Articles from the Constitution State
Emergency legislation
In early March, the state’s House of Representatives voted in support of emergency legislation in response to “President Donald J. Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ services, including gender-affirming care.”
“We want to send a message that we support these organizations,” House Speaker Matt Ritter told the CT Mirror. “We support the individuals and the families that utilize these organizations, and we want to show that the government of Connecticut has a very different opinion on how we treat people with respect and dignity.”
A GOP amendment to the bill aimed at banning transgender athletes from women’s sports failed 89-49. The bill passed the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont on March 12.
True Colors Conference
Chasten Buttigieg — educator, LGBTQ+ advocate, author and husband of former mayor, presidential candidate and former US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, delivered the opening remarks at the 2025 national True Colors SOGIEcon (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) conference, held at UConn Storrs campus.
The speaker lineup also included Celeste Lescene, cofounder of The Trevor Project; Emmy-nominated producer and former NYC Pride leader David Correa; and singer, comedian and human rights activist Jade Esteban Estrada. Singer Adam Lambert delivered a message via video.
With over 200 workshops, panels, performances and activities, and drawing more than 2,000 participants, the two-day conference is sponsored by The Health Collective.
“At a time when LGBTQIA+ youth, their families and the professionals who support them face unprecedented challenges, this conference serves as a powerful reminder that they are valued, supported and never alone,” said Health Collective Executive Director David Grant in a press release.
“Our hope is that this event not only empowers and educates but also fosters lasting community — providing an affirming environment where people can celebrate who they are.”
More: healthcollective.org/true-colors-lgbtq-conference
Out Film Ct 38
Out Film CT has announced the dates for their 38th festival: June 20–28, 2025.
At our press time, the selection committee was still reviewing hundreds of submissions from all over the globe; check the website below for updates. Most films will be screened at the festival’s longtime home, the Cinestudio on Trinity College’s campus in Hartford. The closing night film will screen at the Connecticut Science Center in downtown Hartford, and there will be additional virtual-only exclusives for fans to enjoy at home.
“With the current climate challenging and silencing voices in the LGBTQ community, it is more important than ever that we share our stories and spotlight LGBTQ artists,” says Festival Director Shane Engstrom. “The Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival remains our state’s premier cultural event where we can come together in community with friends and allies to be inspired, uplifted, and celebrated.”
Out Film CT is dedicated to presenting outstanding LGBTQ cinema and other theatrical events throughout the year, culminating in the Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival — Connecticut’s longest-running film festival.
More: outfilmct.org
Palmer-Warner House needs you
The Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam, a Connecticut Landmarks museum, is seeking items to enrich a new exhibit debuting this June.
“Letters of Unity: Building LGBTQ+ Community Through the Written Word” will celebrate the power of written communication in shaping LGBTQ+ identity, activism, and community. Using the Palmer-Warner House’s collection and loaned items, this exhibit will weave together your stories with the stories of the house’s previous residents, Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger, who created a safe space together in East Haddam.
The Museum is looking for items such as letters, diaries, photographs, postcards, newspapers, magazines, audio recordings or other personal accounts highlighting how written words have built and nurtured LGBTQ+ communities.
The submission deadline is Friday, May 16. All items are for loan only and will be held until August 31.
More: ctlandmarks.org/lettersofunity
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