Bennington

Bennington Pride Month Events Adapt Following Pride Center Closure

The center paused its operations in 2025 due to a critical funding shortfall. As it works toward a comeback, other organizations have stepped in to fill some of the gaps. Read the story on VTDigger here: How Vermont is celebrating…

Published

3 months ago

June 14, 2026

Randy Breland, Managing Editor

Person wearing Pride flags before capitol building — Bennington Pride Month events

Last updated: September 2, 2026

Key points

The Pride Center of Vermont closed in October due to funding issues.
Local organizations are stepping up to organize Pride events across the state.
Community support for LGBTQ+ individuals remains critical, especially for youth during these changes.

MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — As Bennington celebrates Pride Month for the first time without the support of the Pride Center of Vermont, local LGBTQ+ organizations are stepping up to ensure that the community remains connected and visible. The Pride Center, which had served Vermont’s LGBTQ+ community for 26 years, closed its doors last October due to a significant funding shortfall. According to Monica Allard, co-chair of the center’s board, the closure was a heartbreaking moment for many. However, she emphasized that the community’s need for a Pride Center remains strong.

Allard explained, “Our community really wants and needs a Pride Center.” The center had been instrumental in providing health care, mental health support, and various events, and the board is now working on a plan to revive its services. A recent transformational donation of $350,000 from an anonymous donor has given the center a glimmer of hope as they strategize on a more sustainable funding model.

Bennington County Pride and Grassroots Initiatives

This year marks a shift in how Pride Month is celebrated across Vermont, including Bennington County. Local organizations have taken the initiative to organize Pride events in the absence of a central coordinating body. Allard noted the rise of grassroots efforts, stating, “There are more and more local Prides in more rural areas.” This change allows for a broader representation of the LGBTQ+ community beyond the traditionally dominant areas like Burlington.

Resources for LGBTQ Events Bennington VT

Residents are encouraged to visit Queer Era, a new platform that lists LGBTQ+ events throughout the state, including those in Bennington. For example, the Queer Film Festival at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier is set to showcase LGBTQ+ cinema, demonstrating how local partnerships are evolving to fill the void left by the Pride Center.

Community Support Following Pride Center of Vermont Closure

Several local organizations are also stepping in to continue critical programs once offered by the Pride Center. The Vermont Network has taken over a support group for LGBTQ+ survivors of hate and violence, while Outright Vermont is providing a drop-in space for transgender adults in Burlington. Outright’s Executive Director, Dana Kaplan, highlighted the growing need for support, noting increased levels of despair among LGBTQ+ youth.

Kaplan emphasized the importance of expanding support services during this challenging time, stating, “We need to be expanding right now, not shrinking.” As local groups work together to maintain community connections, Pride Month remains a vital opportunity for visibility and solidarity.

As Bennington residents engage in Pride Month activities, it’s a chance to unite in support of the LGBTQ+ community, even amidst changes in organizational structure. Local events are not just celebrations; they are also a reaffirmation of community strength and resilience during difficult times.

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.