Manchester Hosts First Circle of Visibility in Support of LGBTQ+ Community
Manchester’s first Circle of Visibility brought residents, families, students, businesses, and local leaders together to publicly affirm support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The gathering emphasized the importance of visibility, belonging, and community connection—particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who face elevated mental health risks without affirming environments, as reflected in data from organizations such as The Trevor Project. The event highlighted the role that schools, libraries, businesses, and local government play in creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. It also marked the beginning of the Northshire Community Coalition, a new effort focused on year-round collaboration to foster inclusion, equity, and care across the region. Together, these actions reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that Manchester is a place where everyone belongs.
“Visibility leads to belonging, and belonging saves lives.”
Reposted from Manchester Journal
MANCHESTER — If you drove through town midday on Sunday, June 15, it was hard to miss the collection of rainbow flags waving proudly in support of the local LGBTQ+ community around the roundabout connecting Depot St. and Main St. The event was the first ever in the Northshire, though organizers hope to make it an annual observance, and followed Pride celebrations in Bennington and Dorset the day prior.
Before the crowd gathered around the roundabout at noon, organizer Jonathan West — a member of Manchester's Select Board and chair of the town's Housing Task Force — offered words of solidarity, support, and Pride.
"It's about visibility," West said. "It's about the deep human need to be seen, to be affirmed, and to be loved. Whether you came here today as part of the LGBTQIA community, or as a fierce and faithful ally, your presence matters. It says, 'love belongs.'"
The crowd of approximately 60-80 people of all ages included local students, employees, business owners, elected officials at both the town and state levels, and more.
In his introduction, West cited statistics from the "Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People in Vermont," led by The Trevor Project, which says that 44% of "LGBTQ+ young people in Vermont seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 50% of transgender and nonbinary young people."
"Here's the hope: when LGBTQ youth are surrounded by support and affirmation in schools, at home and in their communities, their risk drops significantly," West continued. "Visibility leads to belonging, and belonging saves lives. That's why we're here, not just to celebrate Pride, but to protect and uplift our neighbors, our children and our fellows."
He went on to praise institutions like the local school district, library, and businesses for their loud and proud support of the Northshire's LGBTQ community. West also reflected on the town Select Board's vote to only allow the U.S. and Vermont flags to fly on municipal property, but celebrated the passage of a Pride proclamation last year, which now hangs in Manchester's Town Hall.
Before proceeding to the roundabout, West also announced the formation of a nascent support group.
"Today we're planting seeds for something new, the Northshire Community Coalition," he said. "This coalition will bring together support organizations, businesses, educators, activists, and residents working year round to foster inclusivity, belonging, and equity for all."
"Let's make this visible, not just in symbolism, but in our support," West concluded. "This is our pride. This is our community. Now let's surround the roundabout in unity, in purpose and in pride."
https://www.manchesterjournal.com/local-news/manchester-hosts-its-first-circle-of-visibility-in-support-of-lgbtq-community/article_302480f1-7581-4c30-a8a1-e3759e645e23.html
As always, I can be reached directly at (802) 768-7900 or at west.j@manchester-vt.gov
