Week of June 23 - 29
Valley Responds to US v. Skrmetti Ruling | Easthampton City Council Adopts Resolution in Support of TNGDI Community | High Five Books Welcomes Local Educators | Upcoming Events + More
The Valley Responds to U.S. v. Skrmetti Supreme Court Ruling
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in U.S. v. Skrmetti that state legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors is constitutional. Local organizations responded with messages of support for trans community members, and commitments to continuing care.
Transhealth responded in a statement condemning the ruling and offering reassurance, “At Transhealth, we want our patients and their families to know this: Your care is not changing in Massachusetts. Gender-affirming care remains legal, protected, and accessible here. We are thankful for Massachusetts’ political leadership and their support for equality and equity, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide this essential care with respect, compassion, and clinical excellence.”
Local nonprofit Translate Gender shared in their newsletter, “Translate Gender is committed, always and in all ways, to supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive community members — of all ages — in finding their power and autonomy. This ruling, while devastating, does not stop our work.”
🔗 Further Reading & Resources from Translate Gender
Read + Learn
Supreme Court rules to keep Tennessee’s gender-affirming care ban in place (The 19th)
Dear Trans Kids, You Don't Need the Government's Permission to Exist (Teen Vogue)
Know Your Rights (Trans Youth) (Transgender Law Center)
Information for LGBTQ+ People Under the Trump Administration (GLAD Law)
Connect
Join one of Translate Gender’s upcoming happenings, virtually or in-person
Reach out through our family listserv (please remember to be gentle, respectful, and to follow our community care practices)
If you or a loved one needs more urgent support, reach out to:
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Take Action
→ Share information about Translate Gender in your communities, especially our work educating schools, businesses, and workplaces on protecting and affirming trans and gender-expansive youth.
→ Support sanctuary city initiatives in your city or town (like this one in Pittsfield or this one in Northampton) to ensure that trans individuals and the people who support them are safe.
→ If you’re able, donate to Translate Gender (monthly giving especially makes a huge difference) to help us continue our work lifting up and empowering trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth and families.
Easthampton Passes Resolution in Support of the TNGDI Community
Also on June 18, the Easthampton City Council passed the “Resolution in Support of the Easthampton TNGDI Community.” The council chamber at 50 Payson Avenue was filled with over 50 attendees, while approximately 40 more participated online. Public comment was a focal point, with many speakers sharing heartfelt and often emotional testimony in support of the resolution.
Despite a full agenda that included passing the city budget before the June 30 deadline, the council prioritized community input. After approving the budget, they reopened public comment, allowing more than an hour of testimony.
Among the speakers were educators, elected officials, clinical social workers, parents, and nonprofit representatives. Clinical professionals emphasized the health benefits of belonging, while parents of trans and gender-diverse youth advocated passionately on their children’s behalf.
Crafted by members of the trans, nonbinary, gender-diverse, and intersex (TNGDI) communities along with Councilors Smith, Jadczak, and Denham, the resolution addresses increasing attacks on TNGDI rights. It outlines relevant data, highlights potential legislative impacts, and affirms protections under Massachusetts law.
The resolution, linked on the City website, declares the Council's commitment to ensuring “equal protection, treatment, and representation of all transgender, non-binary, gender diverse and intersex persons without discrimination,” and prohibits the use of city resources for enforcing out-of-state actions against lawful gender-affirming care. It also calls on the Mayor to establish a TNGDI advisory committee by August 1, 2025.
During public comment, the mood was a blend of grief and resolve. Margo Anderson, an Easthampton resident, stated, “Your actions tonight resonate far beyond this chamber and well beyond our town’s borders,” criticizing federal inaction. Kamer McQuaid expressed gratitude for the council and co-writers’ efforts: “It’s a privilege to get to be in community with you guys, especially at this time.”
Resolution co-author Keith Aron testified, “The resolution in support of the trans community isn’t a threat to anyone else’s rights, it is a public commitment to protect the fundamental rights of very vulnerable people who are being scapegoated.”
