In some ways, there has never been more LGBTQ+ Pride in suburban Connecticut and New York. From flag raising ceremonies, to family-friendly comedy shows, to street festivals and parades, there’s a little something for everyone. We don’t have to go to big cities like Boston or New York to find welcoming spaces to be ourselves. At its core, Pride is a celebration of joy and acceptance, a radical expression of love for ourselves and for each other.
But none of it really matters if we don’t show up for it.
The world feels increasingly hostile to the LGBTQ+ community these days. It’s tempting to try to fight fire with fire. But, truly, one of our greatest weapons in this movement is Pride.
The Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation is pleased to team up with our friends at Circle Care Center to convene the Leonard Litz / Circle Care Pride Coalition.
This is an opportunity for Pride organizers of all sizes to meet and network with one another, and to learn more about what others are doing to celebrate Pride in their local communities. It is a space for open, sincere, and supportive dialogue, acknowledging that we all need these moments to feel re-energized in our shared movement.
In 2024, we hosted our 3rd Annual Pride Coalition Convening in Greenwich, CT. In addition to opportunities for learning about the nuts and bolts of Pride planning, the Convening brings nationally recognized speakers to share their expertise and answer questions from local organizers.
But Pride doesn’t begin and end in June. The Coalition includes an email group so that we can be in ready conversation with each other. There is no substitute for being able to connect with like-minded folks to share best practices and cautionary tales, to be resources for one another, and sometimes just for some much needed moral support in the challenging socio-political climate we find ourselves in.
Coalition Members are also supported by modest Pride Grants from Circle Care and the Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation. Please send an email to info@leonardlitz.org to inquire about joining the Coalition.
Don’t forget to check out our Community Pride Calendar! This is one way we can all support and amplify each other’s celebrations. We know we won’t be able to attend every event, but the more, the merrier!
Many of us have spent too much of our lives learning how to love ourselves in the face of constant messaging to the contrary. It’s the greatest thrill to be surrounded by an outpouring of love, unity, celebration, and, of course, Pride
We are so grateful for everything our Pride organizers do to make our communities more inclusive, welcoming, and safe for all. We know that we are stronger together, and we are delighted to help build networks and relationships as we all support and learn from each other’s work. We hope that this is an impetus to continue to find opportunities to collaborate, and to foster continued conversations about how best we can serve our respective communities.