Press Release: Strengthening Queer Community in Central Vermont
Barre, Vermont – June 23, 2025 – Building a queer community in Vermont poses unique challenges due to the state’s scattered population. In an effort to foster connections among LGBTQ+ individuals and support local initiatives, the Vermont Edition team hosted a live panel discussion at the Barre Social Club, featuring prominent queer business owners and community organizers from Central Vermont.
The discussion included Liv Dunton, co-owner of Fox Market and Bar and Foxy’s in Barre; Maddie Cobb, who co-owns Slowpoke Exchange, a vintage and modern clothing shop; Heather Ely, executive director of the Rainbow Bridge Community Center—a vital nonprofit offering support to vulnerable communities; and Lee Baker, a potter and co-organizer of VT Queer Craft.
Panelists shared their experiences of making Central Vermont their home, touching on the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care, which highlights ongoing national LGBTQ+ issues. The discussion also coincided with Pride Month celebrations as Barre recently hosted its fifth annual pride parade, emphasizing unity and visibility within the queer community.
The live broadcast aired on June 23 at noon, with a rebroadcast scheduled for 7 p.m. Attendees and listeners were encouraged to engage and contribute their thoughts and questions through social media platforms.
For more information about the vibrant LGBTQ+ community efforts in Central Vermont, including events and resources, interested individuals are invited to reach out or connect on Instagram.
This initiative illustrates the commitment of local leaders to foster acceptance, connection, and mutual support within the queer community, proving that even in more rural areas, collaboration can create a thriving culture of inclusivity.
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