I like to give a shout out to the Boston Gay for Good chapter every once in awhile to remind people about this amazing group (which is now active in 20 cities around the country). Each month G4G Boston organizes a variety of volunteering opportunities for LGBTQ+ community members and their friends.
The Boston chapter is particularly active and provides an opportunity to meet people and socialize while volunteering. It’s a great way to give back and meet some wonderful people. Please note that these opportunities do fill up quickly so RSVP your intentions if something looks interesting and you have time to volunteer.
Below are volunteering programs G4G Boston has scheduled for the month of February.
February, 13 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm Drag Bingo! Benefiting G4G Hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at Club Cafe
February 14 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm Mail Books to Incarcerated Prison Book Program – in Quincy
February 17 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm Serving Food to the Hungry Friday Night Summer Program on Arlington St in Boston
February 18 | 8:00am – noon Distribute Food to a Community in Need St. Luke’s Food Pantry in Chelsea
February 28 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm Distribute Food to a Community in Need Cradles to Crayons in Newtonville
Boston Pride Hockey’s “Pick-Up Pass” is back this winter for all of you who like to skate. The pass allows you to skate through April 6th at the Simoni Skating Rink in Cambridge each Thursday night.
This is a great way to get out, meet people and be more active during the winter months. For more information about Boston Pride Hockey and their annual winter skating at Simoni Skating Rink in Cambridge visit, bostonpridehockey.org/pick-up.
Registration for The Frozen Unicorn 2023 is now open.
Boston Pride Hockey is excited to announce New England’s LGBTQ+ 2nd annual pond hockey tournament will take place January 20 – 22, 2023 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont. This year’s outdoor hockey tournament will expand and include players from beyond New England to include players from across the United States and Canada.
All skill levels are welcome to participate in the tournament. A draft party will be held at 8pm on Friday January 20th, and games will begin the morning of Saturday, January 21st at 8am, concluding 3pm on Sunday, January 22nd.
For more information about registration, logistics and additional events planned for the tournament are available on the event website, bostonpridehockey.org/frozenunicorn2023.
The Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner has recently undergone a significant expansion, giving them more space for more inventory and more programming like their new monthly Queer Book Club which begins this month on Monday.
The Brookline Booksmith Queer Book Club is a monthly book discussion group focusing on queer authors and stories. Each month the club will meet to discuss books from a broad spectrum of writing genres, styles, and authorship. One needtn’t identfiy as queer to attend – all are welcome to attend, and no registration is needed.
The newly formed club will meet in person at Brookline Booksmith on the first Monday of every month at 7pm. Their first meeting, will discuss Andrea Lawlor’s Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl, is tomorrow, Monday, 11/7 at 7pm.
Did you know that Boston founded the Gay Speakers Bureau just a couple years following the Stonewall Rebellion, to give our community a voice and through that voice, help open minds? For the past 50 years SpeakOUT Boston speakers have continued that tradition. This year’s milestone anniversary will be celebrated by recognizing the work that Warren Blumenfeld and Michael Bobbitt have done to help amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized communities.
Warren Blumenfeld has had a long career as a social justice activist and academic and currently teaches at UMass Amherst. He and another speaker, Diane Raymond, co-wrote the first gay and lesbian textbook used at the college level, Looking at Gay and Lesbian Life. His books include Homophobia: How We all Pay the Price and The What, the So What and the Now What of Social Justice Education.
Michael Bobbitt is the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) and is on the board of the New England Foundation for the Arts. His earlier years in the arts were as a playwright, director, and choreographer with productions at Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Kennedy Center and many other stages. Michael has been at the forefront of challenging the arts administration field to build anti-racist practices and policies and to create more inclusive arts organizations.
The annual Mass Bears and Cubs competition to name this year’s Mr. Boston Bear and Cub will take place next month in October and interested contestants should sign up now.
The competition provides contestants with the opportunity to make new friends, meet and interact with the greater community, showcase their talents, express their interests, show their support for the LGBTQ+ and Bear community. Mr. Boston Bear/Cub earns the opportunity to proudly represent Mass Bears and Cubs over the coming year and serves as the “MBC Ambassador” to Boston’s LGBTQ+ community.
This year the winner of Mr. Boston Bear and Mr. Boston Cub will earn $500 in cash prizes with the first runner up also winning $250. For more details about Mass Bears and Cubs competition and to register as a contestant visit the link below.
With the influx of so many new residents at the start of each academic year, I like to update and share this post. If you are new to the area or looking to meet more people outside of a bar setting, the groups listed below might be a good first step.
