Upcoming Events
A Discussion of LGBTQIA+ Rights and Legislation with Erin Reed and Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr
A Discussion of LGBTQIA+ Rights and Legislation with Erin Reed and Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr
Middletown Pride and the City of Middletown's LGBTQIA+ Commission will be hosting journalist Erin Reed and Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at 5:30 PM. They will discuss the state of LGBTQIA+ rights and legislation throughout the country.
The event will be virtual and live streamed; anyone may attend via WebEx. Information is listed below. Additionally, members of the public can gather in the Middletown Common Council Chambers at 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown, CT 06457 to view the presentation. A short, moderated Q&A will follow.
How to Attend the Virtual Presentation
Join from the webinar link
https://middletownct.webex.com/middletownct/j.php?MTID=m096e31088b88741d36802a04639de3c2
Go to webex.com and join by the webinar number
Webinar number (access code): 2344 616 4654
Webinar password: Middletown (64335386 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone
+1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Boston)
+1-646-992-2010 United States Toll (New York City)
About the Presenters
Erin Reed
Bio: Erin Reed (she/her) is a transgender journalist based in Washington, D.C.. She tracks LGBTQ+ legislation around the United States for her subscription newsletter, ErinInTheMorning.com. Her work has been cited by the AP, Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many more major media outlets. You can follow her on twitter and tiktok @ErinInTheMorn.
Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr
Bio: Representative Zooey Zephyr represents Montana’s 100th House District in the Montana House of Representatives and is the first trans woman to hold public office in the state of Montana. Throughout her time in office, Representative Zephyr has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing, healthcare, and human rights throughout Montana.
Prior to the legislature, Representative Zephyr worked at the University of Montana, where she oversaw the administration of the university’s curriculum approval process. She also worked as an activist, helping people file discrimination claims, drafting human rights policies for the city of Missoula, and working as a de-escalator at protests to ensure protester safety.
When the Legislature is not in session, Representative Zephyr works with people across Montana, the nation, and the world to help them get involved in the fight for progressive policies.
Gayme Night
Come join the City of Middletown's LGBTQIA+ Commission and Middletown Pride for GAYME Night at the Back Again Board Game Café on Monday, May 20th from 6-9PM. This event is free, but seats are limited, so RSVPs are required. All experience levels are welcome. Bring your friends, make new friends and join us for a night of fun! We hope to see you there! Basic refreshments are provided...and are delicious!
LGBTQIA+ Commission Meeting
Come attend the next meeting of the City’s LGBTQIA+ Commission, which is held in Room 208 at City Hall, located at 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown, CT. Join the Commission in planning Middletown PrideFEST 2024, our community events, and other year-round programming. These meetings are open to the public. This month we are making some big decisions for Middletown PrideFEST 2024!
LGBTQ+ Youth Group
Middletown Pride and Q+ present a monthly LGBTQ+ Youth Group at First Church in Middletown. Located at 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT. Join us for an evening of fun games, crafts, pizza and more! For more information, email programs@qplusct.org.
Kick Off Event and Flag Raising
Kick-off Pride Month with us! The official Middletown Pride Kick-Off will be at the Pride crosswalk on Main Street at 10am, and will then head over to City Hall for the City’s seventh annual flag raising, and the Mayor will issue a Mayoral proclamation for Pride Month!
The Pop-Up Event
Come check out this year’s only Middletown Pride Pop-Up Shop to get geared up for PrideFEST! Come for the merch, the DJ and the performers! Oh, did we mention there will be complimentary cocktails for those 21+?
Drag Artist Story Time
Start off Pride month with fun stories and songs and our friends Ethel, Frizzie, and Mia during Middletown Pride’s Drag Artist Story Time at the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore!
This is an all ages event and registration is NOT required. The event begins at 11:30 and will run until about noon.
