Our Story
Cumberland Flux began with a simple goal: to create real opportunities for connection and belonging in rural Allegany County. In many small towns, social life revolves around bars, private circles, or closed networks — leaving many residents, especially LGBTQ+ individuals or newcomers, without inclusive, welcoming spaces.
We saw an opportunity to address that gap through consistent, low-cost, activity-first community events that anyone can join. What started as a local effort to make a few meetups more welcoming grew into a public-benefit initiative supporting connection, learning, and well-being across the region.
Flux represents movement, growth, and the natural flow of people sharing time together. It reflects the belief that community is built through repeatable moments of participation — not nightlife, consumption, or exclusivity, but shared activity and genuine interaction.
Our Mission
To foster inclusive, accessible opportunities in Allegany County where neighbors can connect, learn, and thrive together through community-building programs, educational events, and recreational activities.
What Inspires Us
We draw inspiration from the long tradition of LGBTQ+ community-building — from Pride to grassroots groups — which demonstrate the power of visibility, connection, and chosen community.
But unlike nightlife-centered or entertainment-based models, our approach shifts the focus from performance to participation. Cumberland Flux borrows the celebratory energy of Pride but channels it into hands-on, alcohol-optional, family-friendly gatherings that strengthen everyday community life.
We believe belonging shouldn’t require money, nightlife, or prior connections — just a shared activity and a welcoming space.
Why “Flux”?
The name represents adaptability and transformation — the steady flow of ideas, people, skills, stories, and culture that shape community life. Community is not static; it evolves as people show up and contribute. Cumberland Flux helps create the pathways where that evolution can happen.
Our Values
- Consistency: Predictable scheduling builds trust, reduces anxiety, and creates a dependable community rhythm.
- Accessibility: Events are affordable, beginner-friendly, and welcoming across abilities, ages, and identities.
- Inclusivity Without Tokenism: We honor LGBTQ+ inclusion as a lived practice, not a marketing label.
- Participation Over Performance: Shared activity is the heart of community — not entertainment or consumption.
- Service & Reciprocity: Quarterly service days and volunteer efforts cultivate shared purpose.
- Sustainability Through Shared Leadership: We distribute roles, build partnerships, and avoid organizer burnout.
What We Do
Cumberland Flux hosts approximately 18–20 events each year, including:
- Coffee & Community Walks
- Skill Share Nights
- Cooking or Craft Activities
- Community Events (concerts, movies, festivals)
- Quarterly Service Days
- Quarterly Wellness or Reflection Events
The Public Benefit Commitment
Cumberland Flux is a Maryland Public Benefit LLC. This means our purpose includes community benefit, not just business operation. We evaluate our work through:
- Attendance and participation
- Community feedback
- Diversity and representation
- Volunteer impact hours
- Annual transparency reporting
Get Involved
Whether you’re new to the area, looking for friends, wanting to learn a skill, or hoping to give back, Cumberland Flux provides a welcoming place to start. Join an event, share a skill, volunteer, or partner with us — everyone belongs in the rhythm we’re building.