If you don’t see relevant or up-to-date information in the links shared below, contact me, and I can help find a contact for that group to learn more.
BAGLY is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs and policies for gay youth (volunteers are always welcome).
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Auditions will be held January 19 and 23, 2022.
Boston Gay Men’s Books Club is monthly book club on MeetUp that focuses on literature by and about gay men. Their next MeetUp is on 9/19 at the BPL to discuss Virology by Joseph Osmundson.
Boston Gaymers is a thriving gaymer community, that holds various in-person and virtual events to bring together members and to have fun.
Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation creates safe spaces for events to help build lasting relationships by breaking the cycle of disfunction in marginalized communities and helping to make medical and mental health awareness a priority to help lift up the black / brown / latino LGBTQ+ inner city community.
Boston Prime Timersis a social organization of mature gay and bisexual men and their friends who join together for educational, support, and social activities.
Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence an areligious Order of Queer, Clown Nuns who pledge to promulgate joy and to eliminate stigmatic guilt by volunteering, activism, entertaining, and educating people.
Boston Sober Gay Sundays is a private FB group that organizes social events for people who identify as sober in the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about the group, members, and activities they organize by requesting to join the group.
Dignity Boston is a progressive, inclusive community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics and their allies.
Fenway Healthhas been serving the local LGBT community for more than 40 years; the Fenway and AAC are always looking for volunteers.
Gay Beer Club is a Boston based organization that produces events and gatherings for members of the gay community.
Gay For Goodmobilizes the LGBT community to interact with the greater community by volunteering their time with different monthly activities.
Gays for Patsy is a country western dancing club that meets weekly on Sundays at the Calvary Church, 300 Mass. Ave. 6:30-8:30 pm. The first hour is for beginners.
History Project is a volunteer-driven organization established in 1980 that focuses on preserving the history of Boston’s LGBT community to make it accessible to future generations.
Keshet works to ensure the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families. The group also create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued and work to advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
LGBT Elders of Color is a local group that conducts outreach to isolated LGBT older adults of color who build community through events, creative programs.
Mass Asian & Pacific Islanders (MAP)is a group that provide health counseling & support, referral & screening services, as well as general health promotion and advocacy for APIs in the Boston metro area and beyond.
Mass Bears & Cubs is a non-profit corporation, organized to provide and promote an inclusive LGBT+ community through charitable fund raising and other community events.
Men of Melanin Magic is an active social group for those who identify as queer men of color. They host an annual Men of Color Weekend in Provincetown and co-host Bussdown Fridays with Gay Mafia Boston at Legacy each Friday night.
Mountain Tops if you like to get out and hike, check out this gay hiking group in Boston that organizes trips and hikes regularly.
Naked Yoga for Men Naked Yoga For Men has been meeting since January 2000. For most of its history it has met twice per week.
Non-Scene Gay Friends of Greater Boston is a place for the LGBTQ+ community to hang out, make friends, explore Boston, and have fun doing a wide variety of activities typically separate from the gay bar “scene.”
Opus Affairwhile not exclusively a LGBTQ+ organization, it draws many from the community and is probably best known for their monthly cocktail parties to help raise money for local arts organizations.
OUTbreathoffers a safe space for those who identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning to come together to explore the practice of meditation and support each other in community.
Queer Boston Board Gamersis a friendly LGBTQ+ meet up group that connects regularly to play board games.
Yankee Cruising Clubbrings LGBTQ+ boaters together to meet, make friends and most importantly get out on the water. You don’t need to have a boat to join – just a passion for boating.
Apologies if I have overlooked any gay organizations in the area. Add information in the comments section or reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to add your group to this list.
The Providence Gay Flag Football league is hosting what looks like a very fun fundraiser this Saturday (August 13th). The party will include a drag show (starts at 8PM!) and an outdoor block party.
Dark Lady will play host to this indoor / outdoor party that will help raise money to help support the Providence Lobsters who will be playing in this year’s Gay Bowl XXII in October.
HELMETS & HEELS drag show and block party Saturday, Aug 13 7PM
Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have extended their deadline for organizations to submit requests for their Spring Grant Ceremony which will take place later this year at a date and time to be determined due to the fucking ongoing pandemic.
The grants range from $250 – $1,000 and are designed to help smaller not-for-profits that are often overlooked. To date, Boston’s convent has distributed more than $25,000. Interested? Grab your grant form here at bottom of page.
