To everyone who took the time to share your truth in The LOFT’s Black & Brown LGBTQ+ Community Feedback Survey—thank you. We’ve heard you. And we’re taking action.
The survey revealed powerful insights around:
• Representation
• Inclusivity
• Culturally relevant programming
• Barriers to feeling seen, safe, and welcomed
Executive Summary
A total of 21 respondents from the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community completed the feedback survey via Airtable. The results highlight strong interest in engagement with The LOFT, with many citing the need for more culturally relevant programming, improved representation, and a more welcoming environment. Most have either visited The LOFT or expressed interest in doing so. A combined 15 respondents indicated interest in future involvement, underscoring a desire to participate in shaping inclusive community spaces.
Full Survey Analysis
Participation Overview
- Total responses: 21
- 20 respondents provided written feedback on The LOFT's environment.
- Engagement interest:
- 9 – “Yes, contact me!” for planning/focus groups
- 6 – would like to stay informed
- 4 – declined further involvement
- 2 – skipped the question
Familiarity with The LOFT
- 12 – visited occasionally
- 6 – not visited but interested
- 2 – regular visitors
- 1 – not visited and not interested
Barriers to Engagement
Respondents cited multiple factors limiting their engagement in LGBTQ+ spaces, including:
- Lack of relevant programming
- Feeling unwelcome or unseen
- Limited representation of Black and Brown identities
- Accessibility issues (transportation, physical access)
Sample responses:
- “Lack of relevant programming or events”
- “Feeling unwelcome or unseen”
- “Lack of representation… and accessibility”
Program & Event Interests
Respondents were interested in a broad range of programming, with themes including:
- Black & Brown LGBTQ+ social events
- Mental health and wellness
- Faith-based gatherings
- Political/community organizing
- Creative, arts-based spaces
- Professional development & networking
Example event requests:
- “Financial literacy & empowerment programs”
- “Culturally specific support groups”
- “Dance spaces” and “Queer family events”
Perception of Welcoming Environment
- Many respondents expressed uncertainty or limited exposure to The LOFT.
- Some noted positive impressions, but several shared concerns around inclusivity, representation, and visibility.
- Comments highlighted the need for more Black and Brown leadership, intentional outreach, and culturally affirming messaging.
Recommendations from Respondents
- Hire or elevate staff and leadership from Black and Brown communities
- Create more culturally relevant programming
- Improve visibility of inclusive efforts beyond token gestures
- Engage faith communities, local artists, and activists
What’s Next: Our Commitment to Action
To everyone who took the time to share your truth in The LOFT’s Black & Brown LGBTQ+ Community Feedback Survey—thank you. We’ve heard you. And we’re taking action.
The survey revealed powerful insights around:
• Representation
• Inclusivity
• Culturally relevant programming
• Barriers to feeling seen, safe, and welcomed
Here’s what’s happening next:
Continued Conversations
We are hosting a hybrid listening session on 07/30 5:30pm-6:30pm @The LOFT, folkx can come hangout or tune in remotely. We want to know what you're thinking! Expect good vibes, great conversation and some of The LOFT staff included to help bring ideas to life. We are aiming for future listening sessions to be held around Westchester and the Hudson Valley.
Culturally Relevant Programming
We are actively engaging our dedicated volunteers and group facilitators, whose unique identities and lived experiences provide invaluable insights into the realities of our community members. Their perspectives will be instrumental not only in shaping new programs, but also in ensuring we are intentional and mindful about creating inclusive spaces and reflecting diverse interests within our current offerings. This collaborative approach helps ensure our efforts remain impactful and truly responsive to the needs of our BIPOC community members.
Our volunteers and group facilitators are at the heart of The LOFT. They are deeply involved in engaging with our community and leading vital support groups. As leaders and coordinators within our diverse community, many of them are also members of our BIPOC community, reflecting the very people we serve. Because of their active involvement and varied lived experiences, they offer invaluable insights into the daily realities and unique needs of all our community members. Their perspectives will be instrumental not only in shaping new programs, but also in ensuring we're intentional and mindful about creating truly inclusive spaces and reflecting diverse interests within all our current offerings. This collaborative approach helps ensure our efforts remain impactful and truly responsive to the needs of our BIPOC community members.
Internal Evaluation
We’re assessing how The LOFT can elevate Black and Brown LGBTQ+ leadership, staffing, and visibility.
Better Outreach, Better Access
We’re rethinking how we communicate and show up—so that everyone feels seen, represented, and invited in.
This is just the beginning. We’re building intentionally—and we’re building with you.
Stay tuned for updates & ways to get involved.
— The LOFT Team
