Queer & Curious
A little workplace inclusion. A little history. A little personal.
A whole lot queer.
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Recent Posts
Queer Joy at Bentley University’s Rainbow Lunch
Last week, I was invited to speak at the 28th Annual Bentley University Rainbow Lunch as the event’s alumni speaker about the importance of queer joy.
Worcester & HIV Care | Queer Worcester Icons 2026
While the AIDS Crisis made headlines in large cities like New York City, smaller cities like Worcester were not spared. With little government or funding infrastructure, resources for HIV care and research were scarce. Worcester’s community response was bolstered by University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass) role at the forefront of HIV clinical research and care.
Frances Perkins | Queer Worcester Icons 2026
The workers’ rights we benefit from today are grounded in the legacy of Frances Perkins.
Elizabeth Bishop | Queer Worcester Icons 2026
While she avoided the public spotlight, Elizabeth Bishop’s lasting legacy places her among one of the “one of the most important American poets” of the 20th century.
John O’Reilly & James Tellin | Queer Worcester Icons 2026
For 60 years collage artist, John O’Reilly (1930-2021) and sculptor James “Jim” Tellin (1930 – 2023) lived in Worcester. John and Jim’s Worcester homes were central to their art and community. While they seldom collaborated on works, they would exchange ideas and critique.
“One Eyed” Charley Parkhurst | Queer Worcester Icons 2026
“One-Eyed” Charley Parkhurst (1812 – 1879) caught national acclaim as a skillful stagecoach driver. Many children’s stories claim Charley as a female icon of the Wild West, which simultaneously uplifts an important story while diminishing his likely queerness.
I, Ali Kane, live and work on the traditional lands and waters of the Agawam and Nipmuc peoples (Tataessit), whose enduring relationship with this place existed long before the city of Worcester was named.
I also acknowledge that my direct ancestors were an active part of colonizing the land now known as the state of Massachusetts. I carry that history with humility and grief.
I am committed to remembering and respecting the Nipmuc and Agawam people, and the land itself, by ensuring access to nature remains a universal right, not a privilege.