ReGENERATIONS by the MoCo Pride Center

ReGENERATIONS

ReGENERATIONS
by the MoCo Pride Center

Work, socialize, or relax in a multigenerational LGBTQ+ safe space.

ReGENERATIONS is currently on an indefinite pause.

Keep checking here or on MoCo Pride's Instagram for updates on
ReGENERATIONS and other events!

Second Friday of every month

at Poppy Boy’s Kitchen inside Main Street Apartments

50 Monroe Place, Rockville, MD

(near Rockville Town Center, directly behind Soulfull Café)

Image description: Wide shot of part of Poppy Boy's Kitchen's indoor space. There are two large cushioned chairs and two large couches, making three sides of a square around a coffee table. On the fourth side is a wall with a very large TV and bookshelves. Photo courtesy of Main Street Apartments.

Image description: Wide shot of part of Poppy Boy's Kitchen's indoor space. On the left, there is a long table with 14 chairs on the left side, in front of a wall of large clear doors and windows. On the right is a full kitchen with an island with six stools, all of which have backs. Photo courtesy of Main Street Apartments.

Image description: Wide shot of part of Poppy Boy's Kitchen's indoor space. Four large blue velvet chairs around a small coffee table. Photo courtesy of Main Street Apartments.

Image description: Photo of part of the Poppy Boy's Kitchen's outdoor space. Up close are four cushioned white chairs in a circle around a coffee table; in the background are seven metal chairs and dining tables.

Image description: Photo of part of the Poppy Boy's Kitchen's outdoor space. Five yellow metal mesh chairs clustered around two tables.

WHAT CAN I DO AT ReGENERATIONS?

WORK
Telework, host a small meeting, or do homework. Bring in lunch from home (and use our fridge and microwave!), or carry in from the adjacent Soulfull Café or any nearby restaurants.

SOCIALIZE
Meet up with old friends or make new ones. Hang out in our comfortable couches and chairs, play board games (use our selection or bring your own), or spend time outside on the patio.

RELAX
Read a book, scroll on your phone, or watch YouTube on your tablet in the comfort of a judgement-free, LGBTQ+ safe space.

THE LOCATION
Poppy Boy’s Kitchen + Patio
@ Main Street Apartments
50 Monroe Pl, Rockville, MD

Named for Poppy Boy, the father of Main Street Apartments’ founder, Poppy Boy’s Kitchen + Patio is a 2000 ft² indoor space and 1000 ft² outdoor space with a variety of seating spaces. The outdoor space includes heaters.

Neither the indoor nor outdoor spaces are visible from the sidewalk or street. There is a small walking path about 100 ft from the outdoor area, but the indoor area is not at all visible by any passersby. Our goal is for this to be a relatively private, safe space.

Main Street Apartments is an intentionally inclusive apartment complex and community center, designed specifically to be accessible for adults with disabilities.

Across the street from the Rockville Metro station, and on the 56, 46, 47, 63, 44, and 54 bus lines. Street parking and garage parking both available.

See more photos and information about Poppy Boy’s Kitchen.

Learn more about Main Street Apartments.

Preview the full space in the video below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1
Who can come to ReGENERATIONS?
LGBTQ+ people and allies of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed with open arms at ReGENERATIONS.
2
How long do I have to stay?
Stay for 10 minutes, stay all day, or come and go as you please! This is your space to use flexibly.
3
What is the food policy?
The pay-what-you-can donation (for non-student adults; students are FREE) covers unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lemonade. You are welcome to bring in your own food and use the on-site microwave, or bring in from one of the many nearby choices. Soulfull Cafe is steps away and open until 2:00 PM. Two blocks over near the movie theater, there are several restaurant options that offer carry-out.
4
Why a multigenerational space?
It is important for younger members of the LGBTQ+ population be able see their “future self,” and for older members of the community to see the next generation. The community vibe at ReGENERATIONS is one of acceptance and support for all ages.
5
Can I _____ at ReGENERATIONS?
If it's not disruptive to others, probably! Some things people could do at ReGENERATIONS include (but are absolutely not limited to!): talk with a group of friends, telework, play board games, try out a new look, work on a group project, meet new people*, read a book, meet with a client, have lunch, scroll on your phone, or watch Netflix on your laptop,

If you want to double check if something is okay to do, please don't hesitate to email us and ask! We'd love to see if we can accommodate you.

*if you don't want to be approached by people you don't know, don't worry! See Accessibility for more information.
6
What COVID precautions are you taking?
Please see our Accessibility section for COVID safety information.

THE STORY BEHIND ReGENERATIONS

ReGENERATIONS was created so that LGBTQ+ youth and adults can find a safe and inclusive casual environment to “just be." As an MCPS teacher for over 30 years, Jan Guttman, board member of the MoCo Pride Center and parent of a trans child, saw the need for an LGBTQ+ inclusive space for LGBTQ+ teenagers and young adults to meet other young people within the community — and for some, to have a respite from a non-accepting home environment.

Jan frequently heard her students express the fact they had never met an "out" LGBTQ+ adult. She saw high schoolers love the Pride Prom, but heard them lament they hadn't met each other sooner. Likewise, when speaking with Pride Prom chaperones, Jan discovered the adult volunteers felt that there was a void in being able to find an LGBTQ+ third space to have coffee, work, play a board game, or just relax.

The goal of ReGENERATIONS is to create that third space for LGBTQ+ folks to make their own and be amongst one another, however actively or passively they please.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO

Physical accessibility
Main Street Apartments, where Poppy Boy’s Kitchen is located, was intentionally designed as an inclusive and accessible community for people with disabilities.

No steps required to access any spaces, including entrance into the building.
All bathrooms are ADA compliant and have wheelchair-accessible stalls.

Bathrooms

Gender-neutral bathrooms one floor above Poppy Boy’s Kitchen (PBK), accessible by elevator about 100 ft away from PBK’s door.
Gendered bathrooms on the same floor as PBK.

COVID precautions

Medify Air MA-50 HEPA 13 air purifier running in the 2000 ft² indoor space, with full air replacement every 30 minutes.
Free Powecom KN95 masks available for all who wish to mask to protect themselves and their community.
Hosts will be wearing KN95 masks at all times.
Large patio space with heaters to gather outdoors with appropriate distancing, even in cold weather.

Social cues
We fully understand that not everyone wants to be approached by people they don’t know. If you don’t want people to approach you for any reason, just drape one of our designated rainbow cloths over your seat. Signage will indicate to others what these cloths mean.

Sensory needs
The space tends to be quiet, but if you need a sensory break, the hallway and bathrooms are close by.

Have an accessibility need not addressed here? Please contact us!

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Email janguttman@mocopridecenter.org

We'd love to hear from you!

ReGENERATIONS is held at:

50 Monroe Place

Rockville, MD 20850

Main Street Apartments, Poppy Boy’s Kitchen