Julie Walker
This fall, Worcester’s LGBTQ+ community has plenty of reasons to come together – from celebrating resilience and supporting asylum seekers to making new connections over games and welcoming a new queer gathering space.
The LGBT Asylum Task Force will host its 10th Annual Gala, GALA ’26: We Persist, Saturday, Oct. 10, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at Mechanics Hall. The evening will bring together asylum seekers, volunteers and supporters for fundraising, community and solidarity. As LGBTQ and immigrant rights, as well as access to asylum face continued challenges, the Task Force remains committed to protecting LGBTQ asylum seekers as they build new lives. Ten years of annual Galas have amplified their voices and highlighted their experiences, making this year’s theme — We Persist — especially meaningful.
Looking for a little friendly competition? Queer Scouts Worcester hosts its monthly Gayme Night on Oct. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. upstairs at Whole Foods Market, 193 Boston Turnpike Road in Shrewsbury. Bring your game face for board games, card games and quality time with good people.
A new queer space is on the horizon! Vice Worcester, opening this fall, will welcome gay, trans and bi patrons with a bar, events and an emphasis on nonalcoholic beverages. Plans include drag brunches, Latin dance nights, open mics, game nights, sober Sundays and more.
Together, these events and spaces reflect a community that continues to create connection, celebrate identity and — above all — persist.
Julie Walker (she/her), M.Ed., is a freelance writer, LGBTQ+ community advocate, and the creator and manager of @queerworcester (IG).