No matter how small the town, local Pride events matter, and James Crocker will tell you why. “Kids need to know they’re loved,” says Crocker, who was only 15 last June when he formed Granby’s Got Pride. In under two weeks he organized a Pride rally on the town green with more than 400 attendees.
Crocker got busy after a few parents complained about a teacher showing fifth graders a video produced by NBC Universal Kids. The 45-second clip featured children saying what Pride means to them: “Pride to me is my two dads,” and “I have dolls. I love my dolls.”
He had no idea what he was in for. The venom on social media from a tiny but loud number of adults was bad enough, but one man’s threats caused police to issue a restraining order. “I wasn’t prepared for stepping into the limelight and getting all this backlash,” he says. Arguably, a 15-year-old shouldn’t have to, but thanks to his and others’ persistence, a year later Granby’s Got Pride is well-established.
The school was just doing its job, teaching history and inclusion, says Crocker—esepcially important for kids who aren’t free to be themselves at home. He says, “It’s very scary for kids to think they’re alone.”
Visibility, we are reminded, matters.
This year, even more first-time Pride events are happening in small towns across the state. CT Voice goes to press before all plans are finalized, so check with organizers for updates. Also check for newly-scheduled events on Facebook @ConnecticutVirtualPride, and online at CT Voice.com.
June 1
Pride Parade & Celebration
Bethel
Noon- 5 pm at the Municipal Center.
Sidewalk parade followed by flag raising, drum circle, music, food, artists, vendors, kids’ activities and more in downtown Bethel.
www.bethelctpride.com and @bethelctpride on all social media.
June 1 (rain date June 2)
Pups and Pride Parade + Art Show
Canton
10 am- Noon at The Shops at Farmington Valley.
Organized by Canton Arts Council and Friends of Canton Dog Park to benefit New England Puppy Rescue. Parade starts at 10:30 at Canton Dog Park and ends at The Shops. Art show, kids’ art activities, and treats for humans and dogs. Paraders are requested to register.
www.theshopsatfarmingtonvalley.com and Facebook @DogParkCanton
June 1 and 2
Pride in the Vines
Colchester
11 am-6 pm both days. Food trucks, vendors, and entertainment. On June 1: Drag show with Summer Orlando and Barbra Joan Streetsand, and music by Carrie Ashton. On June 2: Sister Funk and Relic.
June 1
Easton Pride
1 pm: Flag raising Easton Town Hall
1-3 pm: Visions of Pride Art Reception, Easton Library, and ongoing games, kids’ crafts, ice cream truck, music and swag.
1:15: Pride story time, library lawn
3:15 – 4:15: Film short “Gay Youth”, Easton Library
Facebook @EastonCTPride
June 1 (rain date TBD)
Hamden Pride Fest
Noon-4 pm at Town Center Park, Hamden.
With food, live music including Sister Funk, vendors, nonprofit and community organizations, kids’ activities, and more. The event will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and allies of Hamden and neighboring towns.
www.hamdenpride.org, Facebook @HamdenGayPrideFestival, and Instagram @HamdenPride
June 1 (rain date June 2)
Middletown PrideFEST
Festival Noon- 10 pm, Pride March 1-2 pm, Pride Rally 2:30-4 pm, Two Pride Showcase Concerts 4—7 pm, and Tea Dance on Main 7 – 10 pm in Downtown Middletown, South Green (intersection of Old Church and Main Street), and Spear Park (intersection of William and Main Streets).
The state’s largest Pride event annually draws approximately 20,000 people, 130 vendors, and 80 marching groups from all over New England. The festival includes events for all ages. Vendors and food trucks will be located on Main Street, and a 21+ area will offer alcoholic drinks with a view of the South Green Stage. Stop by the Middletown Pride Merchandise Tent to purchase Middletown Pride swag and learn what the organization does throughout the year.
www.middletownpride.org/pridefest
June 1
Ridgefield Pride in the Park
Noon- 3 pm at Ballard Park, with a 1 pm march around the park. Rain location is Yanity Gym.
