The weather in New England may not have always been ideal in the month of June, but rainbows are everywhere. You can spot them on car bumper stickers, on front lawns, and on the backs of those who fight every day for acceptance, inclusion, and understanding.

It’s Pride Month, when members of the LGBTQ+ community come together to celebrate the freedom to be themselves. By the sheer masses of people who turn out to participate in Pride parades and the number of businesses that proudly fly their rainbow flags in support, it’s clear that the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way.

OUT to make a difference for LGBTQ+ youths

That movement is alive and well in our local communities with organizations, such as OUT MetroWest. Founded in 2011, OUT strives to build communities where LGBTQ+ youths can thrive by offering safe spaces and group meetings, as well education and training for schools and other community organizations to promote acceptance.

Brewing support for an important cause

The Avidia Bank Charitable Foundation has been a long supporter of OUT, providing funding every year since the organization’s inception. As part of our continued support, Avidia has teamed up with Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company of Framingham to sponsor Demo Tape Fest, an all-day, all-ages outdoor festival to take place on June 22 from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales and sales of Liquid Tender IPA will benefit OUT MetroWest.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/demo-tape-fest-2019-tickets-60526719046.

For more information on OUT MetroWest, visit their website.