Pittsfield — Berkshire Pride held an open house for its new office on Thursday, August 31.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started in 2017 with its annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival and Parade, which is held every June. The organization has eventually grown to over 1,000 members and now offers classes and events throughout the year, including a certified safe-space project educational program, along with support groups and other educational programs.
According to the organization’s website, the mission of Berkshire Pride is to “meet the needs of and provide opportunities and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Berkshires.” The new office for Berkshire Pride is in the office building at 34 Depot Street.
“This office will be a hub for LGBTQIA+ and our allies,” organization Executive Director Cass Santos-China said. “Having access to services and a place to congregate is very important. We have been working since May to renovate and clean up the space to meet all of our needs.” In addition to a classroom, Santos-China said that Berkshire Pride will also eventually open a sensory room for young people who have sensory preferences and needs.
“The main mission of our organization is to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals for them to live their lives authentically all year long, not just Pride Month in June,” Berkshire Pride Board President Michael Taylor said. “I think that opening this space up further shows our commitment to sharing these spaces and being aligned with our mission. Opening this office is a real milestone for us because our organization continues to grow, and we hope the community grows with us.”
Santos-China said that the organization has two full-time employees, along with a board of directors and up to 30 volunteers who work with the organization throughout the year. “Berkshire Pride is all about community, including having a safe space for the community that’s all-inclusive that can educate people,” organization committee member Casi Kristant said. “Having an office right in the middle of the city provides Pittsfield a safe space that it has been needing. Now the organization has a hub and a home where we can all come together.”
For more information about Berkshire Pride, go to its website.