Criteria For Consideration
To be considered for a grant, the not-for-profit’s mission and planned use of grant funds must be used to improve / benefit the Boston community and build cooperative, cordial and supportive relationships in our community in one or more ways as described below:
• Alleviating economic and/or social disadvantage to members of the community • Providing for the health & welfare of the LGBT community • Promoting awareness of personal health and healthy living • Prevention & education of health issues impacting LGBT community • Providing resources, support or care to those with disease / disability • Supporting / advancing human rights equality and dignity for all • Providing for the free expression of human sexuality, conditions, aspirations, and spirit through visual and/or performance arts • Must be incorporated as a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation • Grant funds must be submitted correctly, in its entirety
For questions, clarification or to submit your form for consideration e-mail grants@thebostonsisters.org or send your grant request via snail mail to:
The Boston Sisters Attn: Mistress of Grants 20 Daniels St Unit# 120 Malden, MA 02148
Here is the link to the web page with the grant form (scroll to the bottom of the page to download and fill out). The deadline has been extended to Monday, January 31, 2022 by 11:59pm.
After last year’s hiatus, I wanted to resume my tradition of sharing a calendar of ski weeks organized here in New England and North America. However, it goes without saying that you should continue to check ahead because of COVID.
Here is the 2022 calendar of gay ski celebrations as the circuit moves from beaches to slopes. I also want to give OutRyders – New England’s largest gay ski club a shout out to those in the area. If I’ve missed a ski week, please share in the comments.
Aspen Gay Ski Week: January 16-23, 2022 This week long celebration is the biggest and oldest of its kind starting back in 1977 and has grown significantly over the years.
Winter Rendezvous at Stowe, VT: January 19-23, 2022 This is New England’s largest (and longest running) gay ski week. Boston’s gay ski club, OutRyders (mentioned above) will help members organize and logistics.
Pride “WOW” weekend at Sunday River, ME: February 4– 6, 2022 Hosted by OutRyders this weekend is light on programming and heavy on getting outside to enjoy the snow. This is mostly attended by the New England LGBTQ community.
Elevation Tremblant Gay Ski Week takes place in late January in Quebec, but it will not occur this year. The website indicates this fun gay ski week will return in 2023.
Big Gay Jay Weekend at Jay’s Peak, VT no word on if this annual ski weekend run by The OutRyders at Jay’s Peak in southern Vermont will occur but it typically takes place in March.
For all of you who may be contemplating New Year’s resolutions that push you to meet more people in 2022, Stonewall Sports Boston’s announcement that they are bringing back their billiards league in January might be the perfect way to do just that.
Team up with friends or register on your own as a “free agent”. Members of the league are there to have fun, meet people and make friends. All skill levels are welcome. Games will be played on Monday nights at Scholars in Downtown Crossing.
Billiards registration closes on December 24th! To register or for more details about the league which starts January 24th is available on Stonewall Boston’s website.
The BPH Inclusive Hockey League (IHL) was formed this past fall and it has been a tremendous success thus far. The first season of this new league will begin next month on January 2, 2022. For those who would like to learn more or to sign up, be sure to check the link below and share with friends who may also be interested. Sign up deadline is Sunday, Dec. 19th.
IHL 2022 Winter/Spring Season January 2nd – April 3rd $150 or monthly payment plan (sign up deadline is December 19th)
Boston Pride Hockey (BPH) has announced they would host their first pond hockey tournament in January. The outdoor tournament will be held January 28-30, 2022 on Chalk Pond in Newbury, NH. Registration is now open.
Team draft and kick off party will take place on Friday, January 28th and the games will begin Saturday, January 29th in the morning concluding in the afternoon on Sunday, January 30th. BPH is limiting registration to current BPH members only. If you would like to join BPH, check out one of our Thursday night scrimmages here.
Mr. Boston Bear / Cub competition: October 15 – 17, 2021
This year both the winner and runner-up for the titles of Mr. Boston Bear and Mr. Boston Cub will earn cash prizes ($500 and $250 respectively). The competition weekend is a friendly, fun annual event that begins on Friday, October 15th with a meet and greet at the Alley. The competition is held the following evening and victory celebrations on Sunday include brunch and the Bear Tea Dance at Club Cafe to close out the weekend of celebrations.
If you’d like to learn more about the competition and contestant requirements, visit the online application site. You can also learn more about the Mass Bears & Cubs – one of Boston’s friendliest group of guys you’ll meet by visiting, facebook.com/MassBearsAndCubs.
Tomorrow, FLAG Flag Football hosts their FUNdraiser, Dudes-n-Drag. This year’s theme is Kings & Queens of the Desert and the event will take place in Boston’s Theater District at Venu starting at 7PM. Tickets to the event are $20 and can be purchased online. For more information about this year’s event or to purchase tickets, click the button below.
BosGuy 