Join Queerly ME and BRIDGE Maine for a day of discussions and activities centering LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities in Maine.

The event will include the following:

• 12PM-1PM: A panel discussion made up of 4-5 panelists who are LGBTQIA+ with a disability to discuss their experience with accessibility in outdoor spaces and LGBTQIA+ spaces. The format of this panel will be question and answer.

• 2PM-3PM: A community forum made up of small breakout groups (roughly 4-5 people per group). Facilitators will provide discussion prompts related to the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities. We will note suggestions / feedback on how to improve community space, and broadcast calls to action via social media after the program ends. There will be a notetaker in place for each group.

All Day (10am-4pm), we will have:

• A small resource table area in the lobby of the venue. We plan to partner with organizations that serve those with disabilities and organizations that provide accessible programs for LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities.

• A low sensory room made up of quiet activities, fidget toys and crafts, low light / tent and cushion areas.

• Outdoor equipment demo stations: we will have a few organizations demoing adaptive outdoor equipment for those with limited mobility who want to access outdoor recreation.

• Socializing / Networking outdoors between participants, facilitators, panelists, etc. throughout the day.

If you have the capacity and means, consider donating $35-$50 (our standard sliding scale for day programs) to support Queerly ME's mission to foster strong support networks and strengthen community belonging and the continuation of these spaces. These programs are only possible with the support of community members, organizations, and businesses. Thank you for your support and generosity as we strive to make the outdoors more accessible in Maine!

About Our Program Partner:

BRIDGE Maine is a disabled and queer peer-to-peer support group that aims to build and maintain relationships by and for multi-marginalized disabled people that protect and prioritize the community’s collective well-being.