UPDATED June 16: The Rainbow Commission, a volunteer group of Arlington residents seeking to promote full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals, has announced a series of events scheduled.
Arlington has been painted with bright, vivid colors for Pride month. The commission and local volunteers decorated public crosswalks in Arlington Center, June 1, at the intersection of Mystic Street and Mass. Ave. and in in East Arlington, June 5, at the intersection of Lake Street and Mass. Ave.
June 9, the group was supposed to host the final painting event in Arlington Heights, but rainy weather postponed the event.
The commission has rescheduled the Heights crosswalk painting event for 7 p.m. Monday June 16, at Park and Mass. Ave. Those interested in volunteering can register online here >>
Additional pride celebrations happening in Arlington are below:
ARLINGTON RAINBOW COMMISSION 2025 PRIDE EVENTS
- The Arlington & Beyond LGBTQ+ Seniors & Friends Pride Party: Tuesday, June 17 at 2 p.m. at the Arlington Senior Center located at 27 Maple St.
- Arlington Recreation Concert Series: Thursday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Reservoir Beach, 250 Lowell Street.
The commission seeks committed residents to apply to join the commission.
Rainbow Commission members are dedicated to creating greater access, equity and inclusion in Arlington for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families through active community building, affirming policies/programs, resources, advocacy, and initiatives. Applicants of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to reach out, to ensure that the group truly represents the diversity within Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ community. Specifically, the group is seeking finance, communications and writing pros as well as thoughtful, collaborative individuals to round out the collective experience and skillset of current commissioners.
Those interested are asked to send a resume and a letter of interest to Town Manager Jim Feeney, Arlington Town Hall, 730 Mass. Ave., Arlington MA 02476 or transmit the same materials via e-mail to: townmanager@town.arlington.ma.
About Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission
Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission was created by Town Meeting in 2017 to promote LGBTQIA+ affirming policies for all residents of the town of Arlington. According to its newsletter, current commissioners are Paloma Cotton-Herman, Molly Gillis, Kym Goldsmith, Lisa Krinsky, Helene Newberg, Andy Rubinson, Susan Ryan-Vollmar and Kari Sasportas.
Rainbow Commission meetings are generally the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are currently held in hybrid fashion. The commission meets in person at the Arlington Community Center, 20 Academy St. / 27 Maple St. and livestream online via Zoom. All Rainbow Commission meetings are open to the public.
Registration information can be found here. Anyone needing accessibility information or other assistance in order to attend this meeting should contact dei@town.arlington.ma.us
The LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission states that it is a local volunteer organization dedicated to promoting full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups in Arlington. The latest newsletter details upcoming events; those interested can sign up for the newsletter here >>
Nov. 13, 2024: LGBTQIA+ dinner for all ages held
These news briefs, based on the town’s LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission newsletter, were last updated June 16, 2025.
