T H E
O F F I C I A L
Plans To Create
L G B T Q +
Connecticuts First Landmark Dedicated To LGBTQ+ History
5 Tips Paying Off
Student Loans
G U I D E
O F
C O N N E C T I C U T
Out & About HARTFORD PRIDEFEST
Chief Editor Charlie Ortiz Design Influential Designs
September 8, 2018 Hartford, Connecticut
Stories Charlie Ortiz Kathleen Gallo Sheryl Hack Peter C. Frank Pride Committee Pedro E. Segarra Lynette Correa Charlie Ortiz Luis Quiros Rosa Rivera Keith Rhoden, Jr. Dr. Richard Stilson Effrem Adams Peter C. Frank OUTINCT.COM Influential Designs
Charlie Ortiz//Chief Editor Dear Friends,
CONTENTS 12 Out & About 15 5 Tips Paying Off Student Loans 23 Plans To Create Connecticuts First Landmark Dedicated To LGBT+ History. 24 Coming Out
We proudly celebrate our third issue of OUTINCT.COM. It has been a fulfilling and rewarding journey for me in taking part in this collaborative effort. This is a time to celebrate Pride in our LGBTQ+ community and rejoice in our individual and collective accomplishments: but it is also a time to stop and reflect upon the forces that seek to take us back to a time that we shall not return to. Now is the time to be vigilant of oppression. We must continue to support our Trans-community in achieving equality at all levels, including the right to serve in our United States Armed Forces with dignity and respect. Education is an important component of our mission both at CLARO, INC., and Hartford Capital City Pride. Hate and intolerance can be fueled by ignorance and misunderstanding. Now more than ever we need to educate the broader community. Lets unite, stronger than ever to strengthen our voice. We must support organizations that continue to service our community with love and dedication. We must support and patronize our LGTBQ+ businesses, professionals, and allies so that we may build a stronger economic network and community. Thank you to all who support our community and efforts. Sincerely,
Charlie Ortiz
Chair of Hartford Capital Pride & Chief Editor of OUTINCT.COM
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 3
ABOUT US OUTINCT.COM relies on the commitment of volunteers and donations to publish this guide to LGBTQ+ life in Connecticut. As a community, we all share in the success of this publication by promoting pride and awareness of LGBTQ+ community supporters during the year. When you make a donation or volunteer with us, you make a difference for your community as a whole. Why it matters? OUTINCT.COM showcases LGBTQ+ accomplishments and the best our community has to offer in Connecticut. We need you to make sure that “Pride, Love, Life and Equality� continue to be alive and well in Connecticut. We will continue to build awareness of our community in order to make Connecticut more inclusive. Our work is about community! If you want to help make the world you live in better, then the best way is to join in! Make your voice heard and play your part. Volunteering, fundraising, or donating to OUTINCT.COM gives you the opportunity to get involved with the future and success of your community. By volunteering you can gain experience, develop new skills, improve your career prospects, build confidence and meet new, interesting people.
How can you help? Sponsor Events
If you own a business or work for a company that supports our community, please support PRIDE by having a booth or donating towards the event. Your support makes it possible for us to bring events like the PrideFest to Hartford. Events like these raise awareness and help the community as a whole by bringing attention to all the things to do and venues to visit here in Hartford.
Volunteer
There are a whole range of volunteer opportunities for all types of people of all abilities and skills. We need event staff, ad sales, fund raisers, public relations, marketing assistants, photographers, and administrative staff.
Want to know more? Please visit our website or write for more information on how to be part of the OUTINCT.COM team. Give us your contact information and let us know what volunteer opportunities interest you.
info@outinct.com
4|
The mission of the Connecticut Latinos Achieving Rights and Opportunities (CLARO), is to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, policy, social justice, human rights and education. We accomplish these goals by mobilizing our community, allies, and partner agencies on issues like marriage equality, parental rights, anti-bullying policies, discrimination, violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, trans-gender rights, and HIV/AIDS.
www.claroct.org
In Support Of Hartford Capital Pride Fest
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 5
We’re a community of many communities.
Together we celebrate that being yourself is just being human.
Member FDIC | TD Bank, N.A.
