Articles from the Constitution State
Pride Day in Monroe
Pride flags went up over city and town halls across New England to commemorate Pride month, albeit mostly virtual this year, and we salute them all. But we especially love to give a shout out to communities supporting their LGBTQ residents and neighbors for the first time.
Take the flag-raising celebration in Monroe, Connecticut.
“This flag raising today is another small step in the long journey that is achieving equality and universal civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community,” Ken Kapoor, a member of the town’s board of education, told The Monroe Sun.
“Symbols have meaning and this flag being raised shows that our local government cares. It is awareness and education that can change hearts and minds and local events like this move that conversation forward,” said Kapoor.
At the ceremony, reported the Sun, “The first selectman read a proclamation, proclaiming June 26, 2020 as Pride Day in the town of Monroe, and urging citizens to “recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ community and to actively promote the principals of equality and liberty.” A number of public officials from both sides of the aisle attended the ceremony to show their support.
Kapoor said more people had wanted to be there, but the event was not heavily advertised to promote social distancing. —RP
Rally for LGBTQ POC
In July, protesters came together in Fairfield to stand up for Black LGBTQ rights. Protestors arrived at Sherman Green and marched to Old Town Hall. Along with calling attention to the murders of Black trans women in this country, protestors called out issues around the rights of transgender athletes in schools.
Shoshana Mahon, one of the organizers of the protest, was inspired to put together the event following the death of George Floyd and the subsequent outpouring of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Among the protesters were State Rep. Brian Farnen, and State Rep. candidates Carla Volpe and Jennifer Leeper.
“Bridging the Gap” Dinner Creates Opportunity for Discussion
On September 9, the (B)MEN Foundation and the Transgender Emergency Fund are hosting the second event in a series that “highlights connection and dialogue between black men and Trans women of color,” according to bmenfoundation.org.
The event, “Bridging the Gap II, A Dinner Convo w/ Straight Black Men & Trans Women of Color,” includes icebreaking activities, dinner, conversations and an opportunity to break down barriers and dispel myths and misconceptions. “The goal of the event is for individuals to walk away with awareness and understanding of the issues that prevent open coexistence within our communities.”
(B)MEN is an inclusive group of Black men working to mobilize all Black men regardless of class, national origin, immigration status, age, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or gender expression. The Transgender Emergency Fund is the only organization dedicated to supporting low income and homeless Transgender individuals in Massachusetts.
More: bmenfoundation.org; transgenderemergencyfund.org
Triangle Community Center Continues Programming with COVID-Safe Virtual Events
Norwalk’s Triangle Community Center normally delivers many in-person programs, groups and activities for local LGBTQ youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCC has moved their programming to Zoom, and that includes youth groups, peer support groups, game nights and more.
For example, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, the TCC hosts their Coffee Talk Daytime Social. The coffee hour is geared towards older adults and is a chance to chat about ideas and current issues, and even engaging in art projects from home.
The LBTQ Women’s Social is hosted via Zoom on the first and final Thursday of each month, including September and October. The event is a chance for women to make new friends, connect with old friends and feel a sense of community.
Every Friday, TCC hosts their Young Adult Chat, a space for those age 18 to 25 to discuss LGBTQ-related topics.
Also on Friday nights, the center hosts GAYmes Night, where attendees (virtually) play games in a sober and LGBTQ-friendly environment.
In addition to their many groups and events, the Triangle Community Center also continues to offer free mental health counseling. In addition, they offer case management to those who may need assistance finding housing, employment, or benefits during the pandemic. They also offer support to young adults who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The center has truly adapted to the virtual world we are now living in.
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