Middletown LGBTQI+ Commission approves October events, amends game-night contract and adds financial Q&A safe space

The Middletown LGBTQI+ Commission voted Sept. 17 to approve a series of community events for LGBTQ+ History Month, amend a café contract for recurring game nights to include gratuity, and add a new financial Q&A “safe space” to its calendar.

Chair Brianna Bloom Scavero opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m., noting the session was being recorded. Commissioners approved the minutes from Aug. 20, 2025, and then moved through a block of event proposals that drew brief presentations and clarifying questions from commissioners.

The commission approved an amended contract for the recurring game night at a local café after staff explained billing tiers (baseline billing for up to roughly 0–39 people and increased pricing for larger capacities) and a proposed gratuity to better support café workers. The amendment to the contract was moved by Commissioner Jen Billingsley and seconded by Commissioner Beth Shapiro; the chair called the vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Middletown Pride also approved a National Coming Out Day recording and photography event scheduled Oct. 3 at Harbor Park (indoor backup if needed), a family-friendly all-ages trivia night at the recreation center (Oct. 3, budgeted at $550 with $150 for gift-card prizes and $400 for refreshments), and a Caribbean-themed trivia sponsorship at La Boca (dates subject to venue availability). Each event was presented with its purpose, expected attendance or capacity, and basic budget information; motions to approve were made and seconded and passed without opposition.

Commissioners heard from Steph Deneen of Wesleyan about an Oct. 10 stargazing event at the Van Lehi Observatory that would include telescopes, science talks and paid student staffing; commissioners approved commission participation and outreach at the event. Deneen described the program as “an inclusive night for everybody in our community to come and see some cool stuff if the telescopes are able to be used,” and confirmed students would be paid for their staffing time.

Sean Holmes, a member of the public, proposed a biweekly peer-led support group for bisexual, queer and questioning men beginning Oct. 14 at the Russell Library and requested a one-time $50 contribution for snacks; commissioners approved the $50 and offered support for outreach.

The commission also agreed to sponsor a no-cost webinar, proposed for Oct. 16, presented by the city police department on the distinction between protected and unprotected speech; commissioners confirmed the webinar will include a moderator and a Q&A format.

Kristen Jensen requested the earlier amendment to the agenda so she could present a proposed financial Q&A safe-space—one-on-one appointments and flexible scheduling at Park On Main with optional ASL interpretation. Jensen told commissioners she hoped the sessions would cover budgeting, credit scores and first-time home-buyer information; the commission approved adding the item and supporting a no-cost option if a credit union covered beverage costs.

Votes at a glance: - Amend agenda to add Kristen Jensen’s financial Q&A safe space: moved by Dolly Haddad; seconded by Angela Crow; outcome: approved (motion to amend agenda passes). - Approve amended café contract for recurring game nights (including gratuity): moved by Jen Billingsley; seconded by Beth Shapiro; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve National Coming Out Day recording/photography (Oct. 3; Harbor Park; $1,400): moved by Katie Merritt; seconded by Angela Crow; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve all-ages trivia (Oct. 3; recreation center; $550 total): moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve Caribbean-themed trivia sponsorship (date/venue TBD; La Boca; $150 in gift cards): moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve Wesleyan stargazing outreach and participation (Oct. 10): moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve biweekly bi/queer/queer-questioning men support group (Russell Library; one-time $50): moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve police-hosted webinar on hate speech vs. First Amendment (Oct. 16; virtual; no cost): moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve addition of Kristen Jensen’s financial Q&A program (safe space; ASL interpreter options discussed): moved by Dolly Haddad; seconded by Katie Merritt; outcome: approved unanimously.

Commissioners also adopted an internal social-media promotion policy that limits Middletown Pride accounts to promoting events it organizes or sponsors; the policy empowers the social media manager and commission leadership to request revisions or decline posts not aligned with the organization’s mission. Chair Bloom Scavero asked commissioners to submit graphics and registration details promptly so events can be promoted in the commission newsletter and website.

The meeting ended with announcements, a recap of a recent town-hall on protecting gender-affirming care, and recognition that Middletown Pride will be honored Oct. 4 by the Triangle Community Center for advocacy on gender-affirming care. The commission adjourned at 8:05 p.m.