6th Annual Middletown PrideFEST
Kick-Off Pride Month with the state’s largest Pride event! Join us at the 6th Annual Middletown PrideFEST on Saturday, June 1, 2024(rain date June 2, 2024) from 12 – 10 p.m. in downtown Middletown. PrideFEST is an all afternoon street fair on Main Street, Middletown that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food, activities for all ages, including a 21+ area. The festival starts a noon, followed by our annual Pride March (1 pm - 2 pm), Pride Rally on the South Green (2:30 pm - 4 pm), and our two Pride Showcase Concerts (4 pm - 7 pm), occurring at the same time on two different stages! Then stick around for our Middletown Pride Tea Dance from 7 pm – 10 pm on Old Church Street, hosted by Jerry’s Pizza. Music and sound for PrideFEST is once again provided by DJ Lady Tita and Ambassador Entertainment!
A friendly reminder that applications for PrideFEST are still open for sponsors, informational vendors, marchers, and volunteers. Applications can be found on our website at www.middletownpride.org/participate.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@MiddletownPride) or Facebook (@MiddletownCTPride) for all of our up-to-date information and announcements!
Finally, accessibility and information regarding police presence at PrideFEST is available on our website. If you require an accommodation to attend PrideFEST, please reach out to us at info@middletownpride.org, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We hope to see you at Pride!
Pride Ride
Join Middletown Pride and Pedal Power for a wonderful Pride Ride, starting at 10am. Meet at Pedal Power at 359 Main Street and meet in the rear of building. We will be giving away some free Pride swag and even a helmet!
Books and Brews at Stubborn Beauty
Join Middletown Pride and the Russell Library at Stubborn Beauty Brewing at 180 Johnson St, Middletown, for a book discussion of “Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss and the Fight For Trans Equality” by Sarah McBride. Copies available at the Borrowing Desk at the Russell Library. Questions? E-mail Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org. No purchase is required. Registration is required.
Books and Talk with a Walk
Meet in the Lobby of Russell Library at Noon, where we will go offsite for a short walk by the riverfront and discuss books! Grab your water bottle, lace up your sneakers and join us! Gentle pace and great discussion.
For June 24th our walk will feature books that have an LGTBQIA2s+ story or author. It is not necessary to have read a book about the prompt. Come join us and hear about new titles, and share books you love! Rain cancels. Registration is Required. There is no cost to attend. Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org
LGBTQ+ Youth Group
Middletown Pride and Q+ present a monthly LGBTQ+ Youth Group at First Church in Middletown. Located at 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT. Join us for an evening of fun games, crafts, pizza and more! For more information, email programs@qplusct.org.
Pride Rocks!
Join us in the Russell Library's Hubbard Room for a free pride-themed rock painting event for people of all ages. Snacks and Drinks provided.
Trans Haven Monthly Social
Middletown Pride is thrilled to now be sponsoring this event with Peer Pride! Join us for a 100% trans and non-binary Trans Haven Monthly Social and Game Night!.
There will be board games, card games, snacks and opportunities to just come and hangout. Bring your own snacks and games to share if you have them!
For more information on Peer Pride please visit peerpride.com/transhaven.
Support Group for Parents & Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth
Providing a space for parents and caregivers to ask questions on how to uplift and empower their kids. This space is also offered to adults navigating their own questions about identities in a safe and private space.
LGBTQ+ Preteen Group
Middletown Pride and Q+ present a monthly LGBTQIA+ Preteen Group on the first Saturday of every month at First Church in Middletown for games, crafts, snacks, and more! Located at 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT. For more information, email programs@qplusct.org.
LGBTQIA+ Trivia Night
Show off your extensive collection of random facts at a Queer Trivia Night sponsored by Middletown Pride, the City of Middletown's LGBTQIA+ Commission, and the Bergen House.
We will be challenging you with questions about pop culture, scientific facts, and queer history at this all-ages event!Come with your friends as a team or be matched up with new friends for this event! Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
Cost is free by RSVP's are required. Food will be available to purchase from Sasha's Sweet Treats or you can bring your own food. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for purchase. Outside beverages are not allowed.