6|
We take PRIDE in our cars and service Proud Sponsor of
Check out our custom PRIDE snapchat ďŹ lter! 767 New London Turnpike Glastonbury, CT 06033 860.652.3000 MonacoFord.com LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 7
OPEN HEARTS “GLBT” MINISTRY at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry MISSION STATEMENT The Open Hearts Ministry provides educational experiences to build greater visibility and understanding of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) experience within our Church community, and develop faith-building outreach programming to the diverse spectrum of the GLBT community. As a Catholic parish committed to social justice, Open Hearts Ministry of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry actively provides and promotes faith opportunities that build community for those who have experienced spiritual disconnection. For more information email us at info@spsact.org.
The Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry at St. Patrick-St. Anthony 285 Church Street Hartford, CT 06103 860-756-4034 www.spsact.org info@spsact.org
LGBTQ and Jewish?
You’re welcome here! Find your Jewish connection at Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. To learn more, contact Jo Schubert at jschubert@jewishhartford.org or 860.727.6139. Every Generation
Shapes Federation
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford | Zachs Campus, 333 Bloomfield Ave, Ste C, West Hartford, CT 06117 860.232.4483 | www.JewishHartford.org
8|
Hartford Psychological Services Richard W. Stillson, Ph,D. Psychologist
210 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford, CT 06114
(860) 296-0094
LOVE (and a little help from us)
Makes a Family
Experts in all aspects of LGBTQ family building John Nulsen, MD • Claudio Benadiva, MD, HCLD • David Schmidt, MD Lawrence Engmann, MD, MRCOG • Andrea DiLuigi, MD • Dan Grow, MD
Farmington: 2 Batterson Park Rd (844) 467-3483
New London: 4 Shaws Cove (877) 860-8044
Hartford: 50 Columbus Boulevard (860) 525-8283
www.uconnfertility.com An academic affiliate of UCONN School of Medicine LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 9
Join us each month at 7:30PM for our
SECOND THURSDAYS CINEMA SERIES A mix of new and classic LGBT films. Get involved with the festival! Email us at Volunteer@OutFilmCT.org to join in the fun!
The 27th Connecticut
LGBT FILM FESTIVAL May 30-June 7, 2014 GBT ST AN N UAL L 31
VE JOIN US EACH ESTIVAL ALSO, MONTH M FFOR IL SA F TH E FIRST THURSDAYS CINEMA 9, 2018 1 E! E N T U A J D 7:30 pm A mix of new and classic LGBT films
MORE INFORMATION AT
For more information: OUTFILMCT.ORG 860.586.1136 www.OutFilmCT.org
EVENTS ARE HELD AT CINESTUDIO TRINITY COLLEGE, HARTFORD, CT
Events are held at Cinestudio Trinity College, Hartford, CT
YOU ARE W ELCOM E HERE!
* Open and Affirming since 1994 *
Sunday Worship, 10:30am ~ Main & Gold Sts.
www.centerchurchhartford.org
10 |
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 11
Out & About
2017
HARTFORD PRIDEFEST
Send your photos to info@outinct.com
12 |
T
housands of LGBTQ+ community members, their families and allies attended PrideFest 2017 in Hartford’s, Pratt Steet. They came together in celebration of love, peace, and pride. This year’s third annual PrideFest was the largest LGBT+ event in Connecticut. Pratt Street was filled with color, music, and fun, which included over 70 vendors, live music, shows, local business booths and community organizations that sponsored the event. The day’s celebration ended with a late night GLOW party at Infinity Hall on Front Street, Hartford. Charlie Ortiz, the event’s coordinator, said “Once again we have come together to celebrate our right to be ourselves and to thank our friends and supporters for making our latest achievements possible. We also want to send a message to Washington that we will not go back to the way things were before. We are out and proud! We have the right like all to the pursuit of happiness.” Mucha Mucha Placer emceed the event, introducing the speakers and performers including former Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra and Connecticut LT. Governor Nancy Wyman who presented a proclamation. We look forward to welcoming you again on Saturday, September 8, 2018, in Hartford.
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 13
THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK ADVOCATING FOR LGBT EQUALITY, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.HRC.ORG/FOUNDATION
Just Peace Open & Affirming Multi-cultural Environmentally-conscious
You are welcome here! Sunday Worship: 10am
Immanuel Church, 10 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105, 860.527.8121 www.iccucc.org, facebook.com/iccucc
14 |
Weighed down by student loans? You’re not alone:
Approximately 40 million Americans have student loans (in total, a staggering $1.2 trillion), and about 71 percent of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate with debt, according to the Institute for College Access & Success. So, how to lighten the load as quickly — and as painlessly — as possible so that you can begin living life the way you envisioned?
