Due to social distancing to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Pride organizations across the state of Connecticut are coming together for the first time to present Connecticut Virtual Pride, or “CT Pride,” through the month of June.
“Over 20 local towns and cities in CT may need to postpone events due to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on our local LGBTQ+ communities,” according to the CT Pride Facebook page. “Some are still scheduled and this site will be maintained and updated to provide the latest details on rescheduled dates and those still in the works and how to attend safely.”
Richard Stillson, a member of the Harford Pride committee, explained it this way in The Rainbow Times: “Our intent is to provide a safe way to express our pride and maintain social distancing through the latest technology. We are asking individuals, political supporters, community organizations, affiliated spiritual groups to submit short videos about what Pride means to them this year. We will ask the audience to give back to how our community is giving back those affected by the pandemic state-wide.”
During this year’s Pride month, despite the drastic change, CT Pride’s main mission is to celebrate the Stonewall uprising and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. “The New Haven Pride Center is proud to serve Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community and is excited to be working with pride organizers from across Connecticut this June to deliver a robust list of ways for all of us to connect, find support, and build community,” Patrick Dunn, executive director of the New Haven Pride Center and coproducer of Pride New Haven, told Rainbow Times.
Highlights include (see CT Pride Facebook page for the full line-up, including a host of talks):
Virtual Pride Kickoff Video — A complication of videos submitted by many community members and organizations that wanted to be featured. The live event took place on June 8. Click here to check it out.
Pride Karaoke Happy Happy Hour, June 13, 7–9 p.m. — If you love to sing, or need to let out some excitement, grab a drink and join others while you sing and celebrate pride month. Click here for more.
Part 1: Sylvia Rivera Documentary, June 20th — 7–8 p.m. Created by Jerimarie Liesegang and Richard Nelson as part of Queers Without Borders, the documentary, the documentary honors Sylvia Riveria, who identified as transgender and made it her mission to fight equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The event will be split into two parts because of length of the documentary. Click here for more.
Part 2 + Q&A: Sylvia Rivera Documentary, June 27, 7–8:30 p.m. — Following the second part of the documentary, there will be a Q&A, where you can ask Jerimarie Liesegang questions about his project. Click here for more.
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