Free and family-friendly, with music, games and activities for all ages.
May 23-June 16: “Kinky Boots” at ACT of Connecticut, 36 Old Quarry Rd., Ridgefield.
June 7, Pride Shabbat service, 6 pm at Congregation Shir Shalom.
More events to be announced.
June 1
Be You Festival
Wilton
11 am- 4 pm at the Town Green at Wilton Center. The event will kick off with a flag raising.
Facebook @WiltonPride
June 2
Loud, Pride and Island-Bound
Watertown Pride
Noon- 5 pm. Parade begins at noon at Moxley parking lot and ends with a festival at Saltonstall Park. DJs, performers, kids’ activities, food, beach volleyball and more.
June 2
Westport Pride Celebration
Noon-4 pm, Jesup Green (parking available at Westport Library).
Celebrate Pride with local community performers, speakers and vendors. Food and drinks will be available.
June 3
Milford Pride Flag Raising
Noon at Milford City Hall.
www.milfordctpride.org and Facebook and Instagram @MilfordCTPride
June 3
New Britain Pride Flag Raising
9:30 am at New Britain City Hall.
Join the City of New Britain and special guests for the annual pride flag raising to kick off Pride Month.
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NewBritainPride
June 3
Torrington Pride Flag Raising
9 am, City Hall. Additionally, each month: every Friday 6-8 pm, LGBTQ+ game night, and every first Saturday 10 am-3 pm, LGBTQ+ craft fair at Love It Vegan.
Facebook @TorringtonPRIDE
June 7
Celebrate Pride!
Storrs
7 pm in Betsy Paterson Square (Storrs Road and Dog Lane). Rain location: Mansfield Community Center, Storrs.
Drag Queen Storytime with Mucha Mucha Placer starts at 8 pm, Movie The Prom at 8:30 pm.
Event includes giveaways, music, local resources, tie-dye-your-pride t-shirts, and other Pride-themed activities. Free, with a suggested donation of $10 for the tie-dye activity.
June 7
Jackson Crash: A Goth-Rock-Techno-Pop One-Person Musical
Westport
7 pm at Toquet Hall (2nd Floor)
Jackson Crash depicts a young man’s journey from bullying and parental neglect to starting a family, becoming a truck driver, surviving addiction, and searching for his own honest identity– all while being chased by an insidious demon. Jackson is determined to find a community who will embrace him and a place to call home… but will he before the Creeper-Man catches him?
June 8
Connecticut Sun’s PRIDE Game
1 pm at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville. A special halftime performance is TBA.
June 8
Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus
Heart and Harmony Gala Event
6-11 pm, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford.
June 8
North Haven Pride Celebration
Noon- 4 pm at the North Haven Town Green. Musical performances by Love n’ Co. and Asher Kai. Bounce house, face painting, craft table and a variety of animals for kids. Craft vendors, food trucks, and community organizations.
www.northhavenpride.org and Facebook and Instagram @NorthHavenPride
June 8 (rain date June 9)
Pride in the Park
Norwalk
Noon-8 pm in Veteran’s Memorial Park, Norwalk. Details to come.
www.ctpridecenter.org/pride-in-the-park/
June 9
Danbury Pride
Time and location TBD. Performers, food, and vendors.
Facebook @DanburyPride
June 9
“You Belong” Pride Celebration
Darien
Noon- 3 pm, Tilley Pond Park.
With live entertainment hosted by Drag Queen Boxa Crayonz, food trucks, speakers, local vendors, crafts, and music by DJ Soce.
June 9
HK (Haddam-Killingworth) Pride
Killingworth
2-6 pm, The Killingworth Courtyard, 176 Rt. 81, Killingworth.
