Articles from the Constitution State
Nonprofit transformation
The owner of the Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee & Café in East Haddam, Connecticut, Mark Thiede, has transformed his business into a nonprofit organization “supporting inclusion, racial justice, reproductive freedom and the ‘right to love and be loved,’ according to a report in the Middletown Press.
“As a transgender woman, knowing that I have a place in my community where I’m safe, where I’m welcome, I am accepted for who I am — that’s everything,” the new organization’s board member Clare McCarthy told the Middletown Press. “Even now, a quarter of the way through the 21st century, that is a rare thing.”
What’s more, back in July, Wrasslin’ Cats became one of just four private Connecticut state-designated “Safe Place businesses, where victims of hate crimes, domestic violence, racial abuse or others are given asylum,” Thiede said.
State of inclusion
In response to recent actions by Florida’s official tourism board to remove LGBTQ+ travel information from its official website, Connecticut is stepping forward to reaffirm its commitment to being one of the top most welcoming states in the nation.
For LGBTQ+ History Month (October), Connecticut’s tourism office “highlighted the state’s enduring tradition of inclusivity and diversity, reminding everyone that Connecticut is a great place to live, work, and play — no matter who you are or who you love.”
“We want to send a strong message to everyone, particularly to those in Florida — and across the country — who may feel their needs and identities are being sidelined, to know that in Connecticut you will always find acceptance” said Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the State of Connecticut. “Here, diversity is celebrated, and we remain committed to ensuring everyone who visits or lives here feels valued, respected, and free to be yourself.”
“Our message is clear,” said Anthony. “In Connecticut, everyone is welcome. Unlike Florida which has removed LGBTQ+ resources from its tourism website, we are proud to prominently feature our commitment to inclusivity across all our platforms, including CTvisit.com. Our marketing efforts showcase Connecticut as a beacon of safety, acceptance, and opportunity for all, ensuring our state remains a destination where everyone can truly belong.”
Legendary Gay Bingo
On November 9, the Mid Fairfield AIDS Project is hosting its “Legendary Gay Bingo” event in Norwalk. The will celebrates the birthday of Cassandra Fiore, their Mistress of Ceremonies.
The fun includes a live auction, a raffle, cash prizes, a DJ, a cash bar and food. Tickets can be purchases at mfap.org.
Mid Fairfield AIDS Project mission “to act as a direct and indirect service provider and advocate for all those affected by HIV/AIDS and other co-morbidities; to create lasting solutions to prevent the spread of HIV/HCV, recurring homelessness and addiction through education, prevention programs, collaborations and housing initiatives.” Services include rapid HIV/Hepatitis C testing, housing for the homeless, medical case management, food security, drug user health + harm reduction, transportation, oral health and more.
More mfap.org
Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus holiday show
On December 7 and 8, the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus is performing their big, gay holiday show of 2024.
The show, “Snowbound Serenade,” follows the story of three people who get stuck in a blizzard en route to a Snowball Festival. The concert takes place at the Aetna Theatre at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford.
The HGMC began in 2012, and is a 50+ voice ensemble known for “their musicianship, creative programming, and community outreach.”
Their mission “recognizes the sociopolitical statement inherent in being an openly gay organization and, as such, representatives of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to our concerts we represent the LGBTQ+ community through partnerships with other gay and gay-affirming organizations, outreach within our community and beyond, and participation and performances at pride events, cultural celebrations, civic programs, sporting events and other special occasions.”
More: hgmc.org
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