By William Ollayos –

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – The Capitol swam with vibrant colors and joyful energy as the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (the CWCSEO), in collaboration with the CT LGBTQ+ Justice Opportunity Network and Access Health CT, hosted Pride Day at the Capitol: “Queer Joy and Queer Resilience.” Denise Drummond of the CWCSEO, and Luis Irizarry and Jessimar Ewart, both of Access Health CT, served as hosts for the day’s festivities. The event aimed at celebrating and empowering the LGBTQ+ community, drawing a diverse crowd excited to engage in a day of unity, reflection, and celebration.

The panel, moderated by William Ollayos (administrator for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ Justice & Opportunity Network and a student affairs professional at Wesleyan University), joined a variety of experiences and voices from the LGBTQ+ community across Connecticut. Ollayos opened the panel by underscoring the significance of queer joy and resilience, themes that resonate deeply within the community.

The highlights of the day included the performances by renowned drag queens Kiki Lucia, BLEACH!, and Natalia Fierce. Their presence extended beyond entertainment; their artistry served as a powerful statement about the importance of self-expression, visibility, and representation within the LGBTQ+ community. Drag, as an art form, serves as an energetic expression of queer culture and resilience. Drag queens embody the spirit of defiance and celebration in the face of adversity. The queens captivated the audience with their performances, blending humor, beauty, and insightful cultural commentary.

The day’s events included a resource fair, where attendees connected with various organizations dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This was followed by a compelling panel discussion featuring distinguished individuals like Chevelle Moss-Savage, a licensed psychotherapist and Vice President for outCT, and Jennifer X. Lopez, an advocate for trans youth in the foster care system. The panelists shared their personal stories and professional perspectives, highlighting the intersection of joy and resilience in their lives. Lopez specifically described herself as a “puzzle” of intersecting identities, with her race, gender, and class each another “puzzle piece” in that final mosaic.

Healthcare advocate Brett Bordonaro, psychologist Dr. Richard Stillson, community health worker Taylor Edelmann, and recent Wesleyan University graduate Teddy Shusterman contributed to the discussion. Each brought unique perspectives on the challenges and triumphs faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Their narratives were a testament to the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Throughout the event, legislators offered reflective remarks, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. State Representative Sarah Keitt stressed the importance of continuing to advocate for the hard-won rights of queer folks in the state. Her speech served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure equality and inclusion. Representative Keitt stressed that the Capitol itself is “your house,” gesturing to the audience, and stressed the importance of queer folks “feeling at home in the Capitol.”

Pride Day at the Capitol was a poignant reminder of the strength and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community. The day encapsulated the essence of queer joy and resilience, showcasing how far the community has come while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. The performances by drag queens Kiki Lucia, BLEACH!, and Natalia Fierce entertained and also provided a powerful symbol of queer culture’s enduring spirit. Kiki Lucia shared with the audience: “We are facing a time in our lives where there are so many people against us, and the only people we can truly rely on are our queer siblings.”

As the event drew to a close, the message was clear: in unity and celebration, the community finds its greatest strength, paving the way for a future where everyone can live with pride and dignity.