Berkshire Pride Announces Expansion and 2025 Event Schedule

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Pride has unveiled new initiatives and events aimed at fostering inclusivity across Berkshire County. 
 
Highlights include the integration of North Adams Pride, the launch of Lee Pride, and the addition of Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, as a program under Berkshire Pride.
 
North Adams Pride, known for events like Pride Night and the Northern Lights Ball, will now collaborate with Berkshire Pride to expand resources and programming in North County. Meanwhile, the newly launched Lee Pride will focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Lee and surrounding areas with events celebrating diversity and inclusion. Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, joins Berkshire Pride to bring affirming, literacy-focused experiences to LGBTQIA+ youth and families.
 
Berkshire Pride's 2025 schedule features a variety of events, including:
  • February 14: Eternal Flame Valentine Dance Party – Stationery Factory with DJ BFG and a dazzling drag show.
  • March 1: Northern Lights Ball – Elks Lodge, North Adams.
  • May 10: Youth Prom – An inclusive prom experience for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • May 31: Flag Raising Ceremony & Block Party – Pittsfield City Hall & School St.
  • June 1: Rainbow Run 5K & Youth Pride – Family-friendly run and youth celebration.
  • June 7: 9th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival & Parade – The Common Park, Pittsfield.
  • June 13: Berkshire Pride Party-Stationery Factory with DJ BFG , VIP is back!
  • June 14: Lee Pride – Celebrating inclusion and community spirit in Lee.
  • June 20: North Adams Pride Night – An evening of celebration in North Adams.
  • June 28: Berkshire Pride Night at Berkshire Busk – Showcasing LGBTQ+ performers in Great Barrington.
  • October 10: Prideoween- Stationery Factory with DJ BFG and a dazzling drag show.
 
To support these efforts, Berkshire Pride has launched a "Pride Without Borders" campaign to raise $75,000 for expanded programming and safe spaces. The organization also announced the return of the Pride Guide, inviting local organizations and businesses to participate by listing events or advertising.
 
For more information, visit www.berkshirepride.org or contact Executive Director Cass Santos-China at Cass@berkshirepride.org.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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