People ask, “Why is there still a need to have LGBTQ+ themed events and organizations? As an organizer, the question has come up with my work with Worcester Pride and discussions around a LGBTQ+ community center, but this time, it was in the context of helping organize a community-based TV show.

In this age of “mainstreaming,” LGBTQ+ people and our allies want an easy way to see where there will be something targeted for us. Everyone, at least occasionally, wants to be in a place where he/she is not in the minority. NE Pride TV does this (virtually) and points to local events/venues where you can feel at home with strangers. For a similar reason, LGBTQ+ websites are still going strong and big sites like The Huffington Post have whole sections dedicated to LGBTQ+ issues.

People in our community have come to the realization that everyone comes out at different ages. People come out for a variety of reasons, including the desire for others to know their true self. When they decide to come out, they want to be around others like themselves. Often, that desire occurs before they can even acknowledge it to themselves or others. See below for local groups and events where you can be around LGBTQ+ people!

Worcester Pride
Organizational Meeting
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. April 5
WHERE: 35 Harvard St., Worcester

Worcester Pride
Team Meeting
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. April 19
WHERE: Wyked Java, 108 Water St., Worcester
MORE INFO: worcesterpride.org

Faithful In Today’s World – An LGBTQ Open House
WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 2
WHERE: Congregational Church of Grafton, 30 Grafton Common, Grafton
MORE INFO: uccgrafton.org/lgbtq-open-house

Night Out with Dance Around Sound (21+)
WHEN: April 7
WHERE: MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St., Worcester
MORE INFO: mblounge.com

Girls Meet Girls! Speed Dating (21+)
WHEN: April 14
WHERE: MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St., Worcester
MORE INFO: mblounge.com

MB Auction Memorabilia (21+)
WHEN: April 19
WHERE: MB Lounge, 40 Grafton St., Worcester
MORE INFO: mblounge.com

Worcester Gay Professionals (18+)
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. April 13
WHERE: Bocado, 82 Winter St., Worcester
In spite of the name of the group, LGBTQ+ and allies are welcome!

MAMHC Annual Conference
WHEN: 8 a.m. April 14
WHERE: College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester
MORE INFO: eldermentalhealth.org

AirSpray Queer Dance Party (21+)
WHEN: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 15
WHERE: Electric Haze, 26 Milbury St., Worcester
MORE INFO: facebook.com/ElectricHaze

Rainbow Readers Group (13-18)
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. April 15
WHERE: Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St., Worcester
MORE INFO: Rainbowreadersmass@gmail.com

TDance! by Dance Away Sound (21+)
WHEN: 4-8 p.m. April 9
WHERE: Beatnik’s, 435 Park Ave., Worcester
MORE INFO: danceawaysound.com

Worcester Pride Art Show
WHEN: 1-5 p.m. April 24
WHERE: Electric Haze, 26 Milbury St., Worcester
MORE INFO: worcesterpride.org or worcesterpride@gmail.com