Behind the Rainbow (Queer Night)

This LGBTQIA+ event is open to all queer identifying folx and will be an opportunity to build friendships with other queer folx. Some of us are out and proud, some are exploring and curious, some of closeted to family/friends/work for a number of reasons - and all are welcome here. This event is designed to bring together those of us with similar lived experiences of navigating a predominantly straight society, so that we have a space to share our stories, give support, and build community. Do you find yourself sometimes downplaying your queerness in certain spaces? Or perhaps you play it up as a sort of social armor? Maybe you feel you’re “not gay enough” or conversely “too much” for some people. No matter where you are in your journey of self-exploration, let’s come together to look behind the rainbow at the humans underneath. This event is for all who self-identify as falling under the LGBTQIA+/queer umbrella - we will not gatekeep - none will be turned away due to orientation/gender/gender expression. Doors will open at 6:30pm for some mingle and to give folk time to arrive. At 7pm, we’ll have some short announcements then get to the programming for the evening. The intention here is to create a space to have meaningful conversations. To facilitate that, we may break into smaller groups with facilitators guiding the conversation with conversational prompts and helping to create a safe environment to share and be heard. Prompts can be selected from “Ice Breaker” questions to deeper, more personal questions - depending on the participant’s level of comfort. It is expected that everyone attending will show up as authentically as they are comfortable and to commit to holding the confidence of anything discussed. Our goal is for this to be an opportunity to have fun and build connections. As such, by attending you agree to: 1\. Use “I” statements to share personal experiences\, thoughts\, and feelings\. Speak from your personal experiences and not the experiences…