Despite the many challenges leveled at the LGBTQ+ community in New England in 2025, there were many victories and otherwise happy moments to inspire hope as we roll into a new year. Here are just a few:
Representational wins
At the start of an alarming year in politics, 2025 also welcomed the return of nearly all LGBTQ+ incumbents and the arrival of many newly elected leaders from our community at statehouses across New England — including reelected Maine State Representative Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford, who was once again also elected Speaker of the House by his fellow state House members.
At the national level, New England voters sent US Reps. Becca Balint of Vermont and Chris Pappas of New Hampshire back to DC.
Overall, 50 openly LGBTQ+ candidates were elected to national and statewide offices by New England voters. Across the US, well over 300 openly LGBTQ+ candidates were elected or re-elected, joining an already strong bench of LGBTQ+ colleagues not on the ballots back in 2024.
Eight anti-LGBTQ bills rejected in Maine
The Maine state legislature rejected eight bills that targeted transgender student athletes, the transgender community, and the Maine Human Rights Act. A broad coalition came together to organize in response, including equality organizations, health care providers, legal advocacy groups and everyday Mainers of all ages and backgrounds.
“Thousands of Maine people showed up at the State House, called and emailed their legislators and stood strong against eight different bills that targeted our community,” said Gia Drew, executive director of EqualityMaine.
“We are grateful for the members of the Maine Legislature who listened and helped to defeat these harmful bills. Our community is resilient, and we want every transgender person in Maine to know that they are loved, that they are not alone, and that we will stand with them,” Drew said.
A dream come true
Isabelle St. Cyr, 24, made history this spring as the first transgender woman to compete in the Miss Maine Pageant—earning a spot in the top 10 semifinalists.
For St. Cyr, who grew up in Howland, Maine, longing to enter pageants as a child, the experience was nothing short of “a dream come true.”
In her Boston Spirit interview, she recalled how her journey was far from easy. St. Cyr endured bullying and threats in high school, often forced to hide her identity. Over time, with therapy, family support, and her own resilience, she transitioned and embraced her authentic self. Today, she lives in Monson with her partner, Patrick Scott, on a small farm, while pursuing modeling opportunities and advocacy work.
Despite the political climate of increasing attacks on trans rights, St. Cyr is determined to use her platform to represent and empower trans people. She plans to compete again next year, continuing to break barriers with grace and confidence.
School spirit in the Berkshires
A new independent high school dedicated to LGBTQIA+ students opened this past fall in Western Massachusetts. The J.S. Bryant School, founded by education innovators Allison Druin and Ben Bederson, will serve up to 38 students in a therapeutic, project-based learning environment that blends academics with wellness and outdoor education.
Named after Julia Sands Bryant, daughter of poet William Cullen Bryant who lived with a same-sex partner in France, the school emphasizes inclusivity and interdisciplinary studies. Courses focus on topics such as personal identity, environmental activism and community leadership, with students taking one long, integrated class per day. The curriculum meets Massachusetts state standards while centering LGBTQIA+ experiences.
The school’s “farm campus” includes orchards, gardens and animals, offering hands-on opportunities in sustainability and wellness. Daily schedules incorporate small-group discussions, collaborative projects, and therapeutic supports, with licensed therapists on staff and families actively involved.
Pappas takes an early lead
A late 2026 Saint Anselm College poll suggests that Congressman Chris Pappas — who in 2018 became the first openly gay person to represent New Hampshire at the US House — enters New Hampshire’s 2026 Midterms race for the US Senate as the dominant Democratic contender—and a formidable general-election competitor.
Pappas holds a commanding 64 percent in the Democratic primary, far outpacing scientist Karishma Manzur (8 percent) and state Rep. Jared Sullivan (2 percent). Analysts say the margin underscores his statewide name recognition and broad appeal as he seeks to move from the House to the Senate.
The Republican field, by contrast, remains unsettled. Former US Sen. John E. Sununu leads the GOP primary with 39 percent, followed by former Sen. Scott Brown at 30 percent, with a third of voters undecided. Brown’s support from “very conservative” voters suggests a potentially volatile race.
In projected November matchups, Pappas leads Brown 44–36 percent and edges out 44–41 percent, though placing both contests within striking distance. Observers expect heavy national investment as New Hampshire emerges as a top-tier battleground.
More: bostonspiritmagazine.com
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