Welcome to the website of the Arlington, Massachusetts, LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission. Town Meeting established the Commission in 2017, Commission meetings began the following March, and Arlington held its first Pride event in June 2018.

Who we are

The Rainbow Commission is a volunteer group of residents, appointed by the Town, to promote full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups through affirming policies and programs, resources, advocacy and community building. The Town works to have Commission membership be equitable and inclusive. All are welcome to apply. Applicants who can bring experience and knowledge from communities not currently represented on the Commission would help the Commission better represent the wonderful diversity within Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ community. The Commission usually meets on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid fashion. We are in person at the Arlington Community Center in the second floor Health and Human Services conference room and we are online via Zoom. Visit the town information page for the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission for the most up to date meeting information and to register to attend online.

The best way to get involved with us is by coming to our meetings, our events, or volunteering to work with us. Stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

Local LGBTQIA+ Events

Please see our recent newsletters for an up-to-date listing of upcoming events. All meetings and events hosted by the Rainbow Commission (not cosponsorships) are open to the public and accessible. Please contact rainbow@town.arlington.ma.us if you need accommodations. We regret that we generally do not provide ASL interpretation or assistive listening devices. We need at least 2 weeks notice to line up an ASL interpreter.