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“This gives them a safe place to discuss challenges and ask questions, and empower them to embrace their authentic selves, whatever that looks like for them,” said Heather Strout, the center’s executive director.

LEAD activities include game days, guest speakers, field trips, queer sex education, intimate partner violence prevention and safer online and social media practices with several workshops from Planned Parenthood and the East Bay Community Action Program, Trans Whole Healthcare Program. Last year, 125 people participated in at least one of the programs.

“LEAD participants can mostly expect programming to revolve around community building and engagement, which includes safely finding joy in engaging with other kids from the LGBTQIA+ community,” Strout said.

Newport Community School

The Newport Community School will use its grant to support its PROWD! and Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) programs at Thomson Middle School and Rogers High School.

Facilitated by Thomson’s school-based social worker, the after school PROWD! Program promotes health and mental health in Thomson students who identify as LGBTQ+. Students will attend awareness events, design inclusivity flags, make and distribute “PROUD! To be an Ally” pins and participate in a variety of social and cultural trips sponsored or supported by the LGBTQ+ community.

“Now more than ever, LGBTQ++ individuals are being targeted by bigoted laws and policies, which requires everyone to strengthen their advocacy practices. Research shows that programs, partnerships, practices and curricula that center queer and trans people benefit heterosexual and cisgender people too,” Tracy Shea from the Newport Community School said.

Guided by Rogers’ school-based social worker, the GSA is an after-school, student-run organization that unites LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities.

“The GSA over the years has evolved beyond the traditional role to create safe spaces for LGBTQ++ youth at Rogers and has emerged as a vehicle for deep social change related to racial, gender and educational justice,” Shea said.

Newport Pride

Newport Pride will use its grant to support Queer Connections. The program aims to foster and strengthen queer connections through group activities including playing games, discussing literature and watching movies.

“It’s all about having a great time while connecting with like-minded individuals,” Executive Director Daniel Cano said. “We take immense pride in creating a safe and welcoming space for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community to process, express themselves and find support. Your presence matters. Together, we’re building a stronger and more connected LGBTQIA+ community.”

More than 70 percent of the participants live in Newport County, according to Newport Pride. The monthly attendance is usually 10–15 participants, with at least 70 percent attending three or more sessions yearly.

“We take on the challenges of isolation and lack of community faced by LGBTQ people in Newport County. The program empowers and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community by providing a safe, calm, creative and fun environment where they can connect, network and grow,” said
Cano Restrepo, of Newport Pride.

Newport Sings

Newport Sings will use its grant to support Quorus, Newport’s first and only LGBTQIA+ chorus. Founded in 2023, the group performs a variety of music including pop, jazz, and music from all over the world. No previous musical or singing experience is necessary, and there is no audition to participate.

“We offer a safe and joyful space for members of the queer community to connect and sing together,” founder and Artistic Director Elizabeth Woodhouse said. “Singers have the opportunity to explore and develop their unique voice as well as learn skills to become more confident musicians, no matter what their previous musical experience.”

Quorus rehearses from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Mondays at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. Members come from Newport County and nearby communities, including Bristol, North Kingstown and South Kingstown.

In addition to its upcoming winter concert on Dec. 15 at the Calvary United Methodist Church, karaoke style singalongs are scheduled throughout the year and are open to everyone.

“All are welcome to join us for a joy-filled evening of singing, sharing, and community-building,” Woodhouse said. “We discover the joy and power of singing in community with others. Our singers have the opportunity to explore and develop their unique voice, as well as learn skills to become more confident musicians, no matter what their previous musical experience.”

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