Westport celebrated its 6th annual Pride Day today with the largest crowd, the most community organizations — and the best weather — ever.
Jesup Green was awash in rainbows: flags, t-shirts, even dog collars.
Politicians, from Senator Richard Blumenthal to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, spoke. All sent strong messages of inclusivity, joy, and the power of love.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This is what America looks like.”
But the stage really belonged to entertainers. Staples Players, former Player (and Broadway actor) Jamie Martin Mann, a drag queen — and a young dancer — made the day special for the hundreds of LGBTQ attendees, and allies.
Staples Players — many wearing “Players Pride” t-shirts — sang “One Day More,” a rousing song about conflicting hopes, fears and destinies, from “Les Misérables.”
it was a very prideful day indeed.
Vendors, non-partisan groups and religious organizations all had booths at Jesup Green. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
Van Goldberg wowed the crowd with his dance routine.
Political figures from Hartford and Westport were all smiles. The group sang “Happy Birthday” to Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan. Both Board of Education members celebrated birthdays today.
The Saugatuck Church contingent — and Westport Police — were all smiles.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (2nd from left) and the Homes with Hope crew: Katherine Murray, Helen McAlinden, Thomas Samaranayake. (Contributed photo)
Broadway actor Jamie Martin Mann sang, and gave a speech and poem about growing up in Westport. He credited Greens Farms Elementary School music teacher Suzanne Sherman Propp, Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen and Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long with creating safe environments, where he could learn to be himself. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