Vendors and local organizations, a selfie station and crafts for family-friendly fun, and food and drink available from Bittersweet Bistro and The Barrelhouse. Drag performances by Morgana, Mini DeLuxe and Miss Frank. Live music by HK graduate Quinn Miller. Speaking will be Clare McCarthy of the Transqat Podcase and Celeste Lecesne, founder of the Trevor Project and The Future Perfect Project The last hour will feature a happy hour at The Barrelhouse.
Facebook @HKPride2024
June 9
Pride in the Hills
New Preston
2-6 pm Pride Celebration at The Owl, Warren. Featuring the conclusion of a silent auction and showcase of auction items. Other Pride in the Hills events: Friends & Family Day, June 22 at Quassy Amusement & Water Park, and Date-TBA for SHAG with Pride at Spring Hill Arts Gathering.
www.prideinthehillsfund.org/ww24
June 13
Hartford Yard Goats Pride Night
7:10 pm at Dunkin’ Park.
Yard Goats vs. Akron Rubberducks.
June 14
The Greater New Haven Visibility Ball
Hamden
6-11 pm at Whitneyville Cultural Commons. APNH (A Place to Nourish Your Health) and New Haven Black Pride present the Second Annual Greater New Haven Visibility Ball. Free entry and open to all. Free HIV testing available. Categories, prizes, and special guests TBA. Theme is “Night of 1000 Nostalgias”.
www.apnh.org and Facebook and Instagram @nhvblackpride
June 14-22
Out Film Festival
Hartford
The 37th Annual showcase of LGBTQ+ films. At Cinestudio, Trinity College.
June 14
Chic and Cheeky Drag Cabaret with Patty Bourrée
Westport
7 pm at MoCA Westport.
Irreverent humor, cocktails, and amazing libations for this 18-plus drag extravaganza. Patty Bourrée is a chic chanteuse and mouthy comedienne known regionally for her big voice, hilarious parodies, vintage style, and hilariously bad attitude. Benefit fundraiser for Westport Pride.
June 15
Enfield Pride Celebration
10 am-5 pm, 1295 Enfield St, Enfield. Rain or shine.
A day of fun with vendors food trucks, bounce houses, information from community partners, musical entertainment, and closing the day with a drag show.
enfieldpride.org/celebration, https://fb.me/e/4BCALHTty and @enfieldpride on social media.
June 15
Furry Picnic
Manchester
In the Wickham Pavilion at Wickham Park. Details online.
June 15
New Haven Gay Black Pride
1-5 pm at APNH (A Place to Nourish Your Health),
1302 Chapel St.
Celebrating five years of New Haven Black Pride. The theme is “Breaking Barriers”. Vendors, food, and hours of live entertainment on stage. An afternoon of celebration and community.
www.apnh.org/events/ and Facebook and Instagram @nhvblackpride
June 15
North Haven Pride Drag Show
Starting time TBD but likely late afternoon, at Twelve Percent Beer Project. Craft vendors and food trucks. Musical guest Carrie Ashton at 6 pm, Drag Show at 8 pm. Free entry.
www.northhavenpride.org and Facebook and Instagram @NorthHavenPride
June 21
Small Town Pride CT
Hebron
5-8 pm: food and fun at Flour Girl Dooryard. BYOB. 5-7 pm: vendors and information at the American Legion Hall.
Facebook @SmallTownPride-CT
June 21
Rainbow Rave (for Fairfield County High School students)
Stamford
6 -10 pm at Fish Church. Dance, with food and entertainment including drag performances, lip-syncing battle, and other activities. Advance tickets are free with an RSVP, or $10 at the door.
www.stamfordctpride.com and Instagram @stamfordctpride
June 22 (rain date TBD)
Greater Bridgeport Pride
Pride March begins at 2 pm on the Broad Street Steps downtown.
Unity in the Park begins at 3 pm at Wheeler Park.
OUTWork LGBTQ+ Pride Exhibit opens at City Lights Gallery.