Pick the right student loan repayment plan
The best option is the standard 10-year repayment plan. This plan breaks down your student loan balance into fixed monthly payments of at least $50 for up to 10 years. Compared to other plans, it is going to cost you the most per month (so make sure it’s budgeted for), but you’ll pay off your student loan faster, and save more in interest, too.
Make one extra student loan payment per year
By making 13 payments instead of 12. It’ll shave time off the repayment term, and save you interest.
Enroll in auto-debit
Paying Off
Student Loans
Tips courtesy of Kathleen Gallo New England Financial Group a Member of Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company
Auto-debit, automatically deducts your payment from your bank account each month. You’ll be rewarded with an interest rate reduction, typically a quarter of a percentage point, or 0.25 percent. Is this a big deal? It can be, particularly if the lender doesn’t use the interest rate reduction to reduce the monthly payment and instead allows more of the monthly payment to be applied to the principal balance of the loan.
Deduct your student loan interest
What’s the one silver lining of having student loan debt? The interest is tax deductible — even if you don’t itemize your deductions. Yes, there is an income limit to this deduction, but if you make less than $60,000 a year or $120,000 if you’re married and filing jointly, you can claim the full deduction of $2,500. “You can claim this deduction as long as the loan is in your name”
Get help from your employer
As employers look to attract and retain top talent, more and more companies are offering student loan repayment assistance programs. So what if your employer doesn’t currently offer such a plan. It never hurts to ask for it, especially if the company really wants you.
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 15
PRIDE & PLAYS! SAVE 25%* WITH CODE LGBT25
FREE pre-show nosh and complimentary wine, soda and coffee (plus drink specials at a cash bar) for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patrons and allies. Receptions begin at 6 pm. Performances begin at 7:30 pm. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM • September 13, 2017 By William Shakespeare · Directed by Darko Tresnjak
SEDER • October 25, 2017
By Sarah Gancher · Directed by Elizabeth Williamson
FEEDING THE DRAGON • January 17, 2018
Written and Performed by Sharon Washington · Directed by Maria Mileaf
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS • February 21, 2018 Adapted for the Stage by Ken Ludwig · Directed by Emily Mann
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE • April 11, 2018
By Edith Wharton · Adapted for the Stage by Douglas McGrath · Directed by Doug Hughes
STATEMENTS AFTER AN ARREST UNDER THE IMMORALITY ACT • May 23, 2018 By Athol Fugard · Directed by Darko Tresnjak
860-527-5151 HARTFORDSTAGE.ORG David Gregory, Andrea Lynn Green and Mark Nelson in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (2014). Photo by T. Charles Erickson. *All tickets subject to facility and handling fees. Not valid on SuperSaver tickets.
16 |
Connecticut Chapter Friends Embracing Life
A group of gay senior Gay and Bi men that offer you the opportunity to participate in an active and dynamic social environment. Visit our WEB Site
www.ctprimetimers.com
www.chezest.com
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 17
When the community works together, the community works A vibrant community depends on the participation of its members. The more diverse their backgrounds, experience and skills, the more unique their contributions to the community can be. Bank of America recognizes CLARO Inc. for celebrating individuality while supporting the common goals that bring progress to everyone. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local Life’s better when we’re connected® ©2016 Bank of America Corporation | SPN-128-AD | AR7NWC3L
18 |
89 Pratt Street Hartford, CT 06103 T (860) 524-8577
www.thetobaccoshoppehartford.com
“How can we help you with your RECOVERY today?” Hartford Recovery Community Center 198 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford, CT 06114 (860) 244-3343 Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fridays:
We invite you to join us every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. for the LGBT Recovery Group
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visit us online at www.ccar.us LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 19
SCHOOLS ARE UNSAFE AND UNWELCOMING FOR THE MAJORITY OF LGBT STUDENTS
52%
85%
heard “gay” used in a negative way (e.g. “that’s so gay”)
were verbally harassed because of their gender expression
62%
of transgender students were unable to use the school restroom that aligned with their gender Visit our website to learn how you can get involved and help end bullying/harassment in K-12 schools. GLSEN.org/Connecticut - Facebook.com/GLSENCT - Twitter: @GLSENCT - Instagram: @GLSENConnecticut
EVERYBODY NEEDS EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY A child needs you.needs A child
Contact:
you. Janier Caban-Hernandez
for more information. We have several LGBTQ+ and have several LGBTQ+860-236-4511 and x3814 transitioningWe youth in need of foster families who can understand transitioning youth in need of and help them with their unique foster families who can understand issues. Can you be their somebody? andparent help today! them with their unique Become a foster
issues. Can you be their somebody? Become a foster parent today!
EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY A child needs you. We have several LGBTQ+ and transitioning youth in need of foster families who can understand and help them with their unique issues. Can you be their somebody? Become a foster parent today! 20 |
Contact:
Janier Caban-Hernandez for more information. 860-236-4511 x3814
SOM
Cont
Janier for mo
860-2
Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is a diverse Buddhist community in the US and is part of the global SGI network of more than 12 million people in 192 countries and territories. SGI members base their practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism, which teaches that each person has within the courage, wisdom and compassion to face and surmount any of life’s challenges. Based on Buddhist principles such as respecting the dignity of human life and the interconnectedness of self and the environment, SGI engages in peace activities like human rights education, the movement to abolish nuclear weapons and efforts to promote sustainable development. LGBTG Courageous Freedom members in SGI-USA proudly practice within our organization, meet occasionally for affinity and to represent SGI-USA in Pride events. SGI-USA Connecticut Activity Center 518 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477 203-799-0512 Open Sat/Sun 8:30am-5pm sgi-ct.org sgi-usa.org
Creating a world where youth of all orientations and genders are valued and affirmed
Your New England LGBTQ and HIV Legal Rights Resource 800-455-GLAD gladanswers.org free & confidential translation available
Proud Supporters of Har4ord PRIDE!
True Colors’ Programs LGBTQ Youth Mentoring Professional Training/Consultation LGBTQ Youth Issues Conference Youth Leadership Development Policy & Advocacy
(860) 232-0050 www.ourtruecolors.org
meetup.com/atheists-727/
meetup.com/Har4ord-Humanists/ LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 21
22 |
Plans To Create
Connecticuts First Landmark Dedicated To LGBTQ+ History
T
he 1738 Palmer-Warner House sits on 50 acres of land and was home to preservation architect Frederic Palmer, who served as a Trustee and Structures Committee Chairman for CTL, from the late 1930s until his death in 1971. Frederic lived there with his life partner Howard Metzger from the mid-1940s until his death in 1971, and Metzger remained in the house until 2005. CTL is cataloguing the property’s extensive collections and researching its history in preparation to open as Connecticut’s first house museum with a primary focus on LGBT themes. The rich material culture collection includes American Colonial, Victorian, and Colonial Revival furniture; porcelain, glass, and silver; paintings and decorative objects; and many personal belongings. The archives encompass Palmer’s architectural papers, drawings, and photographs; personal correspondence between Palmer and Metzger from WWII; and Metzger’s correspondence and papers. Connecticut Landmarks seeks to create a safe place in which to share multiple viewpoints, actively engage visitors in sharing their own stories and experiences and documenting their own histories, and foster conversations around inclusion, individuality, privacy and privilege. Connecticut Landmarks is looking for volunteers to get involved with and support this important project. We need your help to raise $1 m to preserve and renovate the Palmer-Warner Barn – one of the oldest remaining barns in Connecticut - to create a Visitor Welcome, Event & Exhibit Center. Please contact Sheryl Hack, Executive Director of Connecticut Landmarks, at sheryl. hack@ctlandmarks.org for more information and to get involved.
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 23
By Peter C. Frank Writter and Community Advocate
C
oming out is not an event. Rather, it is a process. It is something that anyone who is part of the LGBT+ spectrum goes through every moment of our lives. For some, the process never goes very far; they live their entire lives in the closet. But that’s another issue for another day. It is a process that must be repeated every time we approach a new situation, a new person, a new location, a new job, a new...well, you get the idea. For some, the process may get easier, or more difficult over time. For others, going through the process of coming out varies throughout their life. The point is, this process—this coming out—is deeply, deeply personal and involves myriad factors. So why come out? The first thing I can tell you about coming out is that you might just feel a little better about yourself. Personally, I went through quite a journey—one that is ongoing—to get to where I am. When I came out, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. We know that others who have gone through the process of coming out experience a similar reaction.
