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Stonington Pride was organized in June 2023 by Farrah Garland and Meg Blanchette.
We started with a protest.
In 2023, we questioned why the school district wasn't recognizing Pride Month, as it did other heritage months. While higher grades could work with the GSAs to recognize the month, no one set up a book reading for the lower grades. Prior to this, the district had briefly removed pride flags from classrooms after a parental complaint (they were swiftly returned, with both the administration and the board showing support).
We pointed out the many age-appropriate books available to read but were told that, in 2023 at least, there would be no reading. So we had our own!
Read with Pride was a beautiful event in the rain, with families bringing their children, dramatic readings of adorable children's books, biodegrabable glitter, and a true sense of coming together.
Many local queer folk shared that they had lived here for months, years, decades, and thought they were the only gay folks in town. That they had considered moving away. That they had been traveling to Providence, Boston, New York, to find community. That they were SO HAPPY to find more community. We knew we couldn’t let this stop there.
So, we didn’t.
Since then, we've partnered with many organizations in and outside town, collaborated with town officials for an official Pride Month Proclamation, delivered flags throughout town, and spent time listening to the community. Meg joined the Stonington Board of Education, and Farrah sits on the CT State Independent Living Council and is the Chair of the CT Wheelchair Reform Coalition.
We are small but mighty, and can't wait to meet you.
What we've been up to
What we've been up to
Read with Pride Protest, Stonington CT - June 2023
Social Media - Like most groups, we are on the socials. Instagram and Facebook, specifically. We post about LGBTQ+ history, rights, events, and so much more! We really focus on keeping people up to date on local events, but most importantly, anti-trans legislation, and what they can do about it!
Vigil in Honor of Nex Benedict, Union Baptist Church, Mystic CT - March 2024
photo credit: Farrah Garland
photo credit: Eric Larson
Stonington Pride! Town of Stonington’s Pride Proclamation - June 2024
We were proud to work with the Town of Stonington CT to help put together the town’s first ever official Pride Month Proclamation! We also were able to donate a Pride flag to the town for use at the proclamation, and in future years for flag raisings.
You can read an article about the event here, or if you don’t have a subscription, view a PDF here.
Co-organized Stonington Stands Up! September 2024
Queer Book Group - We are super proud to partner with Thought Fox and Bank Square Books on Stonington’s Queer Book Group! Check it out HERE
Featured in CT Insider's article Connecticut LGBTQ+ unite amid fear of Trump post-election.
Honored to be an invited member of Equality CT's first LGBTQ+ Congress in 2024.
In January 2025 Farrah spoke with CT Insider about how the LGBTQ+ community broadly was feeling, and how Stonington Pride was handling the first day of the Trump presidency.
In January 2025, Meg and Farrah were pleased to share time & space with Joe de la Cruz on "Born Political" where they talked about Stonington Pride & the work we do.
screenshot: article in The Day
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