Lavanda's Story
In the Fall of 2023 Emma Whitney was tasked with creating a business plan for her Artist Entrepreneur class at Berklee College of Music. Her Professor, Cristi Catt, suggested Whitney create a plan that "reflects your real goals and passions". Emma Whitney is a Cuban-American, Lesbian, Musician, who has connections and involvement with the substance abuse recovery community. Emma decided to combine these passions and aspects of her identity into Lavanda. The initial (and current) vision was for Lavanda to be an organization that provides a safe, inclusive, space for queer people to thrive and explore. After the semester concluded Whitney decided to recruit 4 other Boston area colleges, Grace Harkey, Stacey Brie, Kris McCarthy, and Isha Kinare, to help her make Lavanda a reality. Together they decided to "just go for it" and built their first show which took place in a DIY Venue on March 9th of 2024. This show and the next included performances by 3 local LGBT+ musicians, and one vendor. After great reception to these events with guest saying things like, "I think this is a beautiful and much needed thing for a lot of artists in this area", "I felt so safe to exist as a queer person and appreciate art of all kinds'', and "loved the coziness of it and care that went into it". The Lavanda team decided to take on the ambitious task of building a Pride Festival. Lavanda's first ever Camp Fest will be taking place on June 28th from 12pm-4om in the Boston Commons at the Parkman Bandstand. This festival will include performances by 7 LGBT+ Artists: Kris McCarthy, Chrysalis, Christian Inman, Good Judgement, S AND R, Lauren Jean, and Kühlname. 6 vendors selling their unique art, clothes and crafts, and much much more. In upcoming years Lavanda intends to continue hosting regular community events, organize Camp Fest 2025, and expand to other cities across the USA.
Lavanda's Mission
Lavanda is a Boston based LGBTQIA+ Sober Events Organization with a focus in Music and Art. We aim to produce an experience that is enjoyable, safe, and intimate. We hope that by highlighting queer artists and sellers at our events, that we can encourage genuine connections between people. We strive to create a space to relax, connect, get inspired, and support some really talented folks. At Lavanda we take saftey, accesibility, and inclusivity, extremely seriously. We know it can be hard to find spaces that feel truly supportive. Because of this we have added a anonymous reporting feature to our website, made sure our staff is easily identifiable at events, and have security staff that knows how to handle these matters in a firm but senstaive way. If you ever feel unsafe at our of our events, for any reason, please let us know through one of the previously mentioned means.
Behind The Name
Lavanda means Lavender in Spanish. And to us it means so much more. Founder, Emma Whitney, felt that Lavanda perfectly symbolizes her identity as a Cuban-American Lesbian and signals Lavanda’s mission to create a diverse and inclusive queer space.
Get Involved
Hit our Line
Got an idea for an event? Want to Collab? Want to Join the Team? Got something else you'd like to share?
Let us know by contacting us through our contact page or email info@lavandalgbt.com