Real People. Real Stories. Real Connections.

Gather with us for Beyond the Bio, a free speaker series featuring women and gender expansive people from Rhode Island and beyond. Each event offers space for deep listening and meaningful conversation. Expect powerful storytelling, audience Q+A, and a chance to meet speakers in an intimate, community-centered setting.

This month, we’re honored to welcome Michelle Bloomrose: retired U.S. Navy Commander, Lawyer, and LGBTQ+ Advocate.

Michelle was forced to retire from the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps after more than 20 years of honorable service because she is a transgender woman. Her naval law practice took her to 49 of the 50 United States, all over Europe and the Middle East and gave her the opportunity to live & work in Italy, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. During her service, she performed two years of sea duty on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the Gulfs of Aden and Oman and the Persian Gulf.

Her practice focused on military justice, military personnel law, environmental law, national security law and legal education. She is most proud of her work on advocating for and implementing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal and the drafting and implementation of the 2016 Carter Policy that allowed open transgender service in the U.S. military for the first time.

Michelle's final position in the U.S. Navy was as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Justice School aboard Naval Station Newport. She is the recipient of five Meritorious Service Medals and numerous other personal, unit, and campaign awards in recognition of her exemplary service.

Presently, Michelle does contract work for GLAD Law and volunteers with SPARTAPride, The Good Health Project, and as the attorney coach of the Portsmouth High School Mock Trial Team. She makes her home in Portsmouth with her spouse of 22 years and their two children.

This is a ticketed event. Suggested donations of $5-10 per ticket helps support free public programs for women and gender expansive people.

The Alcove is grateful to our community of members and supporters whose generosity makes public programs like this one possible. Together, we create space to thrive.

Cozy Up and Read

Members are invited to curl up in the Haven with a good book, enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, tea, and a light snack as you carve out quiet time for yourself in a warm, welcoming space!

We're keeping it cozy—this is for members only! No registration required—join us for an hour or two, for this special time just for you.

Real People. Real Stories. Real Connections.

Gather with us for Beyond the Bio, a free speaker series featuring women and gender expansive people from Rhode Island and beyond. Each event offers space for deep listening and meaningful conversation. Expect powerful storytelling, audience Q+A, and a chance to meet speakers in an intimate, community-centered setting.

This month, we’re honored to welcome multi-hyphenate Pilar Mccloud.

Pilar is a Providence-based community leader, youth mentor, and civic advocate who founded A Sweet Creation Youth Organization and The Pilar McCloud Experience in the city’s Olneyville neighborhood. She has held numerous leadership roles with the NAACP Providence Branch, including serving as Chairwoman of the Youth High School and College Chapters, and as a YouthWorks Advisor supporting youth councils across New England. Her community involvement also includes work with Keep Forward Movement (KFM), the Community Action Board through Tulane University’s State of Black Rhode Island initiative, and the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee, where she serves as Breathe Providence Coordinator.

With more than 20 years of experience supporting young people, Pilar has served as a Mentor Team Leader with YouthBuild Preparatory Academy through AmeriCorps and has mentored through organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, Goodwill Industries, The Met High School, and Nathaniel Greene Middle School. She facilitates programs focused on civil rights, social justice, and empowerment for young women, and holds certifications in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and as a Community Health Worker. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the NAACP Rosa Parks Award, the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award, induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame, and recognition as one of Rhode Island’s Remarkable Women of 2025. Her story has also been preserved by the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress through StoryCorps, reflecting her lasting impact on community leadership and youth development.

This is a ticketed event. Suggested donations of $5-10 per ticket helps support free public programs for women and gender expansive people.

The Alcove is grateful to our community of members and supporters whose generosity makes public programs like this one possible. Together, we create space to thrive.

The Alcove is grateful to our community of members and supporters whose generosity makes public programs like this one possible. Together, we create space to thrive.