Articles from the Constitution State
Political Power honoree
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, a global voice on issues pertaining to LGBTQ+ representation in government, has named Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell to its LGBTQ+ Political Power List for 2025. The list is comprised of 26 of the most influential LGBTQ+ state and local elected officials from across the US — public servants who exemplify the caliber of more than 1,334 LGBTQ+ elected officials currently serving nationwide.
“Growing up, it was difficult to imagine someone like me holding statewide office. I’m honored to share space on this list with my elected peers from around the country, leaders who are making a difference by being their authentic selves and affecting real social change. It’s why mentorship is a priority for me, to ensure that young people who may feel unseen or unheard know what’s possible,” Treasurer Russell said.
“Accepting this honor means a commitment to using my platform to amplify the voices of and create opportunities for those that have been historically excluded.”
Gender-affirming care phase out
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center announced that it is closing its program that provides gender-affirming care for trans and gender-diverse youth.
Said the Center’s President and CEO Jim Shmerling in a statement ,“In recent months, we have been carefully reviewing the long-term sustainability of our gender-care program in light of an increasingly complex and evolving landscape.
‘After thoughtful consideration and guidance from medical and legal experts, we have made the difficult decision to begin winding down this program for patients under the age of 19.
‘This process is being carried out in a deliberate and planful way, with ongoing communication and support for the families and team members directly involved. It continues to be an evolving and fluid situation.”
Gov. Lamont responds
In response to Connecticut Children’s gender-affirming youth care closing, Governor Ned Lamont stated:
“It’s disappointing for hospitals in Connecticut to be forced to make the difficult decision to end gender-affirming care for minors in response to the federal executive order. These decisions are not based on Connecticut values or Connecticut law—they part of a series of relentless federal demands that have created fear, confusion, and legal uncertainty for our healthcare providers.
“To transgender youth and their families in Connecticut: you are not alone. We see you, we support you and we are working closely with the attorney general and hospital leaders to understand the full impact.
“In Connecticut, we do not turn our backs on kids in need.”
Hartford Foundation grantees
The Equality Fund of The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded eight grants, totaling $200K, to support the wellbeing of Greater Hartford, Connecticut’s LGBTQIA+ community:
- Anchor Health received $43,000 to support the launch of a LGBTQIA+ pop-up clinic at The Health Collective East in Manchester.
- Colored Hemisphere received $7,500 to expand their emergency response service, delivering free, at home HIV test kits and crisis support resources to underserved LGBTQUIA+2 communities within Greater Hartford.
- Equality Connecticut’s $30K grant will bring in a policy analyst or contract with policy experts to complement their developed strengths in community organizing and strategic communications.
- Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford’s $18K will help increase the services and numbers served by its Trans-Evolution Program (TV-365) over a 12-month period.
- Planned Parenthood of Southern New England was awarded $25K to engage in a 12-month project to expand access to high-quality, gender-affirming care for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals.
- Queer Youth Program (Q Plus) received $25K for its 14 monthly group sessions in Hartford, Simsbury, Newington and West Hartford.
- The Health Collective’s Queer Health and Connection’s $35K grant will address urgent gaps identified in the 2023 LGBTQIA+ Resident Wellbeing Report including affirming medical care, mental health access, and inclusive spaces for youth.
- The People’s Saturday School received $16,500 for its proposal for a year of Just Kin programming, including a workshop series for queer and trans people.
