Five years ago, Brian McGunagle wondered: “Where is Westport’s LGBTQ community?”
After 4 years in town, he and his husband Stephen Gustafson were happy. They felt safe and supported. Through a Facebook group for same-gender parents, they had arranged playdates for their nearly 2-year-old son.
But they wanted more than a quiet, open suburb.
Five years later, much has changed.
Westport Pride — the group Brian founded — has thrived. It’s organized 4 large Pride celebrations; the fifth is set for June 22, on Jesup Green. A party will follow.
Staples High students, at the 2024 Pride celebration on Jesup Green.
Under the leadership of Kayla Iannetta, Westport Pride has partnered with Gender Sexuality Alliances at Staples High School, and the 2 middle schools, and helped organize “UBU” days at the elementary level; worked on Westport Library programming; brought a rainbow crosswalk to Jesup Road, and sponsored 3 drags shows.
A number of LGBTQ parents moved to town during COVID. McGunagle estimates there are at least 2 dozen families with same-gender parents here now — and that is probably low.
Plus: Their son now has a younger brother.
Brian McGunagle (sport coat), his husband Stephen Gustafson and their sons, at the Jesup Road rainbow crosswalk.
But not all the news is positive. The changing national climate has made young transgender Westporters feel unsafe. Some students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning also stand in the shadows.
There is “a lot of fear with parents of LGB — and especially trans — youth,” McGuangle notes.
He says the Supreme Court may take up a case in which parents of trans youngsters could be held criminally responsible for child abuse.
There is “more open bullying” around sexuality issues, he says, in schools and on social media like Westport Back Porch.
Temple Israel had one of the many booths at 2024 Pride.
LGBTQ Westporters without families — singles and seniors — are also looking for a community.
As the father of a 6-year-old and a future Stepping Stones Preschool student, McGunagle continues to search for ways parents like him can connect with each other, and for LGBTQ kids to find others they can identify with.
He has spoken to the Westport PTA Council — the umbrella organization for all 8 PTAs — and with the chairs of their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
McGunagle uses the “PTA” letters to describe the groups he wants involved: (P)arents and (T)eachers who identify as LGBTQ, and (A)llies like parents of LGBTQ children.
The DEI Committee has welcomed Westport Pride’s participation, he says. He hopes to find 2 representatives from every school, so that the LGBTQ group can be formalized, much like Special Education is now.
A “playground playdate” for same-gender parents is set for May 4, 3 to 5 p.m. at Saugatuck Elementary School.
“DEI is under fire, at the national level,” McGunagle acknowledges. “But the district seems to be behind it still, in Westport.”
Meanwhile, he says,Westport Pride is always looking for volunteeers: at the board level, and to help with events and fundraising. If interested, email westportctpride@gmail.com.
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