Charles O’Donnell

As the leaves continue to change color and Autumn’s chill fills the air, Worcester’s vibrant queer community is gearing up for an exciting season filled with artistry, fall fashion, spooky drag and Halloween festivities alike. This fall, we shine a spotlight on the inspiring success stories that continue to flourish within our queer community, showcasing Worcester’s remarkable talent, creativity, and unity that make Worcester, ‘the Heart of the Commonwealth.’

In the realm of art and fashion, some of Worcester’s queer designers worked alongside Project Runway alumni to make cosmic waves, stealing the spotlight with a dazzling art and fashion design show, QueerAF: Art & Fashion, “ I am a Galaxy ”. This cosmic fundraiser was to support the LGBTQ+ youth charity, ‘Love Your Labels’. Worcester’s very own “Met Gala” gathered hundreds of community members, models, talented artists, and fierce drag queens for a stellar night at Mechanics Hall. Body positivity and embracing the expression of one’s gender identity and creativity, filled the air and reminded us that authenticity is our greatest strength. 

Following this spectacular event was Worcester’s Pride Festival with a wide array of vendors lining Worcester Common and part of Main Street, offering everything from rainbow-themed merchandise to local artists and treats. The main stage featured electrifying performances that left the crowd dancing, cheering, and shedding tears of love and happiness. The pride celebrations continued at Femme Bar’s first T-dance and the annual MB Pride Block Party. Worcester’s largest weekend of pride closed out with a comically fabulous drag brunch at the Wormtown Brewery, in support of Mass Equality. 

Leading us into the artistic beauty of Fall was stART on the Street, Worcester’s largest art, music and performance festival, with over 250 artists, food trucks and local businesses, closing a portion of Park Avenue. If you missed it, make sure to stop into Union Station for stART at the Station in December at Union Station. But in the meantime, don’t miss out on the revival of Worcester Drag Gauntlet if you want to see a drag battle like none other with Worcester’s fiercest queens creating and performing for the title at Electric Haze, on Friday October 20th.

Halloween weekend is just around the corner and Worcester has never been spookier and more fabulous with  ghoulishly glamorous festivities at MB Lounge, Worcester’s oldest operating gay bar, where the spirits are high, and the costumes are out of this world. But that’s not all; Worcester now boasts its newest Lesbian bar, Femme, which promises an enchanting Halloween experience like no other. Grab your favorite costume and let your true self shine as you dance the night away.As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, let’s remember the importance of connecting with our friends and families. This fall go apple picking, take cozy hayrides, and enjoy pumpkin-spiced everything together. 

Our queer community in Worcester continues to grow, not only in numbers but in the depth of its connections. By supporting local artists, attending pride events, and participating in inclusive spaces, we foster an environment of acceptance and love. As we embark on this exciting fall journey, let’s take the opportunity to reflect on our progress and look forward to an even brighter future. Together, we can keep building a community that thrives on diversity, resilience, and unity. This fall, embrace the season with open hearts, forge new connections, and continue to nurture our community’s growth. As we come together, we can make this fall a season to remember, filled with love, acceptance, and endless possibilities.