Building Local Pride

By Lauren Tagliatela

As we begin planning our 4th annual Pride on the Green event in North Haven, we have found ourselves reflecting on how far this effort has come in a few short years. What began as a conversation among a few parents has grown into a vibrant community initiative that supports LGBTQ+ residents and allies across the state.

My name is Lauren Tagliatela, and I volunteer as North Haven Pride’s Development Chair. I have had the privilege of watching this organization grow from an idea into a movement that brings people together through visibility, support, and celebration.

North Haven Pride was created by a small group of parents in town who wanted their children to grow up in a more affirming, safe, and inclusive community. North Haven is a wonderful town with strong civic engagement and community pride, but like many small towns, it often leans conservative. For some families, that meant there were limited visible spaces where LGBTQ+ youth and adults could feel openly supported.

In early 2023, a group of six parents came together with a shared goal: to create that space. We knew that if we were going to build something meaningful and lasting, it would require collaboration and transparency. We began meeting monthly with First Selectman Mike Freda, as well as representatives from the North Haven Police Department, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and the North Haven Memorial Library. We understood that organizing a public event of this nature would be a significant undertaking, and that communication and partnership with the town would be essential for both public safety and alignment of goals.

During our first meeting with all stakeholders, we immediately felt a sense of support and openness from the town and its departments. That moment gave us confidence that our vision could become a reality. Our initial goal was modest: host a Pride event that might attract 300 attendees. We were hoping to create a welcoming gathering where families, friends, and neighbors could come together in celebration and solidarity.

Very quickly, we realized there was much more involved behind the scenes. To operate responsibly and grow sustainably, we needed to formally establish a nonprofit organization. That meant creating a 501(c)(3), drafting a mission statement, opening a bank account, applying for grants, and securing sponsorships from local businesses to help fund what we hoped would be a joyful and inclusive event for the community.

As the planning process continued, something exciting began to happen. What started as the idea for a single-day Pride celebration began to evolve into something larger. We recognized that our community needed more than just one event per year. Out of those conversations, Pride365 was born.

Pride365 is built on three core pillars: advocacy, community engagement, and education. These guiding principles shape everything we do. Rather than focusing only on a single annual celebration, we work year-round to provide opportunities for connection, learning, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

Over the past few years, we have hosted a variety of events that bring people together in meaningful ways. These have included a gender-affirming healthcare panel, presentations from the Stonewall Speakers, teen dances, drag shows, hikes, ice cream socials, and other informal meet-ups that help foster community. One of the programs we are most proud of is our youth programming, which we host in partnership with Q Plus. Our weekly youth gatherings regularly attract as many as 30 young people from across the state who come together for game nights, conversation, and a space where they can simply be themselves.

None of this work would be possible without the support of our sponsors and community partners. We are deeply grateful to the many businesses and organizations that have stepped forward to make North Haven Pride possible. Our generous sponsors include Franklin Communities, Liberty Bank, Comprehensive Gynecology of CT, Anchor Health, Ridge Hill Animal Hospital, Ameriprise (Jeff Jolly), Brescome Barton, Connex Credit Union, Circle Care, Excel Academy, Rousseau Plumbing & Heating, United Fitness, The Kitchen Company, Alphabet Academy, Salon Space, Small Talk, Jacobs & Jacobs, Tuff Gurl, Elm Tree Orthodontics, Home Run Realty, Jay Kaye Services, Family Fantasy Entertainment, and many others who continue to support our mission. We are also thankful for the grants we received from the Greater New Haven Community Foundation, the Leonard Litz Foundation, the LGBTQ+ Justice & Opportunity Network, and the It Gets Better Project.

Their support demonstrates something powerful: when local businesses and community members come together, we can create spaces where everyone feels welcome.

We are excited to continue that tradition this year. North Haven Pride on the Green will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the North Haven Town Green. The event will feature live entertainment, food, animals, a kids’ area, vendors, community partners, and much more. Friendly dogs are welcome, and we encourage families, friends, and neighbors to come out and enjoy the day together.

What began as a small group of parents hoping to make their town more inclusive has grown into a celebration that reflects the best of our community.