Articles from the Constitution State
Pride flag-raising disrupted
A group of LGBTQ+ pro-Palestinian protestors distrupted the Pride flag-raising ceremony in New Britain on June 1, surrounding the flagpole and chanting during the speeches, according to a report in the Hartford Courant. They demanded that certain guests of the event, including US Rep. Jahan Hayes, leave.
In a statement to the Hartford Courant, organizers of the pro-Palestinian demonstration said the “group of predominantly queer activists intervened in New Britain’s Pride flag-raising ceremony to reject the co-option of Pride by politicians who are funding the genocide of Palestinians.”
Stated Rep. Hayes on Instagram, “As an ally and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, I recognize events like this flag raising as a celebration and acknowledgment of their struggle and the contributions they continue to make in our communities. Today was not about me, so I left the event as an attempt to minimize disruptions and allow their ceremony to continue.
“The LGBTQIA+ community in New Britain deserves to raise their flag and celebrate Pride Month,” she added. “I look forward to celebrating Pride this month, and every month, and will continue to be a champion on issues effecting this community in Congress.”
Also present at the event, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz told the Courant, ““In Connecticut, the goveernor and I feel very strongly that Pride is a time to celebrate the human right to love whom you choose, to celebrate the accomplishments of members of our LGBTQ+ community, and to ensure that people in our state understand that the LGBTQ+ community is welcomed in Connecticut.
“Flag raisings deliver a very important message that we see the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut, we respect the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut, and we are going to continue to fight … against any hate and discrimination that we should see here.”
After the protesters demonstration, the event continuted and the Pride flag few over the city.
Strange Ways mixer
On July 1,the queer-owned Strange Ways in New Haven is hosting their Queer Mixer Pride Month Edition. The event includes appetizers created by Blue Orchid, a queer-owned restaurant. For entertainment, there will be a burlesque performance by Lovey Dovey.
Admission is free, but attendees must be age 18 or older. Queer attendees get a 10 percent discount on any Strange Ways purchase made during the event
Describes the website, “Strange Ways built its foundation as an online shop, becoming one of the top web destinations for patches, pins, unique gifts, and more from independent designers, artists, and small brands.”
Teen art workshop
On July 13 and August 10, Norwalk’s Triangle Community Center will host their Teen Therapeutic Art workshop, “Finding Your Voice,” from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The free event takes place on the second Saturday of each month.
The series is hosted by artist Lorena Sferlazza and is designed for those ages 13 to 17. Any art experience level is welcome.
Says TCC website, the workshop will “explore individual and collective experiences with LGBTQ+ identity, practice mindfulness, and share in ways to express ourselves through themed creative prompts, guided art-making activities, music, and conversation.”
Art materials will all be provided at the event.
More: ctpridecenter.org
OUTCT Pride
From August 7 to 11, with a theme of “Love Out Loud,” OUTCT will host their annual New London Pride events.
The celebration will begin with Queereoke on August 7, followed by an education committee event on August 8. The popular Drag Bingo event will take place on August 9 and the Pride at the Beach on August 10. The festivities will conclude with the BIPOC cookout on August 11.
OutCT is a 501c3 non-profit established in 2013. According to their mission statement, “OutCT is committed to creating a network of people, programs and experiences that celebrate our growing understanding of sexual and gender identities in Southeastern Connecticut.”
More: outct.org
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