Articles from the Constitution State
Protesting in New Haven
Dozens gathered on the New Haven Green to denounce Yale New Haven Health’s decision to end medication-based gender-affirming care for minors. Connecticut Children’s had announced a similar rollback in July, sparking widespread backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and elected officials who called the moves an “abdication” of responsibility.
Demonstrators argued the decision was made to appease the federal government, where President Trump’s administration has pushed restrictions on care for trans youth. Yale student Elizabeth Schvartz accused the hospital of bowing to misinformation and warned of dire mental-health consequences: “Every single administrator who made this decision has blood on their hands.”
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker attended the protest, voicing support but noting he cannot compel the hospital to reverse course. State Sen. Saud Anwar, a physician, called the withdrawal of care “extremely disturbing,” citing studies showing gender-affirming treatment improves health outcomes for trans youth.
Republican leaders, including state party chair Ben Proto and Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, praised the decision, arguing minors should not undergo irreversible procedures. Klarides-Ditria said psychotherapy is a safer option, while rejecting claims that opposition is rooted in intolerance.
Federal funding cut?
In September, the federal government threatened to withhold $1.56 million in funding from Connecticut’s Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) unless the state removes language about gender identity from its sex education materials.
In a letter sent to the Department of Public Health, Andrew Gradison, acting assistant secretary of the Administration for Children and Families, demanded that all references to “gender ideology” be struck from the program’s facilitator manual within 60 days.
The manual currently defines gender identity as an individual’s “inner understanding of what gender they identify with.” The ACF directive requires Connecticut to submit revised materials for approval or risk losing federal support, with potential for further enforcement actions.
However DPH spokesperson Brittany Schaeffer pointed out that the state “is not currently funding any activities in schools or elsewhere with PREP funds. The contracts that were funded through PREP expired in September 2024. DPH has been in the process of planning to solicit bids for the next round of contracts.”
What this means to the funding cut threat remained unclear at the time this issue went to press.
New era for Hartford Pride
Downtown Hartford came alive this fall as thousands gathered for the 2025 Hartford Pride Festival and Concert, an event that pulsed with music, color and community spirit. This year marked a new chapter, with The Health Collective (THC)—formerly the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective—stepping in as lead organizer alongside Connecticut Latinos Achieving Rights and Opportunities.
THC broadened the festival’s mission to highlight health and wellness, bringing dozens of vendors and nonprofits to Trumbull Street. Attendees connected with organizations offering resources on mental and physical health, youth services and LGBTQIA+ rights.
“This event is important for our youth right now to see that queer joy exists,” said Brayden Ransom, the Collective’s community impact manager.
Organizers framed the festival as a counterweight to rising anti-LGBTQ legislation nationwide. With family-friendly activities, performances and on-site resources, Hartford Pride underscored both celebration and care—a reminder that community health is integral to queer visibility and joy.
Pride run in Wilton
Hundreds of runners, walkers, kids, strollers and leashed dogs gathered at Town Green in Wilton Center to cheer and otherwise participate in the second annual Come Out & Run 5K, hosted by Wilton Pride and the Wilton Public Library.
“We don’t care how fast you are or where you’re from. Your presence is what truly matters,” said Wilton Pride Board Member Nikki Sherman. “This event is a joyful celebration of Pride and community, built on the foundation of cheering each other on and mutual support.”
The family-friendly event culminated in a festival with food, flair, fun, prizes and more.