With speeches, music and many rainbows, Westport celebreated Pride today.
The 5th annual event — sponsored by Westport Pride — drew a couple of hundred members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies, to Jesup Green.
Several speakers — including state and local legislators, human rights advocates, and Miss Connecticut USA Shavana Clarke, the first openly lesbian state titleholder — noted how far the LGBTQ community has come in terms of acceptance and legal righs, and yet also how endangered some of those gains are.
Shavana Clarke talks about her religious upbringing as a Jamaican female, and the community she’s found now as a queer woman.
But despite the political climate, and the heat and humidity, the mood was upbeat.
Pride is a day of celebration. After proclamations from State Senator Ceci Maher and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, the entertainment began.
Happy Pride!
From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Pride co-president Brian McGunigle and his kids, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
From left: Kevin Christie (Board of Education), Amy Wistreich (Planning & Zoning Commission), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, State Senator Ceci Maher, Westport Pride co-presidents Brian McGunigle and Kayla Iannetta, State Representative Dominique Johnson, Connecticut Against Gun Violence chair Melissa Kane, StartUp Westport co-founder Peter Propp.
Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain, and assistant cantor Becky Mann.
Sending an important message.
Shawnta Smith-Cruz (center) hands out free LGBTQ-themed novels. Tyler Pascarella enjoys his.
At Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s booth (from left): Gregory Hauck, Fabian Burgas, Rev. John Betit.
Womanning the Temple Israel booth.
Representative Town Meeting member Sal Liccione, and Village Pediatrics’ Dr. Nikki Gorman.
Candles, aromas — and rainbows.
Rainbow-themed merch from Two-Oh-Three.
Showing her pride.
This week at Jesup Green: Westport Pride. Next week: the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Duck Race.
Harris Falk and friend. (All photos/Dan Woog)