BRATTLEBORO — On the first Friday of each month, beginning Nov. 4, Marlboro College will sponsor “Friday Night (rainbow) Lights,” a drop-in group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, and questioning youth aged 20 and younger.
The social and support group will take place from 6-9 p.m. in the “Chill Room” at the Marlboro College Graduate School, 28 Vernon St.
The group will offer a place where young people can relax, watch a movie, play a board game, vent, bond, and talk about whatever they want. Pizza and soda will be provided.
Ken Schneck, Marlboro College Dean of Students, Brattleboro Selectboard Member, and local gay celebrity host of “This Show is So Gay,” has been a driving force behind creating the new program.
“This is a great opportunity for LGBTQQ youth to gather in a safe place to bring up whatever is on their minds: 'coming out,' managing stress, parents, school, relationships, or anything else they'd like to talk about,” said Schneck.
“LGBTQQ youth are not alone in their struggles and triumphs, and our hope is that we can provide a gathering place where supporting each other is the core activity,” he added. “The pizza, movies, and board games are all icing on the cake.”
Of the Marlboro College connection, Schneck says, “We work so hard at Marlboro College to create a climate where difference can be discussed and embraced, and are thrilled to offer this opportunity to the local community.”
Jodi Clark, Marlboro College Director of Housing and Residential Life, will help launch the group.
“Finding community is a critical part of feeling 'at home,'” Clark said. “For queer youth, this can be particularly challenging, as their own homes can at worst, be unsafe places where they cannot be themselves openly.”
“But even at best, it can feel very lonely, even if your family or school is supportive,” she added, calling the new program “a great opportunity for local queer youth to come together [and] socialize, in a safe and fun atmosphere that we hope will feel 'like home' in the best possible way.”
For more information, contact Ariel Brooks, director of non-degree programs, via email or call 802-451-7118. In case of inclement weather, call the Marlboro College Events line at 802-451-7151.