Greenwich Kicks Off Pride Month: Preserving Hard-Fought Rights, Spreading Love and Kindness

Sunday’s Pride event at Greenwich Town Hall drew an enthusiastic crowd to celebrate the raising of the Pride flag and an afternoon of remarks from elected officials and clergy, in addition to live music and activities for all ages.

Allison Kahn, who organized the event with Karsen Vagner and others, acknowledged a grant from the Leonard Litz Foundation Circle of Care Center that made the event possible.

She shared remarks from First Selectman Fred Camillo, who was unable to attend.

“The Board of Selectmen included today’s flag raising on a list of yearly events that we recognize as important to the community. It is my hope that all of the ones that we approved continue in years to come until ones such as today are not needed.”

Members of the Greenwich delegation each shared remarks.

State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36), said his generation, the “millennial generation,” had seen a rapid and significant change in attitudes toward the gay community in the US, punctuated of course by the Supreme Court striking down state bans on same-sex marriage in 2015, and legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states.

“Back when we were young, in many corners of the country it was very taboo to be gay or LGBT,” he recalled. “And then in just a 20 year period we saw some of the most sweeping change – quicker than almost anyone anticipated.”

“Most importantly, the increased toleration in society and the acceptance of all people irrespective of their identity.”

State Rep Hector Arzeno said he was proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and vowed to fight relentlessly against proposals to revoke hard-fought rights.

“Just this year, according to the ACLU, 515 anti-LGBTQ bills were were introduced in state legislatures, with 33 being passed into law.”

“Hopefully events like this move us forward as a country so that all people are protected and welcome in our community,” he said. “I see how much love there is in this audience and it represents so many of the best qualities in our town.”

“We remember the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us and who fought for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. It has been a pleasure to watch our town of Greenwich become more and more inclusive of LGBTQ+ residents and visitors,” Arzeno said.

State Rep Rachel Khanna (D-151) said that throughout the country there are groups actively working to undermine fundamental freedoms.

“We must stop them. Throughout the country, there are efforts to ban books that feature LGBTQ characters. We can’t let them. Throughout the country, youth are being threatened and attacked because of their sexual orientation. We will protect them. And throughout the country states have taken steps to restrict the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community.”

She said it was important to oppose the oppose the numerous anti-LGBTQ bills in legislatures.

“I am proud to reaffirm my commitment to protecting the rights of our LGBTQ+ community to make sure that all residents of our town and state and are safe from discrimination, and especially so our children can thrive in safe and inclusive spaces, whether those are schools, places of worship, community centers and activities, or libraries. I stand with you now and forever – a committed ally.”

State Rep Steve Meskers agreed with Ms Khanna. “We have your backs,” he said.

“You can count on our support in the legislature. We will support the rights of our family and our friends, of our sisters and brothers and our spouses. We will make sure that in this town and in the state, there is no ‘other,’ and that love is love.”

Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan said while the day was a celebration, “There are haters out there.”

She reminded the crowd of the hateful signs that went up in the overnight hours after last year’s Pride event, and of the masked White Supremacists who came to Greenwich last month.

“Haters may have the protection of the first amendment, but make no mistake, they mean to threaten and intimidate. We can and should condemn their hateful words and actions.”

Reverend Cheryl McFadden noted that Christ Church, where she resides, welcomes everyone and has a wonderful LGBTQ gathering and programs. She shared a poem that talked about the dignity of all human beings – straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

“May we seek forgiveness when we fail to take in another’s beauty, for choosing our own interest instead of  bearing one another’s burdens, for remaining silent when we should have cried out, for seeing only differences and not what unites us. We hope for unity, for tenderness, for belonging and justice and freedom, for harmony and bountiful compassion, that all people are created in God’s image – worthy and magnificent, beloved and chosen.”

Rabbi Jordie Gerson, from Greenwich Reform Synagogue in Cos Cob, said Pride month was a month to recognize, celebrate and honor the journeys of the LGBTQ community.

“We honor your identities, your integrity. We celebrate and embrace you, and not just tolerate you, and we reaffirm that whoever you love, and however you identify is not just tolerate but recognized as deeply holy and deeply sacred.”

Triangle Community Center Board Member Colin Hosten said gatherings like the one on Sunday were important.

“So many of us have had to work hard to learn to love ourselves and each other in the face of a lot of messaging telling us that we shouldn’t,” Hosten said. “Coming together like this is so important for us and for our young people to understand that we’re worth it.”

Christian Meskers introduced songwriter and Greenwich native and singer/songwriter, Jenny Goggin, “TomboyJ” who performed for the crowd.

From there, Allison Kahn who organized the event with Karsten Vagner and a committee, gathered young children to raise the Pride flag.