Live Out Loud Berkshires LGBTQIA+ Conference Returns
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The 11th annual Live Out Loud Berkshires Conference, an event dedicated to strengthening understanding, visibility, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community in Berkshire County, will take place Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main St., North Adams.
The free, public conference will bring together community members, students, advocates and allies for a day of conversation, workshops and networking.
This year's theme focuses on intergenerational collaboration, highlighting how different generations of LGBTQIA+ community members share stories, knowledge and leadership.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and attendees can explore a community resource fair featuring local organizations and support services.
Featured sessions will include:
- An intergenerational panel discussion with members of Q-MoB, Rainbow Seniors and youth from the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
- A conversation on preserving LGBTQIA+ stories through arts communities
- A discussion exploring the evolution and impact of identity labels within the LGBTQIA+ community
- A panel examining how local businesses, organizations and political leaders have helped shape the queer movement in the Berkshires
- A Youth Space featuring low-sensory and craft activities
The conference also highlights the work of undergraduate students from Berkshire Community College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, alongside workshop facilitators from across the region. Organizers say their participation reflects the event's central goal of fostering visibility, empowerment and belonging across generations.
"Live Out Loud brings together local queer folks of all walks of life — from young to old, Berkshire natives to newcomers," said Jay Miller, a past workshop facilitator and organizing committee member. "It's a space to embrace our diverse community while being uniquely tied to our region, and a great way to meet and connect with other LGBTQIA+ people who share the experience of rural New England life."
First launched in 2014, Live Out Loud was created to address the challenges of building LGBTQIA+ community in a rural region. Today, the conference continues to provide a space for participants to build connections, share experiences and strengthen networks of support across Berkshire County.
The event is organized through a long-standing partnership between Berkshire Community College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with support from community organizations including the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Berkshire Pride, Q-MoB, and Rainbow Seniors.
After the conference, attendees are encouraged to explore queer-owned businesses in downtown North Adams, some of which will offer discounts for conference participants.
Registration is encouraged at: https://liveoutloudberkshires.