About the Bergen House: The Bergen House is Middletown's local meadery with a focus on enriching the entire community
Queer Mixer: Shamrock Edition
Are you ready for a night of fun, community building and maybe some romance and friending? Then join us for Queer Mixer! We're thrilled to have DJ Sara of FM Productions on the decks and Relish Cookhouse and Bar providing delicious food and 1 complimentary drink from the bar! 18+ to attend, 21+ to drink, must have ID.
This event is all about inclusivity and friend-making, so everyone in the LGBTQIA2S+ community is welcome to attend. And if you're feeling festive, make sure to wear your favorite shamrock or rainbow outfit because there's a $100 gift card up for grabs, voted on by your fellow attendees!
Order of Events *
6P- 6:30: Welcome and Appetizers
6:30-7:30: Group Challange
7:30 - 8:00: Lighting Round
8:00: Dinner & Dancing Dates Karaoke Dance Party with DJ Sara
We will stick to the schedule, but please come at any time!*
Best of all, it's free! Just RSVP below and come hungry because we've got plenty of food. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect with your community.
Karaoke Night
Get your sing on and gather with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community for an evening of fun and friendship! IT’S KARAOKE! Talent isn’t required, just the joy of singing!
Cost: Free, but RSVPs are required.
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at this all-ages event.
Presented by Middletown Pride in partnership with Royal Beats DJ Service and Russell Library.
Pride Scholarship Subcommittee of the LGBTQIA+ Commission
Join us for our second subcommittee meeting to discuss and help plan our newly created Middletown Pride Scholarship Program!
The meeting is held online via WebEx. The agenda for the meeting containing the link to attend can be found by clicking the link below. The agenda is posted 24 hours prior to date of meeting.
Queer Speed Dating and Friending- UGLY SWEATER EDITION
Join us for our 3rd Queer Speed Dating event full of flirting, fun, and friendship! Put on your best ugly sweater or holiday fun and enjoy a night of laughs, dancing, and more!
All identities and expressions are welcomed to join in on the fun, friendship, and flirting! This event is 18+ ID Required for entry. Free for All.
Karaoke Happy Hour @ Perk on Main
Do you like karaoke? Do you like Happy Hours? If your answer was yes, to one, both, or neither of those questions, then our Karaoke Happy Hour is right for you! Middletown Pride presents an inclusive LGBTQIA2S+ Happy Hour event that promises an evening of acceptance, celebration, and hopefully nothing but wonderful singing voices. Hosted by Perk on Main, in a welcoming and safe space. The first 50 attendees to register will get 1 FREE drink ticket on Middletown Pride-redeemable for alcoholic beverages, coffees, teas, or smoothies! All ages are welcome, but attendees who wish to consume alcoholic beverages must be 21+. Registration required.
Pride Health Clinic
The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective, in partnership with Middletown Pride, is excited to host a community health event on Monday, December 11 from 1 pm to 6 pm. We're opening our doors out of the Middletown City Hall to offer a range of compassionate, LGBTQIA+ friendly health services. Whether you're seeking protection through vaccination, peace of mind through testing, or empowerment through information, we're here for you. This no-cost clinic will provide you with a range of health services:
Testing:
• STD/STI testing
• HIV/AIDS testing and counseling
Information and Resources:
• PrEP information and referrals
• LGBTQIA+ friendly provider and resource referrals
Vaccinations by The Health Collective:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Gardasil (HPV)
• MPox
Vaccinations by Stop & Shop:
• Flu
• COVID-19
• Shingles
• Pneumonia
• T-Dap
• RSV
This free event ensures confidentiality, professional medical advice, and care. Registration encouraged, but is not required.
Cookie Decorating with Pride!
Join Middletown Pride and Sweet Harmony for an afternoon of cookie & cupcake decorating! Food and drinks are included, and vegan/gluten free options are available upon request.
Space is limited so be sure to register fast! Attendance will be capped at the first 20 people who register so don’t delay! All ages are welcome.
