Middletown LGBTQI Plus Commission Regular Meeting - July 29, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript indicates a date of June 17, 2026, but the provided instruction specifies the meeting occurred on July 29, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date and notes the discrepancy.

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 PM (UTC) by Chairperson Brianna Blims Cavera. Commissioners present included Derek Cartagena, Dolly Haddad, Lisa Loomis Davern, Katie Merritt, Angela Crow, Beth Shapiro, and Commissioner Timmins (joined late). Councilwoman China Fulton also attended.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the May 20, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by Beth, second by Angela).

Discussion Items

• Game Night – Monthly Event at Back Again Board Games: Commissioner Katie Merritt presented the proposal for monthly game nights starting July 20, 2026, on the third Monday of each month, 6–9 PM. The cost is up to $1,650 per event depending on attendance (typical attendance 30–40 people, costing ~$900–$1,200). Chairperson Cavera noted the commission's total approved spending for the fiscal year is $21,500 and cautioned about overall budget discipline, especially with the loss of a $10,000 grant. Despite concerns, the event was approved unanimously.
• Pride Fest 2026 Recap: Attendance was estimated at mid-to-low 20,000 (down from 35,000) due partly to Boston Pride shifting to the same weekend. Other factors included MHS prom and high school graduations. Vendor feedback indicated poor communication about application dates. Parade check-in issues were noted – chamber volunteers arrived late. The rally structure was debated: some attendees wanted more entertainment interspersed, while others argued the rally should remain a focused protest. Chairperson Cavera emphasized Pride as a protest. A commissioner shared feedback from an intersex teen who felt underrepresented; the teen was invited to game night. Discussion also covered protestors at the event – police advised they could only intervene if laws were broken. Action items: gather more details from the chamber about parade logistics and review rally format for 2027.
• Financial Overview: Deferred to next month due to ongoing payments and receipts from Pride Fest.
• Violations of Performer Contracts: Commissioner Derek Cartagena reported that several performers signed contracts for the showcase concert but failed to submit materials and no-showed without communication. This caused last-minute scrambling. Proposals ranged from a one-year suspension to permanent banning. Chairperson Cavera advocated for permanent bans, noting the contracts were legally binding and that the commission could pursue breach of contract. It was agreed to identify the specific performers and review contract language at the next meeting. No vote was taken.
• Pride Fest 2027 Roles and Responsibilities: Chairperson Cavera announced she will not serve as organizer next year and will document all tasks (grants, contracts, etc.). Members discussed the need to redistribute duties, possibly pairing up for specific Pride Fest tasks, but Cavera stressed that some responsibilities (e.g., grant applications) require single accountability. The commission debated the scale of Pride Fest given volunteer capacity; it was noted that the city provides significant in-kind support (police, public works, etc.). A deeper discussion on roles and event scaling is planned for next month.
• Yearly Events: No events are scheduled for Non-Binary People's Day (July 14) or other upcoming occasions. Commissioners were reminded that events only happen if individuals step up to organize.
• Fundraising During Events: A suggestion was made to add donation QR codes at commission events to support year-round programming at no cost to attendees. Chairperson Cavera recommended first determining how donations are currently accepted via the Chamber of Commerce, then potentially making signage a standard part of event protocols.
• Old Business – Game Night Payment Issues: The owner of the game night venue has not been paid for recent events by the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Merritt asked for a direct contact; it was noted the chamber should be contacted directly as they hold the contract.
• Other Event Recaps: Pride Pop-Up kickoff event (appreciation for free space at Clock Tower Shops) and a Voz event at the senior center (approximately 40 attendees, shadow performance) were highlighted as successful.
• Grant Programs: Q+ grant program is on summer break; Pure Pride grant program continues. Middletown Pride Scholarship and Taking Pride on Main Street updates were minimal.

Key Outcomes

• Game night monthly event was approved unanimously.
• Financial overview will be presented at the next meeting.
• Performer contract breaches will be discussed further next month, with potential bans. Specific performers and contract language will be provided in advance.
• Chairperson Cavera will compile a list of commission roles and responsibilities for next meeting to facilitate redistribution.
• The commission will explore adding donation QR codes to event signage after confirming donation mechanisms with the chamber.
• Next meeting (August) will include election of Chair and Vice Chair.
• No public comments were received.