LGBTQ Professionals in Vermont

Queer Connect emerged from a powerful grassroots movement in Bennington, Vermont, when LGBTQ+ youth voiced a simple but profound need: to see adults like themselves visible and active in their community. Founded by Lisa Carton in April 2019, this nonprofit organization transformed that call to action into meaningful community work, hosting Bennington's inaugural Pride Weekend just months after its inception. What started as a response to youth voices has grown into a comprehensive support network dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the Bennington area. At its core, Queer Connect is driven by a commitment to visibility, resources, and human rights advocacy. The organization prioritizes support for queer youth and their families while embracing an intersectional approach that recognizes the compounded challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people experiencing multiple forms of marginalization. Rather than operating from a top-down model, Queer Connect values the wisdom and leadership of its community members, particularly young people whose voices sparked the organization's founding. The organization's Racial Equity and Inclusion Statement reflects their dedication to doing the difficult work of community building with intention and accountability. Operating as an all-volunteer organization, Queer Connect actively invites community members to participate in their growth and evolution. For those seeking authentic connection, resources, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community in Bennington, Vermont, Queer Connect represents a grassroots movement built on listening, inclusion, and collective liberation.

Rooted in the Burlington, Vermont community, Pride Center of Vermont is dedicated to celebrating, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Vermonters. The organization's mission extends beyond individual services to encompass broader community building and social change. Pride Center of Vermont creates opportunities for connection through networking events, social gatherings, and volunteer engagement that empower community members to participate in meaningful ways. The center recognizes that involvement takes many forms—whether through volunteering time to produce community events, sponsoring programs that deliver essential services, or simply supporting the mission of advancing health, safety, and equity for LGBTQ+ Vermonters. Currently navigating a period of transition and restructuring, the Pride Center remains committed to its core values of support and advocacy. The organization's volunteer Board of Directors is working to stabilize operations, conduct community needs assessments, and reimagine services for the next generation of LGBTQ+ Vermonters. Key programs including SafeSpace (an anti-violence initiative now housed with the Vermont Network) continue to serve survivors, while the Queer Archives remain accessible through community partnerships. Pride Center of Vermont represents a vital commitment to creating a more equitable, affirming community for all LGBTQ+ individuals across Vermont.

Founded on the belief that rural places must be welcoming homes for all people regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, Out in the Open serves the Brattleboro, Vermont community and surrounding regions as a vital hub for rural LGBTQ connection and empowerment. This grassroots organization recognizes the unique challenges facing LGBTQ people in rural areas and has dedicated itself to building community, visibility, knowledge, and power through relationship-based organizing and cultural work. Out in the Open honors a tradition of radical people making radical change in their communities, understanding that the rural LGBTQ movement carries forward a legacy of resistance and resilience. The organization's vision centers on creating a resilient community of communities that works toward fundamental transformation of our economic, social, and political relationships, grounded in anti-racism, intersectionality, and the celebration of joy in social justice work. With roots in Wabanaki territory, Out in the Open actively seeks solidarity and collaboration with other organizations and individuals working toward justice, recognizing that all people and the environment have interconnected needs. The organization brings together community members through events, gatherings, audio programming, and written content that amplify rural LGBTQ voices and experiences. Supported by donations, volunteers, and foundations, Out in the Open operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to building a multi-issue, multiracial social justice movement that centers the experiences and leadership of rural LGBTQ people.