Rainbow Groups
Rainbow groups are groups for self-advocates who are members of both the intellectual and developmental disability community as well as the LGBTQ+ community. Continue reading to learn more about Rainbow Groups and how to start your own today!
About the Rainbow Groups
Let Pauline Bosma, Rainbow Program Coordinator, tell you a little bit about the Rainbow Groups, herself, and what the Rainbow Flag means.
Where are the Rainbow groups?
Virtual Rainbow Group
This group is on Zoom and is open to people from any region in MA and other states.
When: Starting in January 2024 these meetings are held monthly on the last Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm.
Where: Meeting information, links, and registrations can be found on the events page calendar by going here: https://www.wearemass.org/events
For more information contact: rainbow@wearemass.org
Boston-Area Rainbow Group
For more information contact: rainbow@wearemass.org
Northeast Rainbow Group
For more information contact: rick.camara@state.ma.us or dNadeau@bridgewell.org
Southeast Metro Rainbow Group (Dedham, MA)
For more information visit: https://www.deltaprojects.org/community/rainbow-support-group/
Massachusetts West Region Self-Advocacy Rainbow Support Group
The fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom.
For more information, contact: rhoude@wmtcinfo.org
Our Rainbow Group Values
About Rainbow Groups
Who runs the Rainbow Groups?
You do!
Rainbow Groups are run by self-advocates and their supporters.
Don’t worry, though. MASS provides plenty of support in helping you set-up and run your group. When you start a Rainbow Group, you’ll work with Pauline Bosma. Pauline is a self advocacy leader and former coordinator of the Rainbow Support Group of Central MA. She is the Coordinator of the Rainbow Program for MASS.
Pauline will guide you through starting your Rainbow Group and make sure you have what you need.
Are all the groups the same?
Nope. One of the great things about Rainbow Groups is that they are individual groups, which means self-advocates can focus the groups on whatever they want.
For example, one Rainbow Group may be more focused on legislative action. Another Rainbow Group may be more focused on emotional support. Many groups cover a variety of topics and it just depends on what the members would like to discuss.
Can I go to more than one Rainbow Group?
Definitely. You may find that different groups meet different needs you have. You also may find the times and locations of certain groups to be easier than others. You also may just enjoy multiple groups!
How will you help me with my Rainbow Group?
In addition to Pauline’s one-on-one support, MASS provides self advocacy group training and support, logistical and organizational support, and handles all funds. Additional support is offered on an as-needed basis. MASS also submits quarterly updates on progress of the RSG to the DDS Commissioner.
DDS, Central West Office of Learning and Development, helps develop materials and mentors Pauline in outreach and presentation skills. Pat Carney is the contact.
Regional host providers, as they are identified, support individual groups by providing an advisor/group facilitator, meeting space and in-kind support.
How can I start my Rainbow Group?
Fill out the form below and Pauline will get in touch with you. Then you can start the process of creating your own Rainbow Group!
Trainings and Speakers
Rainbow coordinator Pauline Bosma and other members of the Rainbow groups are available to provide training to self-advocates, disability professionals, and/or families about gender, sexuality, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our training is always led by LGBTQ+ self-advocates. We are able to offer some training in MA each year for free, and can provide training in other states for a speaker's fee. We can customize the training for your agency, organization, or conference. Here are some of the many topics we can cover in our trainings:
Understanding the LGBTQ+ and I/DD community
Supporting LGBTQ+ people with I/DD
Personal stories from a panel of LGBTQ+ self-advocates
Relationships and sexuality education topics for people with I/DD, such as:
Healthy relationships
Consent and safe sex
Online dating
and more...
“We are making changes for people coming up in the system. They don’t have to start from the beginning.”
Pauline Bosma | Rainbow Program Coordinator | Self-Advocate
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Partners and Resources
Do you want to learn more about gender and sexuality? Do you need support for yourself or a loved one? Check out these resources today.
Our Lives, Our Choices, Our Rights!
The Rainbow Support Group Guidebook for LGBTQ+ and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
LGBTQ+ self-advocate leaders, including Rainbow Groups coordinator Pauline, worked together to write a guidebook for families, service providers, and educators about understanding the lives and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Based on interviews with 23 LGBTQ+ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the United States, the guidebook includes:
Information about gender and sexual identities
Quotes and personal stories
Advice on how to provide support
A statement of their human rights
Tips for sex educators
A letter to family and friends
Accessible handouts to download
GLAAD
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
Genderbread
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
PFLAG
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.
Supporting LGBTQ+ People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by Pauline Bosma
Pauline tells her story and talks about her trainings on how to work at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and IDD.
https://www.elevatustraining.com/supporting-lgbtq/
Resource Guide for Starting a Rainbow Support Group
Interested in starting your own Rainbow Support Group? Download the Resource Guide and start your journey today!
Resource Guide for Starting a Rainbow Support Group - PDF
SARTAC Resources for Self-Advocates, Families and Allies About Coming Out
Thomas Caswell is a self-advocate from Vermont and is a 2018-2019 SARTAC Fellow. Thomas’ project created resources for youth and adults with developmental disabilities coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
SARTAC Resources for Self-Advocates, Families and Allies About Coming Out
Statistics about LGBT People with Disabilities
Rainbow Contact
Pauline Bosma (she/her)
Rainbow Program Coordinator
Contact Us
Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself!