TRT's Connecticut 30th Anniversary Pride Guide

official

ct pride guide

30th Anniversary!

sat., September 17th Bushnell Park hartford, ct

www.connecticutpride.org

Nina flowers

Kristine W.

sponsored by:

RainbowTimes The

The Freshest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Newspaper in New England

Community Access Radio

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A Message from the Executive Board

Pride CO-Chairs Billy Urich (L) and Bryan Couzens (R) with this year's headliner, Kristine W.

Passing the the Torch Torch to to you... you...

Passing

W

elcome to the 30th Annual Connecticut Pride Celebration in Hartford.

Much has happened since the first Pride event in 1982. Protections and equality have been won and established in the state for lesbian and gay people since then. And just recently, our Trans brothers and sisters gained the same status--Better late than never.

We gratefully acknowledge our vendors, sponsors, performers and benefactors; without their assistance and support today would not be possible. And we offer a special note of thanks to Mucha Placer for organizing the Parade. Please take a moment out of your day to thank them personally.

By its very nature, Pride is a profound political statement. It’s a demand for recognition and equality. And while we’ve made tremendous strides since the days of Stonewall, these times have also been fraught with the horrors of Richard Reihl, Matthew Shepard and many too many more. These incidents may have decreased within our borders, but elsewhere throughout the world, the atrocities continue, often with little or no consequence to the perpetrators. It must come to an end, but this will only happen when we all decide to stop it … together. Pride events are one of the tools in our arsenal to fight intolerance, hatred and discrimination. And, we should use this tool with greater vigor.

In 2007, we set a 5-year course to rebuild Pride in Connecticut after the fiasco and financial improprieties of the 2006 event, which ultimately led to the closing of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center in Hartford. Today is the culmination of those 5 years. Next year marks the

beginning of a new era for Pride in Connecticut and it is up to you, the community, to see it through. We will be calling for a new, invigorated committee to come forth, with new ideas, to take Connecticut Pride to the next level.

We invite you all to meet this challenge. While we will continue to offer assistance to the new Pride organizers, it’s time for us to step back, to allow others to step forward. Pride belongs to the community, and it should be organized FOR the community BY the community.

It has been a joy, an honor and a privilege to serve the LGBTI Community of Connecticut in producing Connecticut Pride. We recommend it highly. We hope you enjoy this year’s festival and make the most of the event. The addition of an educational component to this year’s Pride Festival is new for us and rare for North American Prides in general. Your input, suggestions and constructive criticism are important for the success of future events. Your support and generosity are also of paramount importance for the future. These economic times have been difficult for Pride production and without community support, successive Prides may very well be unlikely. There’s plenty of room; come aboard and lend a hand for next year, and the years to come. The day belongs to you. And tomorrow is on its way.

Gratefully and with Pride,

The Executive Board of Connecticut PRIDE Hartford Rally and Festival, Inc. Billy Urich, Bryan Couzens, John Pepe and Jessica Couzens

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Pride Festival workshops September 17th • Bushnell Park

Scheduled times & tent locations TBA • FMI: www.connecticutpride.org

TD Bank Workshops

Corporate Diversity Initiatives

This workshop will cover TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank Corporate Diversity Initiatives and how we have incorporated these into our culture. This workshop will include a description of the philosophy, approach, areas of concentration, business case for diversity, and the types of activities we promote. It is a “how to” for launching diversity initiatives and outcomes, and will include a live slide presentation.

Strategies for Creating Inclusion in the Workplace

This workshop is a diversity and inclusion training session. Facilitators will demo several modules online and lead group discussion to follow. You can expect to learn business case for diversity, about the changing demographics in the U.S., how LGBT issues can play out in a work environment, and strategies for creating inclusion vs. exclusion at work.

Facilitators: TBD

Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective Workshops Oral Health

This is a short refresher on the importance

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of optimum oral health. The healthier your mouth is, the more attractive you are and your body will be. Find out what causes bad breath, bleeding gums, and cavities.

Presented by Patricia Mille, who is the Health Collective’s Dental Program Coordinator

Breast Health

Whether you call them boobies, breasts, boobs or chests, join the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective for Breast/Chest Bingo! Participants will learn how breast cancer disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community and what steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. The group will take the breast/chest self-exam challenge and have the opportunity to win prizes!

Presented by Rachel Pryzby, a Breast Cancer Educator for the Health Collective

Tobacco Cessation

Taking Control: Why Quitting Smoking is a Queer Priority-Learn how tobacco companies have been targeting the LGBTQ community and how the individual decision to quit smoking is key to personal health and justice for our community.

Presented by Cassidy Weyel, the Health Collective’s Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator

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GLSEN Connecticut: Jump-Start Student Leadership Team Workshop

Get Ready to Jump!: The 411 on GLSEN Connecticut’s Jump-Start Student Leadership Team

Want to learn how to become a more effective student leader and network with other GayStraight Alliances (GSAs) across the state? We’ll introduce you to our creative and energetic team of student leaders who will share their exciting new plans, including facilitating a state-wide GSA Summit in late May 2012. Please join us for some enlightening discussion, fun activities, and awesome new student leadership connections!

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Depression and Suicide

Facilitated by: Julian Arias is the Student Coordinator of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network of Connecticut’s (GLSEN Connecticut) Jump-Start Team. He is a Junior at Stamford High School in Stamford, CT, and an active member of his school’s GSA. kyetra1@gmail.com Alberto Cifuentes, Jr., is the Adult Coordinator of GLSEN Connecticut’s Jump-Start Team and an active Board Member of GLSEN Connecticut. He has a B.A. in Media Studies and English from Southern Connecticut State University. He has also facilitated educational workshops on anti-bullying/harassment awareness and advocacy as well as queer representation in the media for six years. albertocj@ studentorganizing.org Shawn Gilhuly is a Senior at Mark T. Sheehan High School in Wallingford, CT, and President of his school’s GSA. He has conducted numerous presentations on LGBT Suicide and Depression both on and off campus. blue5warlock@ gmail.com Mara Skowronek is a Senior at East Hartford High School in East Hartford, CT, and Vice-President of her school’s GSA. She co-founded her school’s Animal Rights Club and has made social activism her joie de vivre. mara8248@aol.com Skylar Liam Spear is a Junior at Amity High School in Amity, CT, and an active member of his school’s GSA. He enjoys participating in social activism and recently helped organize his school’s Day of Silence. skylarliam@gmail.com

True Colors, Inc. Workshops

When you see Mean, Intervene!

Being an Ally to your LGBT Brothers and Sisters!

Kids spend most of their time at home, in school, or at church. And yet, the places they are most likely to experience social difficulty, harassment and rejection are at home, in school, or at church.

This interactive session will focus on the issue of BULLYING and how to stop and prevent it.

Facilitated by: Kamora Herrington Kamora Le’Ella Herrington is the Mentoring Program Coordinator for HYPERLINK “http://www.ourtruecolors. org/” \o “http://www.ourtruecolors.org/” True Colors, Inc., a support and advocacy organization for sexual minority youth based in Hartford, Connecticut. She has had several television appearances advocating for LGBT youth including the Tyra Banks Show and CNN. She has also participated in the HYPERLINK “http://www.nbjc.org/” \o “http://www.nbjc.org/” “Out on the Hill LGBT Leadership Summit” in Washington, D.C. working with other leaders, philanthropists and activists who are organizing to empower their communities while educating Congressional leaders, the Obama Administration and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns.

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from the stage of

connecticut pride Photo credit: Bonnie Bowell

Sister Funk

This all female-band has been described by CURVE Magazine as “provocative, high energy, and entertaining … these women put on a hot show.”

This 2009 Red Door battle of the band winner smashed the competition taking 1st place in every category during the 9 week battle, taking home the GRAND PRIZE in cash money & studio time.

This year, Sister Funk is being recognized for their 10+ year accomplishment in music and are being inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca, NY. Who says women can’t rock?

FMI: www.sisterfunk.com

Hartford Harlettes

The Hartford Harlettes have been shaking their pom-poms and entertaining crowds across Connecticut for the past 20 years.

It all started as four friends going to the annual Halloween Party at Nick's Cafe and walking away with Most Original Costume of the night. After Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hartford Harlettes that, they started appearing at Super Bowl parties and other events around town. The have performed for the Friendship League Softball Follies, Maxie's Cafe Weekend of Love, Sping for Life, and many, many fundraisers for the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut.

They have become a main stay performer at CT PRIDE. The faces have changed over the years, but the spirit behind them still remains the same: Have some fun, shake a good pom pom and support the Communities of CT. Year 2011 celebrates not only the 30th Anniversary of CT PRIDE but the 20th Anniversary of the Hartford Harlettes. Wait until you see the anniversary surprise!

Photo credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride

Kristine W.

Fully embodying the title of her 15th and latest #1 track on the Billboard Dance/ Club Play Songs chart, Kristine W.— an international dance music icon since the late 90s—is finding exciting new ways to share “The

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Power of Music” with the release of Straight Up with a Twist, an extraordinarily ambitious, highly anticipated contemporary jazz debut. Kristine’s venture into a new genre expands upon the incredible success she has enjoyed for many years in the dance world and beyond. She currently holds the world’s record for Most Consecutive #1 Billboard Club Hits with nine; Madonna and Janet Jackson each had seven in a row. She recently tied Mariah Carey for third-most chart toppers on the Dance/Club Play Songs chart—only Madonna (with 40) and Janet (19) have scored more at the pole position. She is also the recipient of many other awards and has performed more shows at the Las Vegas Hilton than any other performer in its history—including Elvis!

FMI: www.kristinew.com

Nina Flowers

Nina Flowers was born in 1974, in the city of Bayamon, on the most beautiful island of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico. She started in the art of female impersonation in 1993 at the age of 19, and as her passion for the art of makeup developed, so did her obsession with creating Photo credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride different faces and personas. In 1999, she became - Miss Puerto Rico Continental, and in 2001 Miss City Lights Continental.

Through her journey she has worked with some of the best entertainers in the US, relating to female impersonation, and has also had the opportunity to perform in some internationally.

FMI: www.ninaflowers.co

Leslie Avery

No stranger to the CT Pride stage, Leslie Avery is proud to perform once again. Leslie is a former Miss Boston Gay Pride, a former Miss Chez Est, and has held various other titles throughPhoto credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride out New England. Performing over 20 years as a drag entertainer; she brings an old style charm to her performances, with an awesome impersonation of Tina Turner.

CT Pride is honored to have the hottest two headliners on one stage Sept. 17, 2011. Kristine W. & Nina Flowers of RuPaul’s Drag Race are geared up and ready to blow you away!

Lady Tatiana and the Latin Revue

Photo credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride

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Reyna Alize

Miss Alize was born on March 2010 at a friend’s birthday bash. She has gained the love and support from her friends, family, & fans performing at Brass Rail O'Neils, The Chez, Gotham Citi, Partners, Favalla Bar And Polo Club in Ct. Additionally, she has donated her time and Credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride efforts at benefits for Breast Cancer Awareness, HIV/AIDS Awareness, & Monthly Beer Bashes at Club Chez.

FMI: Search Reyna Alize on FaceBook

Photo credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride

Scottie Gage

It’s impossible to resist the sultry sound of New York City based singer/songwriter Scottie Gage.

He seamlessly blends elements of mainstream pop, disco funk and urban soul to deliver everything from ultra-remixable upbeat grooves to thought provoking ballads. His self-produced video to Waterslide debuted on LOGO’s NewNowNext and landed him in 6th place on LOGO’s The Click List: Top 10 Video’s.

He has performed throughout NYC at venues including Rockwood Music Hall, Opaline, Area 10018, SBNY, XL, Therapy, Elmo Lounge, Vlada and The Ritz. He was also seen as a guest performer at Staten Island and NYC and Jersey Pride.

FMI: www.scottiegage.com

The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut

The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut is a non-profit organization centered around the form of a traditional monarchy where members receive royal titles and perform noble deeds and raise money for the community. There are over 70 chapters of The Imperial Court System in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The purpose of the court is to raise charitable funds and perform noble deeds for the community at large, as well as offer an outlet for social interaction among those who share the same interests.

The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut contributes to organizations such as various AIDS related services, Cancer related services, Gay and Lesbian Community Centers and other charities.

FMI: www.ISCofAllCT.Org

Lady Tatiana is one of New England's legends most wellknown performers, captivating and amazing audiences for almost 20 years. Her outrageous stage presence and costumes are second to her unique style. She has wowed audiences numerous times at CT Pride and is a true local favorite.

Lady Tatiana holds a host of titles as well as a lifetime title of Miss Chez Latina. Look for Tatiana in Hartford every 1st and 3rd Saturday hosting Hartford's hotest Latin Nights at the Chez. Tatiana will be doing 2 sets for the 30th Anniversary one Latin Revue, and one American performance.

Photo credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride

Chastity

Chasity is a Cher vocal impersonator.

She sings live and sounds just like Cher!

This year, she will be doing two shows at the 30th Anniversary of Connecticut Pride Event.

Elm City Dance Collective

Credit: Provided by Connecticut Pride

Immerse yourself in the rarefied, hyper-stylized world of high fashion in SNAP, a movement performance of model proportions. SNAP, choreographed

by Kellie Ann Lynch, offers a twisted perspective on the glamorous and couture world of the runway show. From signature walks to explosive dance, SNAP creates a bizarre fantasy world unto itself.

FMI: www.elmcitydance.org

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Yale University in association with

Yale’s LGBTQ Affinity Group is pleased to sponsor CT Pride www.Yale.edu/jobs http://www.yale.edu/hronline/diversity/index.html

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Contributing to a Strong New Haven www.yale.edu/onhsa

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Healthy Relationships

Facilitated by Alison Berk, Group Activities Coordinator for True Colors, Inc.

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) Workshops Safe is Sexy - Safer Sex Workshop [This workshop will be offered twice during the day.

One will be for youth only.]

1 in 2 sexually active people will get an STI by age 25 and most won’t know it. In this workshop, participants will learn about to protect themselves from a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including information on how to get tested.

This workshop will discuss the different types of infections and methods of prevention.

Planned Parenthood Services

Ever wondered where someone can get sexual health services? Heard of Planned Parenthood, but aren’t sure what they do? In this workshop, participants will learn about the different services Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) provides and how to find out where your closest PPSNE health center is. Come learn how you can take care of your sexual health!

Facilitated by: Liana Brown Liana Brown is a Community Educator for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE). She provides sexuality education to those in the greater Hartford area. Liana began with Planned Parenthood at the age of 16 as a peer educator. Upon graduating from Trinity College, Liana was hired at PPSNE as the Public Affairs Fellow and helped supervise the college internship program, Campus Action. In June of 2010, Liana started her current position as Community Educator. She also supervises PPSNE’s STARS (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) Peer Education Program at its Hartford site.

Center for Advanced Reproductive Services - UCONN Health Center Workshop

Family Building for Gays & Lesbians

At the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services we understand that there are many different paths to parenthood. We also know that the fertility options and issues facing gays and lesbians are different from others wishing to become parents.

The fertility options for third party reproduction have grown over the years. Gay and lesbian individuals and couples now have choices that include not only adopted children, but genetically related children, as well. Females, depending

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Happy Pride!

Celebrating 25 Years Celebrating 25 Years

F r o m y o u r F r i e n d s at

www.hglhc.org · 1841 Broad Street · Hartford, Ct 06145-2094 · 860-278-4163

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on their health and age, can use advanced technologies such as sperm donation with intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), shared conception, egg donation and egg or embryo freezing to achieve a pregnancy. Males, depending on their sperm quality and gestational options, can use technologies like IVF, egg donation, and gestational carrier. This workshop will focus on the clinical, emotional and legal components of these clinical options with plenty of time for Q&A. Facilitated by: Center medical and psychiatric staff TBD and a lawyer specializing in Reproductive Law and the LGBT community.

InterPride, the International Association of Pride Coordinators Workshop The Pride Movement and Human Rights: A Global Perspective

In Nepal, an Asian elephant is decorated and serves as a float in Katmandu’s Pride Parade. Sao Paulo has the largest Pride in the world with over 3 million people attending, while in Moscow, Pride has been labeled “satanic” by the mayor and banned since the first attempt in 2006. Bratislava, Belgrade, Chiang Mai, Split and many other cities’ Pride events are met with property destruction and personal violence spurred on by religious leaders and conservative protesters. In 7 countries, people are executed for being gay. In nearly 80 more we are fined, tortured and imprisoned from several years to life.

Enjoying your Connecticut Pride celebration?

Come and learn what our international brothers and sisters experience around the world and how they show their Pride.

Facilitated by: William Urich In addition to serving on the Connecticut Pride committee, Billy is Vice President of InterPride and Chair of InterPride’s Committee on International LGBTI Human and Civil Rights.

PRIDE Institute Workshop

Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Concerns within the LGBT Community

This workshop is designed to help those within the LGBT community and professionals who work closely with the community understand the intricate dynamics of being LGBT. Through workshop presentation and group discussion we will open up a dialogue regarding the terminology used to describe the community, possible concerns that the LGBT community faces when dealing with the coming out process, and the difference between heterosexism and homophobia. We will also address mental health concerns that can lead to substance abuse and chemical dependency within the community.

Presented by: Scottie Gage Scottie Gage is the East Coast Director of Clinical Outreach for PRIDE Institute. With 25 years of excellence, PRIDE Institute is the nation’s first and leading provider of residential and out-patient programs devoted exclusively to treating the chemical dependency and mental health needs of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. PRIDE Institute specializes in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, sexual compulsivity, depression, anxiety and HIV/AIDS-related stress and grief. * Workshops and facilitators subject to change

TRT is the Official Media Partner & Producer of the CT Pride Guide 2011

Happy 30th Anniversary, CT from TRT!

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Connecticut Pride Mission

C

onnecticut PRIDE is made up of volunteers from throughout your community, committed to celebrating and remembering who we are, where we've come from, and how far we need to go. We produce events that promote awareness, tolerance, acceptance, and equality for GLBTI individuals, their friends, and families. We do this to provide a safe space, a healthy sense of family and identity, and to save lives.

Need a place to stay?

The Hartford Hilton is

the Host Hotel for Pride

315 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: 860-240-7272 Mention code CT Pride for a $112 room rate.

Volunteer. Donate.

Sponsor. Attend.

ConnecticutPride.org Email: info@connecticutpride.org

Phone: (860) 216-1351

Looking for the schedule of events?

☞ ConnecticutPride.org

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RainbowTimes The

The Freshest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Newspaper in New England

NorthamptoN-based... ...New eNglaNd read

a proud sponsor of

Connecticut Pride To advertise, subscribe, or receive our e-newsletter, please visit us online at therainbowtimesnews.com or call us at 413-282-8881 or 617-444-9618.

www.therainbowtimesnews.com

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