Rainbow Commission newsletter archive
2020
Select Board Approves Pride Proclamation
On Monday June 8, 2020, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Rainbow Commission went before the Select Board and were given approval for our June 2020 Pride Month Proclamation. Recognizing and standing in solidarity with communities of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color who continue to suffer constant injustice, we felt it important to draw the comparison with the Stonewall riots and the following fight for equality that continues to this day.
New diversity coordinator plans on making big impact in Arlington – Arlington Advocate, Jan. 8, 2020
ABC’s of LGBTQ+ Video series from ACMi
Check out this new video series called ABC’s of LGBTQ+ covering topics like legal and discrimination issues, advancing social justice, etiquette and allyship and, of course, the ABC’s of LGBTQ+, an introduction to the community. The series includes appearances by the Rainbow Commission’s Vice-Chair Andy Rubinson and LexPride’s Co-Chair Valerie Overton. There are plans for further episodes, to be conducted over video-conference.
2019
Arlington still working on improving town’s “perfect” score for LGBT equality – Arlington Advocate, Dec. 9, 2019
Rainbow Commission announces fall events – Arlington Advocate, Oct. 9, 2019
New Arlington Police Chief to be named by November – Arlington Advocate, Sept. 24, 2019 [This article mentions that the Rainbow Commission will be among the community stakeholders involved in the interview process.]
Open Town Letter from Town Manager addresses Pedrini concerns – Arlington Advocate, Aug, 9, 2019 [This article mentions that, based on a recommendation from Rainbow Commission, the Police conducted an all-staff interactive training to improve services and climate provided to the LBGTQIA+ Community.]
Arlington hiring new Diversity Coordinator – Arlington Advocate, Jul. 3, 2019
Arlington Rainbow Commission awarded Boston Pride Community Fund grant – Arlington Advocate, Apr. 15, 2019
2019 Boston Pride Community Fund Grants Announced – BostonPride.org, Apr. 10, 2019
[State] Senate passes legislation on conversion therapy, ‘Lift the Cap’ on kids, women’s health – Arlington Advocate, Apr. 2, 2019
LETTER: Rainbow Commission thanks Police Chief Ryan – Arlington Advocate, Feb. 20, 2019
Arlington names acting police chief – Arlington Advocate, Jan. 10, 2019 [This article mentions that Acting Chief Juliann Flaherty has been APD’s liaison to the Rainbow Commission.]
2018
Arlington special Town Meeting Oks recreational marijuana retailers – Arlington Advocate, Dec. 18, 2018 [This article mentions the Special Town Meeting approved expanding the Rainbow Commission to have up to 9 members.]
LETTER: Thanks for Arlington’s vote on Question 3 – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 27, 2018
Report: Arlington had 11 hate crimes last year – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 20, 2018
PHOTOS: Arlington hosts community vigil in wake of synagogue shooting – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 6, 2018
LETTER: Good to be together – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 1, 2018
Arlington Select Board, School Committee endorse ‘Yes’ on Question No. 3 – Arlington Advocate, Oct, 26, 2018
Arlington scores 98 in 2018 Municipal Equality Index – Arlington Advocate, Oct. 11, 2018
GUEST COLUMN: October LGBTQIA+ Events – Arlington Advocate, Oct. 11, 2018
Arlington’s Rainbow Commission hosts first Pride Month event – Arlington Advocate, June 11, 2018
GUEST COLUMN: Celebrating Pride in Arlington – Arlington Advocate, June 7, 2018
LETTERS: A magical Drag Prom night – Arlington Advocate, May 24, 2018
Arlington High hate graffiti suspects being offered restorative justice, school discipline – Arlington Advocate, May 21, 2018
Arlington community responds to hate graffiti at the high school – Arlington Advocate, May 4, 2018
Someone sprayed anti-gay, anti-semitic graffiti on an Arlington High parking lot – Arlington Advocate, May 2, 2018
Arlington Town Meeting approves Select Board name change, Capital Budget – Arlington Advocate, Apr. 25, 2018
Mystic LGBTQ+ awarded grant from Boston Pride – Arlington Advocate, Apr. 23, 2018
5 things to know from the Selectmen’s meeting (Members of the Rainbow Commission appointed) – Arlington Advocate, Feb. 27, 2018
2017
Arlington earns high marks on LGBT policies – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 9, 2017
Guest Column: Looking ahead with Queer Mystic – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 2, 2017
Proposed Pride Commission would serve as place where questions are answered – Arlington Advocate, Mar. 24, 2017
Growing up LGBTQ in Arlington is complex, sometimes ‘weird’ – Arlington Advocate, Jan. 10, 2017
2016
Arlington gets high marks in LGBTQ inclusiveness – Arlington Advocate, Oct. 19, 2016
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Thank you, Tim Ruggere – Arlington Advocate, July 17, 2016
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Thanks from Mystic LGBTQ+ Youth Support Network – Arlington Advocate, July 24, 2016
LGBT advocates seek dedicated space for Arlington youth – Arlington Advocate, July 14, 2016
Arlington students respond to Orlando with love-filled graffiti – Arlington Advocate, June 22, 2016
Arlington LGBT youth group to create mural for food pantry – Arlington Advocate, May 25, 2016
Resident suggests name change for Arlington Board of Selectmen – Arlington Advocate, May 24, 2016
GUEST COMMENTARY: Arlington must step up to protect our transgender neighbors – Apr. 24, 2016
GUEST COMMENTARY: With Beacon Hill failing, town must protect transgender residents – Arlington Advocate, Apr. 14, 2016
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thankful for local businesses – Arlington Advocate, Jan. 3, 2016
2015
Queer Mystic to host Arlington gala launch event – Arlington Advocate, Nov. 4, 2015
Letter to the Editor: Arts center helps more than artists – Arlington Advocate, Oct. 25, 2015
Arlington LGBTQ teens need a dedicated, welcoming space – Arlington Advocate, Mar. 10, 2015
Letter: LGBTQ youth need community support – Arlington Advocate, Mar. 10, 2015
2014
Letter: Teen librarian enthusiastic – Arlington Advocate, July 3, 2014
Celebrating a decade of same-sex marriage – Arlington Advocate, May 9, 2014
Letter: GSA thanked for hard work – Arlington Advocate, Feb. 27, 2014
LGBT group performs at Ottoson Middle School – Arlington Advocate, Jan. 3, 2014
2010
Letter: Alliance is necessary – Arlington Advocate, Dec. 16, 2010
2009
Letter: Increase understanding, inclusion – Arlington Advocate, Sep. 30, 2009