Bridgeport, like many cities in Connecticut, celebrates Pride Month with enthusiasm and a series of events that honor and uplift the lgbtq+QAI+ community. During June, which is officially recognized as Pride Month, various parades, festivals, and other activities take place throughout Connecticut to commemorate the progress and challenges faced by the lgbtq+QAI+ community.
One of the notable events in Connecticut is the Ridgefield CT Pride celebration. On June 1st, Ridgefield's First Selectman, Rudy Marconi, along with the Ridgefield CT Pride organization, raises the Pride Progress flag in front of the Town Hall. This flag flies proudly throughout the month of June. The event also features an original poem by Ridgefield Poet Laureate Emerita Barb Jennes, crafted specifically for the occasion and recited during the event.
Middletown also has its share of Pride festivities. The official kick-off for Middletown Pride starts at the Pride crosswalk on Main Street. This is followed by a visit to City Hall for the City’s 6th Annual Flag Raising. Mayor Benjamin Florsheim then issues a mayoral proclamation in honor of Pride Month. Later in the day, there's the Middletown Pride Pop-Up Shop event, where attendees can purchase Middletown Pride merchandise, enjoy music by DJ Ivanna, and witness a special performance by Middletown Pride's 2023 Grand Marshal, Hella Swagg.
West Hartford Pride also organizes a flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of Pride Month. This event is held at Unity Green Farmington Avenue and South Main Street.
These events, among many others, serve as a testament to Connecticut's commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and recognizing the importance of the lgbtq+QAI+ community in the fabric of its society.