By Kevin Ferrisi –

MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – Middletown PrideFEST, Connecticut’s largest Pride celebration, returns for its seventh annual event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, kicking off at noon with a Pride March down Main Street. Drawing over 30,000 attendees, this free and family-friendly festival is a celebration of love, diversity, and community. The day’s events include a Pride Rally, two Pride Showcase Concerts, and a high-energy Tea Dance, along with more than 130 vendors and 80 marching groups. PrideFEST features something for everyone, with dedicated areas for families, 21+ cocktail zones, and block parties tailored to youth and the transgender community. Committed to accessibility and inclusion, the event will also offer resources like ASL interpretation to ensure all attendees feel welcomed and supported.

With an event as monumental as Middletown PrideFEST, it’s only fitting that four local drag powerhouses are leading the celebration as this year’s hosts. Drag, after all, is more than performance, it’s protest, pride, and powerful storytelling. As a vibrant symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility and resistance, drag has long challenged societal norms, celebrated self-expression, and created space for healing and liberation. From the front lines of the Stonewall uprising to the main stages of today’s Pride events, drag artists have been essential voices in the fight for queer rights and have been at the heart of LGBTQIA+ activism.

This year, Middletown PrideFEST is turning up the energy by inviting four beloved Connecticut drag artists, Kiki Lucia, Giganta Smalls, Ivanna, and Felicity V. Lay, to host the main stage festivities on the town green, right at the end of Main Street. These dynamic performers will lead the day’s celebration with their signature charisma, guiding audiences through a dazzling lineup of entertainment. From high-energy DJ sets to show-stopping drag performances and live music, the main stage will pulse with excitement and pride, offering a nonstop spectacle that reflects the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

Meet the hosts

Kiki Lucia

Kiki Lucia is a seasoned drag artist with over a decade of performance experience, though her roots in Connecticut’s drag scene go back to 2004. What began as a spontaneous decision to try drag before her 30th birthday quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion. Initially working behind the scenes, assisting with makeup and costumes at iconic venues like the former Polo Club in Hartford, Kiki’s love for the art form deepened, leading her to take the stage as a performer and dancer. For Kiki, drag is more than an art form; it embodies the essence of queer identity and culture, transcending time. A background in art and theater studies has shaped her view of drag as a profound expression of culture that endures in the grand tapestry of history. Her career has been marked by unforgettable milestones, including performing alongside Kesha at Foxwoods Casino in 2023 and producing an educational drag show for the 2021 International Festival of Arts and Ideas, celebrating LGBTQ+ history and the contributions of Black, Brown, and trans communities. Through storytelling, performance, and activism, Kiki continues to uplift and inspire, bringing passion, resilience, and sparkle to every stage she graces.

Giganta Smalls

Giganta Smalls took her first steps into the world of drag twelve years ago, while studying theatre in college. Initially drawn to performing female roles, she never thought she could do drag until a friend offered her the chance to play the female lead in a Pulp Fiction parody. Thriving in the role, Giganta embraced her feminine side, which led to more female roles in college and local theatre. After graduating, she connected with the drag community, finding empowerment and a sense of belonging in a space that celebrated self-expression. Alongside her drag career, Giganta’s passion for costume design blossomed. She started by creating imaginative costumes for kids at summer theatre camps, teaching the art of storytelling through clothing. Over time, her costume designs evolved from DIY creations to professional work, as she learned the craft and honed her skills. Her talent was recognized in local theatre productions, where she transitioned from acting to joining the costume team. Her exceptional work in costume design earned her two nominations for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards in Best Costume Design (Non-Professional), showcasing her unique artistry both on and off the stage.

Ivanna

Ivanna is a dynamic and determined drag performer whose journey began in the summer of 2012 and blossomed into a full-fledged passion by 2013. Her debut on the stage of Diva’s Nightclub in Northampton ignited a spark that would drive her to compete, improve, and ultimately thrive in the world of drag. With a background in cheerleading and gymnastics, Ivanna brings high-energy movement, commanding stage presence, and a fierce work ethic to every performance. Though her early experiences came with challenges, she embraced them as opportunities to grow, transforming slip-ups into stepping stones and developing a signature style rooted in resilience and creativity. Her appearance on Camp Wannakiki gave her national visibility and strengthened her resolve to carve her own path in the drag world. Today, Ivanna continues to captivate audiences with a blend of charisma, talent, and authenticity, proudly representing her journey and looking ahead to even greater stages where she can share her artistry and spirit with the world.

