numerous local organizations, such as the Elizabeth Freeman Center, Tapestry Health, Berkshire Harm Reduction, and local schools, to address the intersecting needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
• These partnerships amplify our ability to deliver comprehensive programs, from violence prevention and mental health education to gender-affirming care and substance use prevention.