BY RUFUS WOODS in the Art of Community

hysical distancing is necessary during the coronavirus pandemic, but maintaining social connections while being physically distant is absolutely essential. We, humans, are social animals, and isolation is not healthy, after all.

Fortunately, we are finding different ways to connect. We can interact with each other on various online platforms while social gatherings have been discouraged. Social disconnection is a problem for all of us, but its impact is especially serious for marginalized people. Our neighbors who are part of the LGBTQ community find it challenging to be accepted for who they are in the broader community. In some cases, youngsters find that they cannot be their authentic selves at home.

Recently, I spoke with several members of the Wenatchee Pride board of directors, including Tan Gleason, Jillian Danley, Micah Vacatio, Ashley Olson, and Luz Estrada, about moving the annual Pride Day to an ongoing Pride series of events. With the coronavirus shutdown, the group has chosen instead to launch a series of virtual events beginning in May and lasting through the summer. On May 8, for example, an online meditation class has been scheduled, you can obtain tickets to this free event using this link,https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wenatchee-pride-guided-meditation-for-youth-and-families-tickets-103616700340?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=EBLinkEvent&utm_term=fullLink, and the group plans to have a series of other events, including art and yoga events.

“The (LGBTQ) community is already socially isolated,” noted Olson. With the shelter at home recommendations in place, the virtual events will allow members to connect on an ongoing basis.