Articles from the Constitution State
Remembering Shawn M. Lang
Longtime LGBTQ and AIDS activist Shawn M. Lang, 65, died suddenly on Oct. 17. From the early 1990s until this past June, Lang had served as deputy director of AIDS Connecticut, and for decades championed many causes on behalf of the LGBTQ community and those dealing with drug addiction and domestic abuse.
“A native of Norfolk, Mass., Lang was a graduate of the University of Lowell, a steadfast Boston Red Sox fan and a frequent visitor to Provincetown,” reported the Norwich Bulletin. “She worked for decades on numerous issues affecting the LGBT community and others, such as advancing expanded hate crimes and anti-discrimination laws; meeting the housing and medical needs of people living with HIV and AIDS in Connecticut; and increasing the availability of naloxone or Narcan to prevent opioid overdoses.”
Reported Connecticut Public Broadcasting, “With her trademark cargo shorts and salt-and-pepper crewcut, Lang was a force of nature, both out in front as an activist as well as behind the scenes working on public policy.”
“[CEO of AIDS Connecticut John] Merz said he saw Lang’s warrior spirit early in her tenure at AIDS Connecticut, when she successfully lobbied against a measure that would have collected the names of state residents living with HIV/AIDS. At around the same time, according to Merz, Lang was instrumental in securing $1.1 million from the General Assembly for AIDS housing.
“In a statement, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said, ‘We grieve the loss of a champion and remember with profound gratitude Shawn’s many efforts to create a more just and equitable society.’
“U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut praised Lang as ‘a true fighter for LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for those with AIDS and HIV and people impacted by opioid addiction.’” –RP
Restoring Vet Benefits
The state’s Department of Veterans Affairs recently put together a review board “to restore benefits to certain veterans with other than honorable discharges, including those who were dismissed due to sexual orientation and post-traumatic stress disorder,” according to a report in the Hartford Courant.
The Eligibility Qualifying Review Board consists of five members who will also look at “discharges primarily due to gender identity or gender expression, traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma,” the Courant reports.
This past September marked 10 years since the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed.
Lembo resigns
Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced he will resign from office by the new year. Lembo explained that he is making this decision “due to a serious heart condition,” reported CT Insider.
In his statement of resignation, Lembo details his diagnosis as “a serious and debilitating cardiac condition that has recently been worsening in intensity and severity.”
“Over 10 years ago,” he wrote, “voters took a chance on a gay, vegetarian nerd that had never run for office in his life. I’ve worked every day since to represent this office with honesty, integrity and a focus on the common good. Even now, I love the work that I do and the people I work with. Unfortunately, my health simply won’t allow me to continue to serve.”
Governor Ned Lamont will now choose someone to fill the position until election time in November.
Clerestory opens
Coming out of the height of the pandemic, The Clerestory, a popular business hosting events, notably LGBTQ weddings, recently opened its doors on Hilliard Street in Manchester.
Its home in the Hilliard Mills building is almost 350 years old, was bought in 2006, remodeled and made home to 54 small businesses. The Clerestory is owned by Drew Angelo, who told WTNH-TV 8 some 70 percent of the couples who have booked weddings at the venue are members of the LGBTQ community.
The space can accommodate up to 250 people.
