LGBTQ+ Business, Professional Leaders Networking Event
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Local LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders will gather in Pittsfield on Wednesday, May 20, to discuss the growing trend of LGBTQ+ individuals and business owners relocating to the Berkshires from across the country—and the economic, political, and demographic factors driving this migration and the intertwined departure of younger parts of the community because of rising housing prices and difficulty finding living wage work.
The community conversation and networking event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance House, located at 247 South St. in Pittsfield. It is part of an ongoing series of monthly Networking Events held on the third Wednesday of every month that brings Berkshire LGBTQ+ business, professional, and community leaders together at different queer-owned businesses to foster community, collaboration, and networking.
A central focus of the May 20 gathering will be a panel discussion led by real estate and community leaders. Panelists will examine the factors influencing LGBTQ+ people migrating to the Berkshires from major hubs like Boston and New York City and more repressive parts of the country, as well as those leaving the region.
Attendees will explore actionable ways to foster inclusive conditions that allow a diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ individuals to live, work, and thrive locally.
"In this time of tumultuous change, it's vital that our local LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals come together to support one another and work in solidarity with our many allied businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to create opportunity and community for the diverse parts of our LGBTQ community," said Bart Church, Q-MoB Executive Director.
Alexandra Eberhardt, Executive Director of the Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment regarding the region's changing demographics.
"The Berkshires are becoming a magnet for new business and innovation because diversity is a long-held value in the region AND is good for business," Eberhardt said. "We are seeing LGBTQ+ leaders moving here from more repressive parts of the country because they are not just tolerated, but welcomed. Diversity and creativity are contagious."
The event is hosted at the Renaissance House, a 1890s Victorian home currently being renovated into a multi-purpose space for creativity, community, housing, education, artistry, and activism. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, the space aims to be a center of music and creativity, uplift underrepresented voices, and contribute to downtown Pittsfield's & the Berkshire's revitalization.
The panel features the founders of the Renaissance House project & the Executive Director of the Statewide Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce:
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Keytoria Jenkins, a dedicated public servant, local postmaster, and licensed realtor. Driven by a commitment to equitable housing access, Jenkins works to guide individuals—especially those from historically marginalized communities—through the home-buying process as a pathway to financial stability. She serves on multiple committees focused on health equity and inclusion.
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Dr. Charell McFarland, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and founder of Community First Therapy and Consulting, LLC. Dr. McFarland provides mental health services across Massachusetts, Maryland, and Vermont. Her work is deeply rooted in addressing health disparities related to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
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Alex Eberhardt, Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, brings a wealth of experience in economic development, workforce pipeline building, and community leadership. She will be reflecting on the effects of LGBTQ business innovation, gentrification, demographics, and emigration in LGBTQ communities across the state.
In addition to the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, promote their businesses, and announce new offerings launching this spring and during the upcoming Pride season.
This event is jointly sponsored by Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, and Berkshire Magazine, with funding support from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
For more information, or to RSVP, click this link:https://www.eventbrite.
