Middletown LGBTQI+ Commission Regular Meeting - October 22, 2026

The Middletown LGBTQI+ Commission held its hybrid regular meeting on October 22, 2026 (the raw transcript gives the date as Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7:09 PM). The meeting was called to order by Chair Brianna Bloom Scavera and adjourned at 7:42 PM. The commission unanimously approved a series of community events for the remainder of 2026, received updates on the financial agent contract that passed the Common Council, and discussed a commissioner vacancy.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was amended and unanimously approved to add two items: Middletown Pride's Giving and Feminine Domain.
• Minutes of the September 16, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved.

Discussion Items

• Financial Overview: Chair Bloom Scavera reported that $13,320 has been allocated for Pride Community Events and $1,900 for pride grants, with no significant changes to the overall financial picture.
• Day of Gifts (Transgender Support): Vice Chair Katie Merritt requested approval to assemble a raffle basket with merch items for the November 21 gathering. Commissioner Angela Crow confirmed sufficient merchandise was available. Motion passed unanimously.
• Witch, Wizard, & Warlock Walk: Chair Bloom Scavera presented an endorsement of the Anti-Racism Task Force's October 30 walk. The event requires no funding from the commission. Motion passed unanimously.
• Transgender Day of Remembrance: Chair Bloom Scavera presented the November 20 event at Wesleyan University, costing $640. She described the previous year's event as deeply moving and noted it united religious and secular observations. Motion passed unanimously.
• Pride's Giving (Community Dinner): Commissioner Pax Jarna proposed the dinner at Perk on Main. Since he will be out of town for a memorial, he requested a point person. Chair Bloom Scavera reinforced the commission's policy of paying professionals and offered to DJ. Commissioner Laura Timmons volunteered to serve as the host. The budget was capped at $2,500. Motion passed unanimously.
• Middletown Trans Game Night: Pax described the November 12 event ($165 budget), which he manages largely independently. Chair Bloom Scavera noted the most recent game night had 28–29 attendees. Motion passed unanimously.
• Feminine Domain: An event on November 28 at Perk on Main ($75 budget) was approved unanimously.
• RFP Financial Agent (Old Business): Chair Bloom Scavera announced the Common Council unanimously approved the financial agent proposal. The contract is being finalized with the Triangle Community Center regarding insurance requirements. Commissioner Crow informed the body that a $1,000 donation is pending and will be directed to TCC.
• Commissioner Vacancy: Chair Bloom Scavera announced the resignation of Commissioner Lisa, creating a vacancy. Pax expressed interest in serving. Commissioners were asked to submit names to the Mayor for appointment.
• Other Business: Discussion on Pride 2027 roles was deferred until the contract is signed. A subcommittee reported progress on the new Commissioner Guide, with a first draft of half the document completed.
• Community Testimony & Sentiment: Chair Bloom Scavera and Commissioner Timmons reflected on the powerful impact of public testimony at the Common Council meeting. Commissioner Timmons stated that hearing community members say they moved to Middletown because of Pride was deeply moving. Chair Bloom Scavera noted that despite some social media criticism, the community's active and visible support made the council's unanimous vote possible.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approvals: All agenda items, including the consent calendar and six event applications, were passed unanimously.
• Financial Agent Contract: Finalization is pending insurance agreement with Triangle Community Center, followed by Mayoral approval.
• Vacancy Filling: The process to fill the commission vacancy was opened, with Pax expressing interest.
• Event Coordination: Organizers for Pride's Giving (Bree, Katie, Laura, Pax) will coordinate logistics.