Swim with Middletown Pride
Come swim with Middletown Pride and our amazing friends at the Recreation Center (140 Wilderman’s Way) at this free event for all ages!
Participants, 5 years and under must be accompanied into the water by an adult (18 years or older) who is within arm’s reach. Participants age 6 - 17 must also be accompanied into the water by an adult (18 years or older) who is within arm’s reach, unless the young person has previously passed a swim test with Middletown Rec. Groups that include participants in the 6-17 age range who have passed a swim test must have an adult (18 years or older) who remains in the pool area at all times.
This newly remodeled facility has a family changing room and restroom as well as gendered locker rooms. A seated pool lift is also available for use if needed for accessibility. Lifejackets are also available for ages 6-17.
Registration required for attendees because space is limited.
Pridesgiving
Join us for a Pridesgiving Dinner on Wednesday, November 22, from 5:30 - 8 pm at Perk on Main! Come enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal (including a vegetarian option), a cash bar, and community. The event is free to attend, but RSVP’s are required. This event is for all ages and is family friendly.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Event
Join Middletown area trans community members for a vigil and speakout in honor of Trans Day of Remembrance. Attendees will be able to read names, share their own stories and show appreciation for others in our community. As part of CT's annual TDOR events, this is a space for community mourning, remembrance and sharing.
Trans Day of Remembrance, observed on November 20, is an annual day of mourning and community care dedicated to honoring the lives of the trans people lost to transphobic violence.
In CT, Trans Haven at PeerPride has been supporting fellow trans community members in holding their own annual spaces all over our state to get together and remember the lives lost.
This year, we will be putting a special emphasis on responding to the uptick in transphobic violence across the US with solidarity and community empowerment, and holding space in our hearts for community members lost in and impacted by war and genocide.
If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to info@peerpride.com. Check out our Facebook Event by clicking here.
Cheers, Queers! A Middletown Pride Happy Hour
Cheers, Queers is an inclusive LGBTQIA+ 21+ Happy Hour event that promises an evening of camaraderie, acceptance, and celebration. Hosted at Conspiracy (2nd floor), in a welcoming and safe space, this event aims to bring together people of all genders, sexual orientations, and identities for a memorable gathering. The first 30 attendees will get 1 drink ticket on Middletown Pride. We will also be providing delicious appetizers to snack on. This event is age restricted; attendees must be 21 or older.
Halloween Open Mic
Join Q Plus and Middletown Pride for a family-friendly Halloween themed open mic alongside Middletown Recreation's downtown trick or treat event! Follow the Halloween unicorns to the end of Main Street for a youth social, including pizza, games, crafts, and a live DJ. The open mic from 12-2 PM will be hosted by, and feature performances from, Middletown drag performers! Youth performers can contact Q Plus ahead of time to guarantee a performance slot; onsite signups will be accepted until we run out of space! Costumes encouraged but not required; audience members of all ages are welcome!
LGBTQ+ Youth Group
Middletown Pride and Q+ present a monthly LGBTQ+ Youth Group at First Church in Middletown. Located at 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT. Join us for an evening of fun games, crafts, pizza and more! For more information, email programs@qplusct.org.
Star GAY-zing
The Wesleyan Astronomy Department - with support from The Resource Center, The Office for Equity & Inclusion, and City of Middletown’s LGBTQIA+ Commission - is proud to announce our first annual Star Gay-zing event as part of the Wesleyan Pride Month 2023 schedule.
Bring your friends and meet us under the stars at the Van Vleck Observatory on Thursday, October 12th 7-9pm. Check out Jupiter & Saturn through a telescope, enjoy treats baked by Tony's Flour Shop, mini talks on LGBT topics in astronomy, a planetarium show, and more. All ages, genders, identities, and majors welcome!
Attendees must follow Wesleyan's current COVID visitor policies, available here: https://www.wesleyan.edu/keep-wes-safe/