Councilor Tamara L. Smith invited her co-authors to speak. Councilor Felicia Jadczak reflected on her intersectional identity, saying, “There is no hierarchy of oppression…and our struggles are all interconnected.”
Councilor Brad Riley offered a deeply personal reflection, emphasizing Easthampton’s tagline:“the little city with a big heart,” and affirming, “If you ever feel alone, the doors of 50 Payson Avenue are open to you.”
Additional councilors echoed the themes of unity and empathy. Jason “JT” Tirrell emphasized inclusivity: “All means all.” James “JP” Kwecinski concluded, “Everyone deserves to feel like themselves. We will help you do that.”
The resolution passed unanimously, greeted by a standing ovation.
A recording of the June 18 Easthampton City Council meeting is available via Easthampton Media.
High Five Books Hosts Educator Retreat Focused on Inclusive Early Literature
High Five Books in Florence, MA recently welcomed educators from the Williston Northampton Children’s Center as part of their professional development retreat. The session focused on curating joyful, inclusive, and affirming books tailored for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
If your school staff is interested in a similar field trip or book-focused session, contact High Five Books at Hello@HighFiveBooks.org.
Pride Flag Vandalism in Downtown Northampton
In the early hours of June 19, Pride flags were stolen and burned outside Thornes Marketplace. Security footage timestamped 1:23 AM captured several individuals removing flags from the building’s awning, setting them ablaze on Main Street, and fleeing the scene.
Thornes Marketplace condemned the incident in a social media post, stating, “This act of hate and intimidation has no place in our community. Thornes Marketplace stands firmly with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, merchants, and staff—and we will not tolerate violence or vandalism, meant to silence or threaten.”
The post quickly gained traction, shared over 200 times within an hour, with community members expressing anger, grief, and resolve to identify those responsible. By early evening, Thornes released an update on their Instagram Story sharing they received a number of credible tips and were feeling hopeful the individuals involved would be apprehended and charged.
As of June 23, no further updates have been released, and the Northampton Police Department has not posted new reports since May 15. Those with information are encouraged to contact info@thornesmarketplace.com. A $250 Thornes gift card is offered as a reward for identifying one or more of the individuals involved.
ICYMI
Quick Links to Rad Stuff + Stuff We Covered Last Week
The Fantasies of Youth is offering discounted mural spots
Inside a Bloom Local Partner Network Meet-Up
Listen to the latest episode of the Rooted Resilience podcast featuring local author, editor, and publisher, Hannah Moushabeck. Now available for download wherever you tune in
Mutual Aid Request: community organizer seeks support
Northampton Parents Center 2025 Summer Schedule is now available
The Rooted Resilience Open Mic and Potluck has been postponed
Shop our Gift Guide featuring affirming items and experiences from the Bloom Local Partner Network
🏳️🌈 Explore new additions to our Community Guide and keep supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses and orgs
Weekly Poll
Curious about the results of last week’s poll?
We’re working on setting up submissions! 😍
Book Discussion Group: “We Do This ‘Til We Free Us” by Mariame Kaba (Parts 2 & 3)
Tuesday, June 24, 5:30 PM | Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA
This powerful collection of essays and interviews, woven together by Kaba covers topics including abolition, liberation, and political struggle. This book discussion ties into the exhibit Prison Reimagined, currently on view at Wistariahurst Museum through June 2025.
* FREE PROGRAM *
Gather & Ground: Community Acupuncture Summer Series
Tuesday, June 24, 7:15 - 9 PM | Sanctuary, Thornes Marketplace Level 3, 150 Main St., Northampton, MA
Join Maya and Melanie for a nourishing experience at their popup Community Acupuncture Clinic — a space where healing happens together. Book online to reserve your spot, walk-ins welcome based on availability.
