Television and media outlets have long boasted a reputation for giving a voice to the voiceless. Now, the LGBTQ community has a new forum for expression with New England Pride TV. Hosted by New England’s very own Entertainer of the Year, Dale LePage, New England Pride TV promises to give an important voice to the LGBTQ community and its supporters.

The goal of the show is to “inform, entertain and make people aware of the issues members of the LGBTQ community face,” LePage said. As an active member of the entertainment community, LePage said his inspiration for creating a show of this nature is one of compassion.

“I have found that the LGBTQ community is a wonderful, supportive environment,” said LePage. “I wanted to give New England an outlet for what is going on with issues of this sort in all of New England, so we can all be supportive to each other.” This sentiment is certainly felt in the impact the show hopes to make, as it is a show for everyone, not just LGBTQ-identifying individuals.

The structure of the show is set to be a 30-minute program connecting Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island with the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ community. Local television stations and web sources alike will have access to this very necessary and unique broadcast.

Guests and topics discussed on the show will vary. Notable segments will include a transgender guest who will discuss transition and its obstacles, as well as a young woman talking about the importance of having a Gay Straight Alliance in her high school. On a more light-hearted note, the show will also review restaurants and LGBTQ nightlife.

“Talking to people about the LGBTQ nightlife made me realize that there is more to their community than just bars,” LePage stated. “This is what initially got me looking into making a TV show about the LGBTQ community, and I couldn’t find a single one. It was a major issue; I had found a void.”

Determined to make a change, LePage was met with tremendous support for his endeavor. “There has been so much support and pride in Boston, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Worcester,” said LePage. “I am especially proud that this show has started in Worcester.”

After doing subsequent research on the plight of members of the LGBTQ community, LePage was discouraged by how little attention issues received. Yet, once he got the show into early stages of production, he began to uncover the endearing stories from the LGBTQ community, including “amazing musicians, supportive teachers and successful Gay Straight Alliance actions.”

However, the underlying message LePage hopes that New England Pride TV will effectively convey to the public is simply that “gay rights are human rights.” From an unprecedentedly high suicide rate among LGBTQ teens to limited access to support networks, LePage said, “There is so much about growing up gay that is an issue.” He hopes that members of the LGBTQ community and their supporters can reach out to and find solace in New England Pride. It is a safe place, filled with uplifting fun, heartbreaking sorrow and heartwarming inspiration.

“The biggest honor is to be part of the community,” LePage said.

Luckily, we will all have the opportunity to be proud of being a part of that community with New England Pride TV.

New England Pride TV airs the second Monday of the month on local cable stations and by streaming on Facebook. it is available on demand st newenglandpridetv.com. For more, visit New England Pride TV’s Facebook page.

By Zac Martucelli