Description
Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission
AGENDA:
May 28, 2026
Location: Hybrid-689 Mass. Ave. & Zoom
Neighborhood: City Wide
Contact
Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission <LGBTQ@CambrixxxxxxxdgeMA.gov>
617-349-3355
Agenda
Co-Chairs: Bill Barnert and Zachary Dresser
Tonight’s meeting chaired by: Zachary Dresser
Call to Order
Welcome
Approve / Modify Agenda
Approve Previous Minutes: 4/23/26
Introductions: If you had a completely free day with no obligations or budget limits, how would you spend it?
Updates on Previous Action Items
Re: Rose Lipkin Award (Pride):
Re: Budget:
Re: Working Group mission, goals, & purpose.
Commissioner Monrreal will look at archives and figure out where to go from there
Re: Inconsistencies in housing recommendations compared to current housing applications.
City Staff joined Trans Sanctuary Working Group Meeting in May
Re: Recruitment poster for youth commissioner -
Flyer provided. Commissioner Monrreal tabled at Youth Pride on May 16th
ED Gregory to send blank “Hearts for Queer Youth” to Commissioners electronically & collect responses for Sam Musher (CPS). [Sent Mon, Mar 30]
Share photos of completed display!
Project Updates (current actions & plans, including reports from ED Gregory)
(Monthly until resolved): Status update on Fair Housing Ordinance change in definition of sexualities
Language did not pass in Human Rights Meeting. ED Gregory sent updated language from HRC with Commission on 5/4/26
Working Group Reports
Outreach & Visibility WG (Commissioner MacDonough)
Billboard sign completed and submitted for print
Policy & Advocacy (Commissioner Monrreal)
Pride (ED Gregory)
June 20th 11-3 pm
Vendors secured. Still recruiting for people to table
Will send volunteer sign up and scheduling form
Any identifying clothing or items possessed by Commissioners?
Need nominations for Rustin Award.
Reached out to Project 10 Advisor and Sam Musher for Lipkin Award
Outreach to notify neighbors on Thursday, June 4th if anyone is able to participate
Public Health & Safety WG (Commissioner Monrreal)
Seniors WG (Commissioner MacKay)
Book Club
Trans Sanctuary WG (Commissioner Foster)
Meeting with City staff regarding housing rules, terminology, etc.
Youth WG (Commissioner Howe)
Somerville staff touching base with students. Interested in partnering with Arlington for Queer Youth Ball
Old Business
An organization called webinartv.us contacted us to tell us that they were highlighting one of our Working Group meetings to entice people to watch it. But we don't want our meetings recorded or published, so ED Gregory is talking to IT about this.
Zine Updates
ED Gregory working on edited language based on materials/information provided by Chair Barnert and Commissioner Huhmann. Sending to artist for updated zine.
Sam Musher (CPS) has invited us to collaborate on the showing of a film The Dads. ("Amid rising anti-trans legislation and hostility in the US, dads forming a movement to support their trans and gender expansive children face an impossible choice.") There is a 10-minute short film & a 1:12 documentary version. https://www.thedadsfoundation.org/host-a-screening-or-fundraiser
We have been contacted by two queer performers, Joel Light and Dan Moore, and asked if we would like to do a one-hour LGBTQ+ sing-along “participatory celebration of LGBTQ+ Songs.”
Commissioners have additional questions. Feel that if it’s free, it’s a no brainer activity to offer.
Questions
Is there a timeline: Availability June 20, 23 and 30, July 4, 7, 9, 11, 28, and 30
Is it a kid’s program: No response. Suggested again working with Senior Center
Suggested senior center
Pricing: Can perhaps discount fee to $225/$200
Would they participate in another event? Possible. Need indoor setting with good acoustics
Any video or anything to view? Chair Barnert sent instagram link
New Business
Commission recruitment opened May 19th. Applications open until June 19th
Bios
Staff hours/Vacation (where to email meeting agendas)
Program Manager
“Cured” film opportunity
Public Comments / Announcements
Upcoming films in the LGBTQ+ Film Series at the Cambridge Senior Center (First Tuesdays, 10am):
June 2: The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert - When drag queen Anthony (Hugo Weaving) agrees to take his act on the road, he invites fellow cross-dresser Adam (Guy Pearce) and trans Bernadette (Terence Stamp) to come along. In their colorful bus, named Priscilla, the three performers travel across the Australian desert performing for enthusiastic crowds and homophobic locals. But when the other two performers learn the truth about why Anthony took the job, it threatens their act and their friendship.
Next Commission Meeting: Thursday, June 25th, 6-7:30pm, Hybrid*
* Hybrid meeting info
GUESTS: Please let us know if you will be coming, and whether you will be joining us in person or via Zoom by emailing LGBTQ@CambridgeMA.gov.
To join in person, come to 689 Mass. Ave, Cambridge. If the front door is locked, call us at 617-349-3355. Come up to the 2nd floor and follow the signs.
To join via Zoom, join Zoom Meeting:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/89723365868
Meeting ID: 897 2336 5868
One tap mobile +19294362866,,89723365868# US (New York)