John Trobaugh
SHADES represents intersectionality in the LGBTQIA+ community of color.
Last September, Bri Brewer, Chair of the SHADES Sub-Committee, had an idea to create a space for intersectional identities. In the diversity studies world, “intersectional identities” refers to the fact that people identify as more than one thing at the same time. One doesn’t walk into a room only identifying as their sexual orientation, but also their gender identity and, of course, their color.
We in the LGBTQIA+ community pride ourselves on being inclusive, but sadly we fall short. This is especially true when it comes to the inclusion of people of color or those who do not identify as White in our culture. Brewer said, “Worcester is such a multicultural city! It has been for quite a while, that is why we feel the time is right, especially in the current political climate, locally as well as nationally.”
Brewer said that there were others before her who tried to be inclusive as well. When Brewer pitched the idea of a Pride sub-committee to Worcester Pride, the committee was onboard. By February of this year, the SHADES sub-committee were having regular meetings and planning action. The name SHADES refers to the variety, or “shades” of the people of color they hope to represent. The sub-committee created their mission and values statement and have been mapping out events throughout the year to promote inclusion.
“We are proud to be able to support the multitude of communities that make up the LGBT+ People of Color populace of Worcester. We are looking forward to the discussions, events, and memories that we will make together,” said Brewer. She went on to say that they as a committee want to thank the community for giving Pride a second chance and that SHADES is not just a space for people of color, but also for allies.
They want to highlight cultural holidays as well as have events and educational offerings that are relevant to the LGBTQIA+ People of Color community. The main event they are planning for Pride Week is a commUNITY mixer with the theme of “there is no community without unity.”
Brewer and the team she has assembled want people to know that they are welcome no matter what their intersectional identity is, but that people have to be willing to work together in unity. She said, “We want the community to know we have heard you, and we have created a space where you are welcome…free of bias.”
Their meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Pathways for Change. If you would like more information please contact them at ShadesWP@gmail.com