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Date: 12/19/2023
WESTFIELD — Westfield Pride Inc. is hoping to become the first LGBTQIA+ pride nonprofit in Massachusetts.
Communication Chair James Homan said the group submitted the necessary papers at the end of November and is currently waiting for a response. He does not know whether the holiday season will quicken or delay the process.
President Kathi Bradford said registering as an official nonprofit organization is a way to support the community and raise funds for activities. Being a nonprofit allows the group to open bank accounts in its name, giving it the chance to accept donations.
Homan cited representation in the community as a reason to have a nonprofit.
“There’s a validation, I think, with an organization to be operating for the good of the community,” he said.
Westfield Pride aims “to celebrate, support and honor the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Homan. Bradford described the group as “a bridge between our community of LGBTQIA+ folks and the city of Westfield.” The group will host events, honor holidays, provide education and community-building opportunities, and advocate for those that need it.
While the group will focus on Pride Month, events will take place around the year for occasions such as World AIDS Day, Transgender Day of Visibility, LGBTQIA+ History Month, and others. Smaller events will also take place, such as a weekly family movie night that the group is seeking approval to host at the new Elm Street green space.
Funding will mainly come from sponsorships with business partners around the city.
Westfield Pride was formed by the Westfield Pride Committee, itself formed in response to City Councilor Nick Morganelli, who voted against flying the pride flag at City Hall in May 2023, asking for a list of what the LGBTQIA+ community had contributed to the local community, among other things. The Pride Committee responded to that statement with six events during June 2023, including a flag raising, an educational forum, an open house at the Senior Center, and a silent vigil for community members who died. The committee also spotlighted a diverse set of 30 LGBTQIA+ individuals, one a day, at City Hall.
The first official meeting of Westfield Pride Inc. occurred Dec. 4 at the Westfield on Weekends Creative Arts Center. At that meeting, attendees elected officers and formed a nine-person executive committee. The committee consists of Bradford as president, Deputy President Bob Plasse, Scribe Kelly Robinson, Treasurer Michael Fournier, Events Chair Stephanie Morris, Membership Chair Barbara Macauley, Homan as communications chair, and members-at-large Dennis Akins and Kristen Mello.
Westfield Pride is still looking for volunteers to serve on its membership, events, legal and communications committees. Those interested can email westfieldpridecommittee@gmail.com, visit westfieldpride.com, send a message to their Facebook page or call Bradford at 413-222-4553.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm St., Westfield. Bradford said at the meeting, attendees will hear reports from the committees, plan for the upcoming year, and schedule events. All are welcome.
More information and upcoming events can be found at westfieldpride.com or at the group’s Facebook page.