Felicity V. Lay

Felicity V. Lay has been performing in drag since April 2022, and in just over three years, she has become a dedicated community leader and activist. As a host for Enfield Pride, she has become a pillar of support and education for her town, using her platform to foster a sense of visibility, empowerment, and inclusivity for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Felicity works tirelessly to create spaces where people can express themselves freely and proudly, advocating for equal rights and providing education about the LGBTQ+ community to those who may not be as familiar with the culture. A lifelong performer, Felicity began dancing and acting at a young age but yearned for a new performance outlet after outgrowing her dance classes and finding limited opportunities in theater. Her love for drag was ignited when she saw Kinky Boots with her mom, captivated by the costumes and rhinestones, sparking a dream to pursue the art form. Today, Felicity continues to perform with passion and is committed to using her platform to advocate for change.

How it started

Middletown Pride was founded by Christopher Forte, Assistant General Counsel for the City of Middletown, in 2018 when he proposed to Mayor Daniel T. Drew that the city fly the Pride flag at City Hall in recognition of Pride Month, a request the mayor proudly approved, marking a first in Middletown’s history. The overwhelmingly positive response from the community inspired Forte and Mayor Drew to expand the gesture into a broader celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. In collaboration with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and Wesleyan University, both founding partners who remain integral today, Middletown Pride was born. Under the leadership of organizers like Christopher Forte and, currently, Brianna Skowera, Middletown Pride held its inaugural parade and festival on June 15, 2019, welcoming an estimated 15,000 attendees and instantly becoming the largest Pride event in Connecticut.

Recognizing the importance of community-led initiatives, Christopher Forte proposed the creation of Middletown’s first LGBTQ Task Force, an advisory group formed in October 2018 with the express purpose of founding a Pride celebration. Comprised of nine local community members, the task force was designed to ensure that Middletown Pride would reflect the voices and values of the people it served, rather than being dictated solely by government vision. While Forte brought his own ideas and inspirations from other Pride events, the goal was to build something uniquely Middletown. By February 2019, the task force had developed a plan and secured funding from the Common Council, launching a whirlwind sprint from concept to execution. The months that followed were a fast-paced and collaborative effort to bring the vision to life, culminating in a vibrant and successful Pride celebration that exceeded expectations and quickly positioned Middletown Pride as one of the premier LGBTQ+ events in the region.

The night before Middletown’s first-ever Pride event, a small team, joined by the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, gathered to finalize schedules, posters, documents, and logistics, buzzing with nervous excitement and uncertainty. As they wrapped up their preparations, someone asked Christopher Forte if he thought anyone would actually show up. “If we get a thousand people,” he replied, “that would be amazing.” What followed far surpassed anyone’s expectations: over 15,000 people filled Main Street that first year, creating a sea of support and celebration that grew denser with every step along the march route. The moment Forte turned onto Washington Street and saw the crowd stretch endlessly before him, it felt surreal. From that point forward, Middletown Pride became more than just a local event – it became a movement. Each year brought new energy, more attendees, and greater recognition, bolstered by word of mouth and inclusive policies like not charging LGBTQ+ vendors.

What is Middletown Pride?

Middletown Pride has grown into far more than a single annual celebration, it has evolved into a year-round movement for visibility, support, and community engagement. While it operates like a nonprofit, it is rooted in a city-supported structure that began with the original LGBTQ Task Force and has since developed into the official LGBTQIA+ Commission of Middletown. Recognizing that Pride Month alone was not enough, the commission, alongside key leaders like Brianna Skowera, initiated programming throughout the year, especially in response to rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and violence, such as the Club Q shooting and the solemn observance of the Trans Day of Remembrance in 2022. The urgency to provide ongoing support led to events like the 2023 community dinner, where Middletown Pride invited residents to share their needs and ideas, ensuring that the organization continues to uplift and serve the LGBTQIA+ community all year long.