A community-based event celebrating diversity and inclusivity organized by Greater Bridgeport Pride, which seeks to raise awareness of the vibrant local LGBTQ+ community, offer a platform for creative expression, and connect the community to work opportunities for queer creatives.
www.bridgeportpride.com, Instagram @BridgeportPride, and Facebook @GreaterBridgeportPrideCT
June 22
East Hampton Pride
10 am-10 pm in the village center. The third annual version of this event. Merchant specials, LGBTQ+ resources and activities for the whole family. Check website for updated list of events.
June 22
Washington Pride
Noon-3 pm on the Washington Green, 6 Kirby Rd.
Games, booths, food, music and more.
www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org and Facebook @ FirstCongregationalChurchofWashington
June 22
West Hartford Pride Festival
Rally at 10:30 in Blue Back Square, Festival kick-off at Noon in Town Hall parking lot, rain or shine.
A family-friendly afternoon of joy and community, where everyone can see a piece of themselves celebrated and reflected back at them. Featuring talent across the spectrum of arts, culture, music, and performance, including newcomers Kentucky Gentleman and returning act Sister Funk.
June 23-30
Greater Waterbury LGBTQIA+ Pride Week
Check website for unspecified times and locations.
June 23: Drag Brunch, 18-plus entry, 21-plus to drink.
June 24: OUTstanding Art Crawl through downtown.
June 25: Flag raising and Mayor for the Day, 10-11:30 am.
June 26: Open Mic Night, 6-9 pm, open to all ages.
June 27: Youth Pride Day, family-friendly events including third annual Youth Skate Night.
June 28: Transvisibility Day, featuring a film and panel discussion on the Black/Latin trans experience.
June 29: Pride Parade, Fest and Party, with Parade 10-11:30 am, Fest Noon-6 pm, and Party for 21-plus, 8 pm- 2 am, all downtown.
June 30: Drag Gospel Fest, 11 am-12:30 pm, Hopeville Church.
June 23
A Tipsy Tea Party
Watertown
11:30 am-2:30 pm at Commander’s Mansion. Ages 21-plus. $25 ticket includes drag performances, tarot readings, brunch bites, and tea.
June 28
Milford Pride Ball
7- 11 pm at Milford Arts Council’s downtown space. For ages 21-plus. Food, cash bar, drag, DJ and dancing.
www.milfordctpride.org and Facebook and Instagram @MilfordCTPride
June 29
Milford Pride
Noon- 4 pm on the Milford Green. Vendors, music and food. The first of what is planned as an annual event!
www.milfordctpride.org and Facebook and Instagram @MilfordCTPride
June 29
Suffield Pride
Details TBA
Instagram @SuffieldPride
June 30 (rain date July 7)
Small Town Pride
Granby
Noon-5 pm at Salmon Brook Park.
A Pride Rally for Hartford County’s more rural, conservative towns, aimed to increase visibility and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
www.GranbyPride.org, Facebook @Granby’sGotPride and Instagram @GranbyPride
Aug. 7- 11
Love Out Loud
New London Pride Week
Aug. 7, 8 pm and Aug. 8, 1 pm: Queereoke, 32 Bank St.
Aug. 8: Education Committee Event Webinar, 7-11 pm.
Aug. 9: Drag Bingo, 7-11 pm, location TBD.
Aug. 10: Pride at the Beach, 11 am-5 pm, 98 Neptune Ave.
Aug. 11: BIPOC Cookout, 1-5 pm, location TBD.
AND COMING
THIS FALL:
Sept. 7
New Haven Pride
At the new location of the New Haven Pride Center, at Orange and Crown Streets (downtown New Haven’s 9th Square). Also check the website for TBA events in June.
Sept. 14
Hartford Pride Festival and Concert
Noon – 6 pm, Downtown Hartford. Organized by CLARO (Connecticut Latinos Achieving Rights and Opportunities).
www.hartfordpride.org
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