Articles from the Constitution State
Historic win
In January, attorney Erick Russell will be sworn in as Connecticut’s new state treasurer after winning the general midterm election last year. He will be the state’s first Black, openly gay statewide elected official.
“For far too long, people of color and the LGBTQ community have lacked equitable representation in government,” said LGBTQ Victory Fund CEO & President Annise Parker. “Erick shattered this lavender ceiling and made history.”
“His deep policy experience and grassroots support will make him an exceptional state executive,” said Parker. Not only is his win a sharp rebuke of the current wave of homophobia and racism plaguing our country, it’s a moment of inspiration for our community that our political future is brighter than ever.”
A partner in a Connecticut-based law firm, Russell grew up in New Haven, where he lives with his husband. He has also worked as a mentor to LGBTQ+ youth and Black youth, and is passionate about “breaking the racial and generational wealth gap.” Russell wants to help to “establish programs that promote financial and economic stability for all people.”
Fundraiser for foodies
Enfield Pride is hosting a fundraising event at Red Robin in Enfield from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 11.
Attendees present a coupon and 10 percent of their dining cost will go to Enfield Pride, which hosts regular meetings, game nights and other events that support the LGBTQ community.
Book Club: to be continued
Norwalk’s Triangle Community Center is continuing their monthly LGBTQ+ Book Club event into 2023. The next dates are Jan. 15 and Feb. 19, followed by more each third Sunday of the month, all starting at 1 p.m.
The group is for ages 18 and up, and is free of charge.
The Triangle Community Center hosts more than two dozen free groups that meet weekly, bi-weekly or monthly at the Center to “nurture growth and connection within the LGBTQ community.” These include social groups, such as their book club, plus recovery and peer support groups, youth and young adult groups, and wellness groups. There’s also a Nerd Night, a Gaymes Night, a Nonbinary Support & Discussion group, AA and Al-Anon meetings, PFLAG meetings and more.
More: ctpridecenter.org
Troupe 429
In 2023, Troupe429, the 21+ bar and performance venue in Norwalk, will continue to host events every Wednesday through Sunday, including karaoke, DJs, drag shows and brunches, special events and daily happy hours from 6 to 8 p.m.
According to their website, they welcome “people of all identities, sexual orientations, genders, races/ethnicity and spiritual beliefs.”
The 429 in their name was derived from the numbers for “G-A-Y” on a phone’s keypad, which used to be a code to help identify others in the community. They sometimes host events in conjunction with the Triangle Community Center, the LGBTQ+ organization which is also located in Norwalk.
More: troupe429.com
HRC Municipal Equality Index
New England earned leading scores once again on the Human Rights Campaign’s 11th annual Municipal Equality Index.
In the Constitution State, Hartford and Stamford both received 100s. Norwalk scored 97, New Haven 83, New Britain 75, Waterbury 67, Storrs 61, Fairfield 46 and Bridgeport 42.
The index measures LGBTQ inclusivity in municipal laws, policies and services for LGBTQ people in cities and some other communities with a strong LGBTQ presence across the US. Scores are based on 49 different criteria from employment, housing, credit, education, public services, transgender health care and anti-conversion therapy laws.
More: hrc.org