24 |
The very first person that you have to come out to is yourself. You have to acknowledge and accept who you are. If you don’t do this, you’ll never be able to get to the next step in coming out, which is telling others. Another reason you may wish to consider coming out of the closet is because it makes you a better human being. Wait—what? You weren’t expecting that one, were you? You can finally stop lying to folks. And in case you think that not telling people who you really are is lying; You don’t have to hide things from folks anymore. No more hidding your gay stuff when you have visitors. You contribute something positive to the world: hope to those who have yet to embark on this incredible, personal journey. So there you have it, coming out makes you, and the world better.
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 25
26 |
“When you are financially prepared, it boosts your pride each and every day.” Friends, Family, and Allies united with LGBT people in
At NEFG, we help you achieve what matters to you, like financial security, homeownership and a plan for your future.
Support, Education, and Advocacy Visit us @
Are you ready? I’m ready to help.
www.pflaghartford.org
KATHLEEN GALLO
pflaghartford@gmail.com Life and Health Insurance Licensed in CT, MA
Tel: 860-313-4807 kgallo@baystatefinancial.com www.nefgrp.com
New England Financial Group an office of Baystate Financial 65 LaSalle Road, Suite 200, West Hartford, CT 06107-2312 CRN201808-217506
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 27
Adoption from foster care is a rewarding experience for both your family and a youth in need.
ADOPT
a Connecticut child! 1-888-KID-HERO www.ctfosteradopt.com
www.redgold.net
Congratulates
CLARO
Best wishes on the 6th Annual Rainbow Ball!
Congratulates
Restaurant
Best wishes on the 6th Annual Rainbow Ball!
Lunch Monday – Saturday 11:30 Dinner 7 Nights a week Saturday and Sunday 4pm
CLARO
100 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 (860) 899-1350
28 |
NIXS is CT’s premier dining destination with locations in Hartford and South Windsor. A trendy restaurant, lounge and bar serving contemporary New England comfort food, local micro brews and NIXS Fresh craft cocktails.
NIXS Hartford | NIXS South Windsor Reimagining
Primary Care
• Hepatitis C prevention, screening, and treatment • Primary care for the homeless • Substance use disorder management • Sexually transmitted disease prevention, screening, and treatment • Transgender health • LGB-focused primary care www.chc1.com 860.347.6971 X: 3914 http://bit.ly/CenterForKeyPopulations
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 29
30 |
Let’sCelebrate Celebrate PrideFest PrideFest Let’s 2016 2016 “Thankyou” you”for forthe thecontinued continued commitment “Thank commitment and hard work to our community. and hard work to our community.
LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 31
32 |
CTPrideFest.indd 1
9/7/17 10:48 AM
Bookkeeping Payroll Business Planning Loan Application Resume Preparing Translation Notary Service 2035 Broad Street, Second Floor Hartford, CT 06114 (860) 293-1103 LGBTQ+ GUIDE OF CT | 33
MARKETING, WEB DESIGN & GRAPHIC DESIGN
www.influentiald.com
34 |
PrEP
Prevent HIV with a daily pill Now available at all Planned Parenthood of Southern New England locations
Impeccable Catering Services For All Your Special Occasions & Corporate Events
| Live Cooking Stations | | Innovative Fusion Cuisine |
| www.hscatering.us | (860) 838.4124 |
Make an appointment today! ppsne.org 800-230-PLAN
Southern New England
17 Asylum St #19 Hartford, CT 06103
Short Interview
We wish to thank our 2017 sponsors for making PRIDEFEST possible.
NIXS is CT’s premier dining destination with locations in Hartford and South Windsor. A trendy restaurant, lounge and bar serving contemporary New England comfort food, local micro brews and NIXS Fresh craft cocktails.
NIXS Hartford | NIXS South Windsor
If you are interested in being part of next year’s PrideFest by becoming a sponsor, please call (860) 841-2345 or email info@claroct.org.
Add your business or organization to outinct.com and reach thousands of potential clients and members. By supporting us you help keep PRIDE alive in Hartford.