Affinity spaces are support and social spaces for individuals who share an identity or an interest. The goal for these groups is to build a community of care by providing safe spaces and opportunities for people to come together, share experiences, cultivate friendships, and support one another. Most of these groups are peer-led and would not be possible without the incredible support of community leaders and partner organizations who volunteer their time to facilitate.
Looking for youth spaces? Click here for all of our affinity spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
Want to start a group?
The Pride Center is always open to forming new affinity spaces for our community! We also welcome community groups that wish to use the Center’s Great Room for their meetings. If you are interested in facilitating a new group or you lead a group that would like to meet at the Center, please contact our Support Services Coordinator Bennie Saldana.
Bennie Saldana (he/him)
Support Services Coordinator
Email Bennie
Direct Line: 203.623.8052
General Social Spaces
If you have more yarn than you know what to do with, you have a year’s supply of hot glue sticks, or you know where the three closest craft stores are located at all times, this is a group for you! Join other passionate, like-minded creatives in a positive and energetic atmosphere. Do you have a project you’ve been meaning to finish but just can’t find the motivation? Bring it with you! Sometimes the best inspiration comes from being around other artists. Don’t have anything to bring? We’ve got you! Each month, we will have a different “Project of the Month” for you to try out!
This group is not currently meeting.
Join the NHPC community for our monthly game night! Whether you’re a life-long fanatic or a first-time player, this is your opportunity to get your game on. We have a library of games at the center that we will choose from the night of, but please feel free to bring your own!
This group is not currently meeting.
Trans, Nonbinary, & Gender Expansive Affinity Spaces
This discussion group is for non-binary/trans individuals and anyone who is in a process of gender exploration. This group is a safe and positive space to talk about gender-related assumptions and expectations, break them down, and then start to figure out how we view gender in society and within ourselves — our attractions, our expressions, and our identities. For more info, please email info@newhavenpridecenter.org.
This group meets the first Monday of each month. For more information please contact Bennie at bsaldana@newhavenpridecenter.org.
The Trans Adult Support group is a support group for transgender, intersex, and gender non-binary/gender queer identifying adults (18+). If you would like to be a part of the group, please contact the group facilitators Daya Andreja and Emma Karg here.
This group meets twice each month on a rotating schedule.
The Transmasculine Support group is a support group for transgender and gender non-binary identifying adults on the masculine end of the gender identity spectrum, regardless of their gender expression (18+). If you would like to be a part of the group, please contact the group facilitator.
This group meets once a month.
Women’s Affinity Spaces
Dyke Nyght is a social event for queer women, femmes, and non-male-identified folks. Every other month, we meet at an LGBTQ+-friendly bar or restaurant in New Haven. Come hang out, meet new people, and support local queer businesses! For more info, contact our Community Impact Coordinator Erycka Ortiz.
This is an inclusive space. Transphobia and biphobia will not be tolerated.
Lavender Lit Book Club is a monthly LGBTQ+ book club featuring books by queer women and nonbinary authors. Click here for more info or contact our Community Impact Coordinator Erycka Ortiz.
Lez Take a Hike is a monthly summer program where a group of queer women and non-men hike in East Rock Park! The group meets on the corner of Orange St. / Cold Spring St. and takes off promptly at 6:00pm, so please arrive with time to spare! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join us!
Sexual Orientation Affinity Spaces
aceSpace is a social and support group for individuals who identify as asexual+. The groups meets to provide peer support, discuss and share experiences, learn and practice effective communication about asexuality, and build a more connected asexual+ community. To join, email Bennie at bsaldana@newhavenpridecenter.org
This group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.
This is a support and social group for individuals who identify as bisexual+. The groups meets to provide peer support, discuss and share experiences, learn and practice effective communication to build trust and intimacy for relationships, and build a more connected bisexual+ community. This group is facilitated by Joshua O’Connell. To join, email info@newhavenpridecenter.org.
This group meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
Latine Affinity Spaces
This discussion and social group is for LGBTQIA+ and Latine individuals. This group is focused on creating a brave and positive space to discuss Latine & Queer issues, their impact on Latine Queer people, and how to advocate for the Latine LGBTQIA+ community.
This group meets once a month on every third Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm
Please reach out to Juancarlos Soto at jcsoto@newhavenpridecenter.org if you have any questions or would like to join this group.
Other Affinity Spaces
The Rainbow Support Group provides support and affirmation to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities who identify as LGBTQ+. This group also welcomes autistic and neurodiverse LGBTQ+ individuals as well. The group is facilitated by John D. Allen, Ed.D. and Maureen Thomas, Ph.D. For more info, please e-mail info@newhavenpridecenter.org.
This group meets once a month.
Rainbow Elders is a support and social space for LGBTQ+ elders who are 50+. Rainbow Elders meets both in-person and virtually on the last Monday of every month. For more info, please contact Bennie Saldana.
Narcotics Anonymous is an international fellowship of individuals for whom drugs have become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. This is an LGBTQ+ friendly Narcotics Anonymous meeting. For more information, e-mail us here.
This group meets every Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Haven Pride Center.