Articles from the Constitution State
$100K grant for community center
The Fairfield-based Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation has pledged to provide $100,000 toward an LGBTQ+ community center in Bridgeport.
Reports the Connecticut Post, the Foundation’s founder Elliot Leonard said he “envisions the center will be modeled after the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, which offers programs that include confidential peer support group sessions, along with art workshops and case management services for young adults.
“Such a center would provide a sense of community for LGBTQ youth, who are often bullied and forced to leave home, Leonard said. He told a roughly 40-person crowd that Triangle Community Center board members often asked why there isn’t a similar center in Bridgeport.”
“People have been talking about it, but no one’s taking the leadership,” Leonard told a gathering at the Triangle Community, where Leonard is also a member. “So we are assuming that mantle, but we can’t do it without the community and we’re looking for any help we can.”
The Leonard-Litz Foundation supports partner organizations that are improving the lives of the LGBTQ+ community through life-affirming services.
More: leonardlitz.org
Gaylight Savings
On November 5, Bethel CT Pride will host a Gaylight Savings LGBTQ+ Music Event to celebrate Daylight Savings. The event, which will take place outdoors at the Trailer Box Project Gallery, will include art, live music and more.
It is a free event, but Bethel CT Pride welcomes donations. According to the Eventbrite website, attendees must be 21+, but it is a sober event.
Bethel CT Pride supports the community in northwestern Connecticut and the Danbury area, and their fiscal sponsor is Connecticut’s Triangle Community Center, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization based in Norwalk.
More: bethelctpride.com
One Big Event
On November 11, the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective (HGLHC) will celebrate 40 years with their biggest fundraiser of the year at the Hartford Marriott Hotel.
The celebration, the 21st annual One Big Event, will include a live auction and a silent auction. Proceeds will ensure that the HGLHC can continue to offer education and health services to members of the community.
HGLHC is the state’s oldest LGBTQ+ health agency, providing sexual health services and counseling, dental services, mammogram referrals, and more.
More: onebigevent.org
Stonewall Speakers
North Haven Pride will host The Stonewall Speakers at North Haven Memorial Library on November 8. The event will feature stories from volunteer speakers who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies. There will also be a question and answer part of the event. Speakers will share vulnerable and personal stories and aim to promote equality, understanding, and acceptance.
North Haven Pride is a Connecticut organization that “aims to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity,” as described on the Eventbrite website. They continue to say, “Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally, this event is for everyone who believes in love, respect, and diversity.”
Friendsgiving luncheon
The Woodbury Senior Center will host an LGBTQ+ Friendsgiving luncheon event for members of the community, as well as allies, on November 13th from 4pm to 6pm. Dessert and coffee will be provided, and attendees will bring appetizers to share with the group.
Those attending are encouraged to bring photos to include in an Earthloom with the themes of “gratitude” and “chosen family.” They are also welcome to take plenty of photos to commemorate the event.
More: healthyliving.org
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