Hartford Pride Center

Venue secured, we are officially a go!

The Hartford Pride Center is looking for LGBTQIA+ serving organizations, nonprofits, artists, and small businesses alike, that would like to serve on the host committee for a very special event to benefit Miss Connecticut as she prepares for the Miss America pageant. The event will take place in Hartford on Saturday, August 15th.

If you are interested, please email [email protected] by Monday, August 3rd. Host organizations will receive special recognition during the event as well as free tickets to attend. More details to come early next week, but it will be an event you won't want to miss.

Our year of PRIDE continues in Connecticut, get into it. ***rleaders

The Hartford Pride Center will be participating in 's back-to-school event, and we are currently seeking backpack donations. Our goal is to get 25 backpacks donated by August 7th. If you have a backpack or school supplies you would like to donate, please reach out to [email protected].

Thank you to our friend Ray DaRosa for coordinating this event and welcoming us into the space. If you're a parent in need of supplies/resources, be sure to check us out at the on Sunday, August 23rd from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at 280 Windsor Ave, in Windsor.

As the Hartford Pride Center continues to grow, so does our responsibility to listen. Over the past year, we've expanded beyond events and support groups to become a place where culture, advocacy, public health, and innovation come together to meet the evolving needs of LGBTQIA+ people.

One need we've heard loud and clear is this: LGBTQIA+ young adults (18–24) deserve a stronger voice as they transition out of youth-oriented organizations/programming and prepare for their next stage in life. That's why we're excited to launch the Youth Advisory Council. This council isn't just about planning events; it's about helping shape the future of our organization.

Over the coming months, you'll begin to see new ideas and new opportunities designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ young adults. Every one of them will be rooted in the same mission that has always guided our work: creating a healthier, more connected, and more resilient LGBTQIA+ ecosystem throughout Northern Connecticut.

If you're between 18–24 and want to help plan what comes next, we'd love to hear from you.

Please email [email protected].

Because the future of our community should be built with young people, not just for them.

Just a reminder that today is our LGBTQ 50+ Women's Group monthly meeting. Today we are going outdoors to support our local home team, the Hartford City FC in .

Our very own Miss Executive Connecticut Elizabeth Protzman will be joining us to give the welcome message. This event is all about community, love, and support for one another. I hope everyone is able to make it to tonight! The game begins at 6:00pm.

This month, our LGBTQ 50+ Women's Group is taking the field with Hartford City FC for an evening of community, connection, and soccer. Be sure to join us THIS Friday, July 17th, from 6:00 pm- 9:30 pm at Osgood Park in the . There may even be a special guest or two. Snacks will be provided, and through this partnership, we will be doing special giveaways so you won't want to miss out!

The has reminded the world that sports have the power to unite people across cultures, identities, and backgrounds. We believe Connecticut can embody that same spirit of belonging.

Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or just looking for a fun night with incredible women, come celebrate with us as we cheer on our home team. Special shout-out to Mayor Bobby Sanchez for helping to bring this community day to life!

So proud to welcome our newest member to the team, Barbara Barbrezzy Mcclane!

Barbara brings more than two decades of leadership in behavioral health, recovery, and community engagement to the Hartford Pride Center as the leader of our Recovery and Harm Reduction Services. Throughout her career, Barbara has been a passionate advocate for equity, advocacy, and empowerment, combining professional expertise with lived experience to build innovative programs that create lasting change. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) and has spent more than 17 years with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), where she has supported individuals on their recovery journeys through compassionate, person-centered care.

A respected nonprofit executive, organizational speaker, LGBT powerhouse, and community builder, Barbara is also the founder of I Am Woman2, Inc., an organization dedicated to uplifting women through leadership, storytelling, and personal empowerment. Her ability to forge meaningful partnerships and inspire others has made her a trusted voice across Connecticut on topics including recovery, mental health, and resilience. We are thrilled to welcome Barbara to the Hartford Pride Center, where her vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to community will strengthen our work to create affirming pathways to wellness for LGBTQIA+ individuals across our region. Get ready, Hartford cause 2027 is going to be our best year yet!

For this week's we want to celebrate the q***r voices in our state that use their platform to talk about issues that matter. This is exemplified by our very own .

Today, Christa visited NBC Connecticut to discuss her journey to the crown, her mental health struggles, her history with addiction and recovery, and the work that she does to educate and serve the community. If you missed it, please be sure to click the link below and visit Christa's page to make a donation if you can.

Thank you, Christa, for embracing your LGBTQIA+ identity and for being willing to be vulnerable in front of the millions of people who call Connecticut home. There are some haters in this state, but there are a lot more people who love and support you. Good luck at the pageant. We are cheering you on all the way!

Miss Connecticut 2026 makes history as first openly-q***r woman to hold the title Christa Steiner shares her story.

Before we share resources, we want to acknowledge everyone in our community who has been impacted by the recent storms. Whether you're without power, struggling to keep cool, or worried about putting food on the table, please know that you are not alone. If you need relief from the heat, Connecticut has cooling centers open across the state. To find the location closest to you, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org, where you can also find information about emergency shelters, food pantries, transportation assistance, and other recovery resources. Connecticut's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol helps ensure residents can access cooling centers and other emergency services during dangerous heat.

Organizations like CRT Resource Centers, Hands On Hartford, and other community partners continue to provide emergency food and basic needs support throughout the Hartford region. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, smell gas, encounter downed power lines, or believe someone's life is in danger, call 911 immediately. Please continue checking on your neighbors, older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone who may be isolated. The Hartford Pride Center stands with our community during this challenging time. Stay hydrated, stay safe, and remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.