Week of July 21 - 27
Expect a Circus in Northampton | Start Flirting More | Summer Events in Western Mass | Community Resources & More
Expect a Circus at the Northampton Center for the Arts
A captivating series of longform circus acts revolving around the power of the body is coming to Northampton next weekend (8/1 & 8/2). Inspired by Roxane Gay’s concept of the “unruly body,” through aerial, juggling, tightwire, and dance, these works subvert conventional circus aesthetics to interrogate the politicization of physical form. Rather than spectacle for spectacle’s sake, "...Expect a Circus" spotlights the dedication, activism, and discipline of circus arts while examining how bodies resist, provoke, and challenge the political sphere.
On August 1st & 2nd at The Workroom @ 33 Hawley St. in Northampton, SPEC will present their second original production.
So here’s your official invitation to:
Buy a ticket to attend (because local art is better with you in the room)
Buy a pair to gift (because your weird cousin/artist friend/neighbor deserves it)
Buy tickets and spread the word (because joy is more fun when it multiplies)
Purchase tickets [here]. Audiences 14+.
SPEC [suspended play & educational circus], founded by artistic and life partners Mykelle Walton and Jennifer Thornquest, is a creative collective rooted in connection and driven by curiosity.
Because supporting local arts is an act of resistance.
Because creativity builds community.
Because we’re all a little unruly in the best way.
Vivid Blooms: Summer is Bursting with Events
As we enter late July, the gay agenda is full to the brim.
Need some connection? Join the Rooted Resilience Community Dialogue Circle (7/23) or bring a pal to the opening of Indë’s Mirror, Mirror at A.P.E. in Northampton (7/25).
Looking for something to fill your knowledge cup? RCA is hosting an Art Camp for Teachers that starts tomorrow (7/22). Next week, return to A.P.E. for Reparations in Residence: Forum for Arts & Culture Workers + Admin (7/31) with Indë.
Keep scrolling for more events happening this week, or head to our website for the full calendar.
Flirt Local Entries Now Open
Flirt Local is a new section coming to this newsletter where you can share your "missed connections" anonymously with local readers.
Let's celebrate LGBTQIA+ moments of curiosity, chemistry, and connection—whether it was a spark at the maker's market, a glance at the cafe, or a shared laugh at a show. We're just here to have a little flirty fun and keep the local love growing.
Use the form below to send in your short + sweet submission. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and may not be able to publish every entry.
Questions? Reach us at Hello@BloomLocal.live.
ICYMI
Quick Links to Rad Stuff + Stuff We Covered Last Week
Registration is Open for NCMC Classes, Lessons, and Ensembles
Rock, Roll & Gather ADA 35th Anniversary Celebration August 2nd
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?
Thanks for your feedback!
Northampton Parents Center Free Summer Playgroup
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
📍Jackson Street School, 120 Jackson St., Northampton, MA
FREE drop-in playgroups for kids 0-5 and their caregivers. Big siblings always welcome! ALL welcome!
Art Camp for Teachers
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - Thursday, July 24, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍RCA Studio, Suite #238, Eastworks, 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA
Come to RCA for this hands-on 3 day Professional Development program to see how we structure creative experiences for students of all ages. You'll learn how you can take these principles back to your classroom or facilitation space and be ready to implement choice-based practices right away!
Rooted Resilience Community Dialogue Circle
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
6:30 PM
**Virtual
Foster a culture of reflection, care, joy, and vulnerability among 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives and our allies as an act of resistance in these times. As a small group, we will engage with themes stemming from a recent episode of the Rooted Resilience podcast and blog series.
TORCH SONG
July 25, 26, 31 & August 1, 2, 8 PM
July 27, August 2, 3, 2 PM
📍Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., Northampton, MA
An independent collective of queer and trans artists is putting on a production of Harvey Fierstein’s TORCH SONG, a hilarious and moving play about a drag queen in NYC in the 70s and 80s. We plan to donate 15-20% of proceeds from the show to support the Trans Asylum Seekers Support Network and other groups supporting LGBTQIA+ people at this time.
* SLIDING SCALE TICKETS *
Mirror, Mirror at A.P.E.
Opening Reception: Friday, July 25, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Closing Reception: Friday, August 8, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
📍A.P.E. Gallery Ltd, 126 Main St., Northampton, MA
Mirror, Mirror is a multidisciplinary art installation by Indë, a queer Black artivist born/raised/residing in Northampton, MA. The exhibit, on display from July 18th to August 8th, explores intersectional solidarity through immersive multimedia compositions and audience participation. In addition to presenting large figurative paintings, an original soundtrack, mirror/glass-based sculptures, and a new system of music notation, Indë will premiere the music video for “COME ON HOME,” featuring choir vocals by the Queer Joy Chorus, at the opening and closing receptions!
* FREE PROGRAM *
Reparations in Residence: Forum for Arts & Culture Workers + Admin
Thursday, July 31, 3:00 - 5:30 PM
📍 A.P.E. Gallery Ltd, 126 Main St., Northampton, MA
Join multidisciplinary artivist Indë in their installation Mirror, Mirror for a forum on implementing artist residencies as a form of reparations for Black and Indigenous peoples.
* FREE PROGRAM *
“…Expect a Circus”
Friday, August 1 & Saturday, August 2, 6:00 PM
📍Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., Northampton, MA
Audiences 14+ are invited to enjoy a captivating collection of contemporary circus works revolving around the power of the body. Inspired by Roxane Gay’s concept of the “unruly body,” through aerial, juggling, tightwire, and dance, these works subvert conventional circus aesthetics to interrogate the politicization of physical form. Rather than spectacle for spectacle’s sake, "...Expect a Circus" spotlights the dedication, activism, and discipline of circus arts while examining how bodies resist, provoke, and challenge the political sphere.
* SLIDING SCALE TICKETS *
❇️ Volunteer Opportunity: RCA Board of Directors
Are you passionate about equitable arts access? Do you have expertise in finance, legal, or fundraising? Resilient Community Arts (RCA) invites you to join their dynamic Board of Directors and help make a difference in our community. Collaborate with others, gain valuable experience, and help shape the future of arts access in Western Mass. Open positions include: Treasurer, Legal Advisor, Community Representatives (Parents, Youth, Elders, and Trans/GNC).
Interested? Email maddie@resilientcommunityarts.org and include a statement of interest and a resume or summary of work experience.
❇️ 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.
⚧️ 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.
Seeking community? Join the network.
It’s’s a pivotal time to build and bolster local networks of care — and we remain dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ and ally entrepreneurs in and beyond our region. If you are an LGBTQ+ creative, healer, educator, or entrepreneur of any focus or an ally business serving communities throughout Western MA, we invite you to join our queer-grown network of community partners.
Partners receive: (1) an active listing in our Community Guide (2) visibility in our weekly newsletters (3) access to partners-only resources and opportunities including monthly Partner Meet-Ups.
*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.
Hosting an upcoming event? Let us spread the word!
Calendar listings and event promotion in this newsletter are benefits of Bloom Local’s Partner Program, however, we welcome listings from non-partners. To submit an event listing without a partner network membership, email your event details to: Hello@BloomLocal.live. A sliding scale fee of $5-$30 applies to each accepted submission.
Keep Connecting
Email Hello@BloomLocal.Live
Learn about the Partner Program