Based on community feedback, Middletown Pride has developed a robust year-round events program that includes everything from educational workshops to social gatherings. Partnering with local venues like the Back Again Board Game Café in Middletown, they host recurring game nights, art nights, and even sex education sessions. They’ve welcomed notable guests like Montana Representative Zooey Zephyr and journalist Erin Reed for powerful discussions on LGBTQIA+ rights, and have also provided essential resources through service workshops, legal ID clinics, and name change assistance. With over 25 diverse events annually, Middletown Pride’s community events program ensures consistent, inclusive engagement for all.

Middletown Pride also has a grants program to bring essential LGBTQIA+ services directly to the local community by supporting existing organizations rather than duplicating efforts. Through partnerships with Q+ and PeerPride, they’ve introduced safe, affirming spaces for queer youth and the trans and non-binary community, offering multiple monthly events like support groups for parents of trans youth and specialized gatherings for transfeminine, transmasculine, and gender-diverse individuals. This collaborative approach ensures resources are shared effectively while also uplifting new and growing Pride movements across Connecticut.

Middletown Pride’s third major initiative is its scholarship program, launched two years ago to support local students, either graduates of Middletown schools or city residents, pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. With $10,000 awarded annually, the program helps uplift LGBTQIA+ individuals through education and opportunity. Beyond external celebrations, Middletown Pride has also created meaningful internal change, fostering a culture of inclusion within city government itself. Thanks to the visibility, advocacy, and support driven by figures like Christopher Forte, the city has embraced training, partnerships, and policies that prioritize equality, so much so that, in 2022, a city employee felt safe enough to come out and transition at work.

Looking ahead

This year, Middletown Pride is making thoughtful changes to prioritize safety, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement. While the physical footprint of the event is being slightly reduced, it’s not about downsizing, it’s about focusing on the quality and relevance of participating vendors and organizations, especially those rooted in the LGBTQIA+ community. A major new initiative includes the presence of trained crisis counselors from River Valley Services, who will be clearly identifiable and available throughout the event to offer support and de-escalation assistance, ensuring attendees feel safe without needing to approach law enforcement directly. This shift reflects a deeper commitment to both security and accessibility, reinforcing Pride’s mission to be not just celebratory, but truly inclusive and supportive.

Middletown Pride is launching a new initiative this year that goes beyond celebration, it’s about community, sustainability, and visibility. With a focus on engaging every corner of Middletown, organizers are encouraging local businesses to take an active role in Pride by becoming vocal supporters and stakeholders in the event. A new online directory on middletownpride.org/mainstreet will spotlight participating businesses, highlighting those that remain open during Pride and especially those offering special promotions or events. The most celebrated businesses, however, will be those donating a portion of their proceeds to LGBTQ+ charities like Q+ and The Trevor Project. In collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, a seminar will also provide businesses with marketing tools and guidance on how to authentically engage with Pride. The goal is to show that Middletown Pride isn’t just an event, it’s woven into the fabric of a vibrant, diverse city where everyone has a role to play.

Join the celebration on Saturday, June 7, 2025 as Middletown PrideFEST celebrates its seventh year! The energy and inclusivity that defines Connecticut’s largest Pride celebration is reaching dazzling new heights. With over 30,000 attendees expected to fill Main Street for a day of marching, music, and meaningful connection, this year’s festival adds extra sparkle by welcoming four of Connecticut’s beloved drag performers, Kiki Lucia, Giganta Smalls, Ivanna, and Felicity V. Lay, as main stage hosts. Their charisma, creativity, and fierce presence will guide the day’s festivities. More than just a celebration, Middletown PrideFEST serves as a powerful tribute to LGBTQIA+ identity, visibility, and the ongoing fight for equality, creating a space where people of all backgrounds can gather, connect, and honor the past while embracing the future.

For more information visit: www.middletownpride.org