* SLIDING SCALE $25 - $10 *
Make a Burlap Adventure Bag & Leaf Notebook
Friday, June 27 & Saturday, June 28, 10 AM - 6 PM (drop in anytime) | High Five Books, 141 North Main St., Northampton, MA
Get set for summer with these essential fantasy-themed accessories, as seen in The Big Book of Fantasy Kid Crafts! High Five Book’s instructor Talia will have all the supplies you need to make both a Burlap Adventure Bag AND a Leaf-Bound Notebook.
Summer Bling & Beads Workshop with Gem’s Creations
Saturday, June 28, Session 1: 10 AM - 12 PM, Session 2: 1 - 3 PM | Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA
This hands-on event is being hosted by Trudy Monson of Gem's Creations and she's inviting guests of all skill levels to explore the art of jewelry with a fun, summer theme!
* $25 ADMISSION *
The Fantasies of Youth at RIver Valley Co-Op’s Artisan Fair
Saturday, June 28, 11 AM - 4 PM | River Valley Co-Op, 228 Northampton St., Easthampton, MA
Come shop stickers, greeting cards, prints, stuffies, quilted wall hangings, and t-shirts from The Fantasies of Youth.
* FREE TO ATTEND *
Yoga and Sound
Saturday, June 28, 12 - 1:30 PM | Sanctuary, Thornes Marketplace Level 3, 150 Main St., Northampton, MA
Workshop with Fran Astino. Immerse yourself in this blissful workshop of movement and sound meditation. This 90-minute Yoga & Sound workshop combines a revitalizing yoga practice with the deeply relaxing and restorative benefits of sound meditation.
* SLIDING SCALE $30-$50 *
Job Opportunity: PT Stationary Store Shopkeeper
Small Victories is hiring a Part-Time Stationery Store Shopkeeper!
This is an all-year position with extended hours December 8-23. Interested folks can read the full job description and application directions on our website: https://smallvictories.com/pages/jobs
Preferred start date: the week of August 18th. There is no deadline, but we encourage folks to apply at their earliest convenience.
Job Opportunity: PT Church Administrator
This is a permanent, part-time position as a Church Administrator. 20 hours/week with some flexibility in daily schedule.
This position supports a congregation actively engaged in making the world a better place. See www.FirstChurchAmherst.org and First Church Amherst on Facebook. Interested folks can read more and apply here.
Application screening begins on July 3 and will continue until the position is filled.
Trans Relocation Support (TRS) Western MA
TRS is committed to helping people move to Western Mass from states with anti-trans legislation. They aim to connect people with networks of mutual aid, resources, and community in this area. The process is a temporary support bridge that facilitates long-term local int(ter)dependence. TRS seeks to grow community care, mutual aid, and alternative systems of care for gender diverse people.
Connect with TRS: Learn & Volunteer | Give Support | Get Support
Access Free Notary Services
Forbes Library (Northampton): (413) 587-1011
Easthampton Public Library: (413) 527-1031
Chicopee Public Library: (413) 594-1800
You can also try (fees may apply): your local town hall, AAA, banks
Legal Aid for Immigrant Families
The Immigrant Defense Hotline (617-988-0606) is staffed by attorneys from Lawyers for Civil Rights’ pro bono network. Callers who leave a message will receive same-day response to questions about immigration enforcement and reports of immigration raids. Please reach out to Hotline@LawyersForCivilRights.org if you would like to get involved.
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*NEW* No-Fee Network Membership for QTBIPOC Entrepreneurs
As one of our commitments to reparative justice, we offer one year of no-fee partnership to QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) small business owners. This initiative is one move we’re making to foster a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the River Valley.
If you are a QTBIPOC small business owner and you are interested in becoming a partner, we invite you to apply and check where indicated if you would like to access one year of no-fee membership.
Learn more about the program at: BloomLocal.Live/Partner-Program and contact us with questions anytime.
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Keep Connecting
Email Hello@BloomLocal.Live
Learn about the Partner Program