Community Conversations Group Meets at Miami Hamilton Downtown

By Clare Sherman —

Hamilton Pride recently hosted its monthly “Community Conversations” event at Miami Hamilton Downtown, where members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community gathered for an open conversation. Worries about the current political climate and the community’s resiliency were among the many topics discussed throughout the evening.

The night’s event began with small talk and pizza as the group found their places in the circular setup. Joe Kay and Gail Greiner—two members of the Hamilton Pride Board and the event facilitators—introduced newcomers to the space with the group’s history. To fulfill a need for LGBTQ+-focused events outside Hamilton Pride in June, Community Conversations began hosting queer speakers in the downtown space around two years ago. 

Since the 2024 presidential election, many in the community have expressed growing feelings of fear and uncertainty. The speaker-centered events morphed into low-stakes, honest conversations. At tonight’s event, over a year later, Kay and Gail tentatively suggested reintegrating speaker events. Interested in the insights guests could bring, the group agreed to alternate monthly between speakers and open conversations. When listing potential guests, Greiner spoke about the diverse queer population in the surrounding community. Among them are lawyers who advocate for queer rights, drag queens, and pastors of identity-inclusive churches. 

One participant suggested an event where people with opposing political beliefs join the group in a respectful but transparent conversation. He believed that, given the tense political climate, people across the political spectrum would like to exchange perspectives. While some voiced concerns about such interactions, pointing out the discriminatory beliefs of many conservatives towards queer people, others stressed the need to abolish an “us vs. them” mentality. “We need to have hard conversations, as a country,” said Kay, “if we want to build something new.”  Of course, such a vulnerable event should be handled with care, and attendees listed mediators and a guided agenda as non-negotiables. 

Another difficult conversation—this one about religious trauma—arose after a participant expressed worry at the thought of pastors speaking at future events. Nods of understanding filled the room as Greiner recounted the several queer people in her life hurt by the church. Many LGBTQ+ members understandably steer clear of organized religion later in life and have no interest, even in churches that welcome all human expression. 

Kay, who is a pastor himself at Nexus Church UCC in Hamilton, explained that inclusive churches are valuable, built-in communities for queer people. Having that community, the group discussed, is extremely important for healing and growth. They even agreed that learning how to find local minority communities, religious or otherwise, would be a beneficial monthly theme. As one participant put it, “We need our neighbors now more than ever.” 

Towards the end of the evening, topics flowed, from navigating self-trust issues to book recommendations, before Kay and Greiner closed the conversation with gratitude for the group’s participation. 

Community Conversations are monthly gatherings open to all members, family, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted at Miami Hamilton Downtown, everyone is encouraged to come as their authentic selves. To learn more about Community Conversations’ mission and upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page.