Queer Pride Reigns At Hamden Fest

It was all sunshine and rainbows on Saturday, as hundreds of folks filled Hamden’s Town Park Center with queer joy and loving community in celebration of the town’s largest-ever Pride festival.

Emma Brunson waved a rainbow ribbon as she posed for a photo with her moms, Madeleine and Jessica. 

The family squeezed their smiles into a multicolor frame, the photo op a reward for completing a worksheet of queer affirmations: ​“I believe in pride because…”

Anchor Health, one of Connecticut’s only trans- and queer-led health centers, set up the questionnaire and photo booth at their table during Hamden’s Pride. The health organization intends to use the photos and positive affirmations to create a queer zine in recognition of the event.

The festival ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the sunny but windy day. Chris & Roy’s Brotherly Grub, Rogue Coffee, and Top Shelf Fried Dough vended snacks and beverages out of their food trucks while DJ Re played danceable pop tracks. Organizations with a stake in queer joy set up tables under a tent to offer information on their services, show support, and provide engaging opportunities for young people.

Earlier this month, Hamden raised a rainbow flag at Town Hall to demonstrate support for LGBTQIA+ community members looking to live in a more aware and affirming town. ​“The Town celebrates and embraces the LGBTQ+ members of its diverse community,” read a press release in anticipation of the festival.

This year’s efforts were led by the Hamden Pride Steering Committee. Jacky Forcucci formed the group earlier this year alongside her wife, Amanda Forcucci, 41, who serves as the director of health and physical education for Hamden Public Schools.

“Above all else, we wanted to provide a place for people to come and be themselves. To let loose, feel represented, supported and free,” Jacky said.

“And we’re so happy that so many public officials showed up,” Amanda added, noting the attendance of Assistant Superintendent Christopher Melillo, Mayor Lauren Garrett, Board of Education Chair Melissa A. Kaplan-Charkow, Hamden Legislative Council President Dominique Baez, State Rep. Joshua Elliott, Councilman Justin Farmer, and Board of Ed Member Siobhan Carter-David.

“It’s important for the community to see them here; it helps them know they’re safe here in Hamden,” Amanda said.

Local businesses donated dozens of raffle baskets for fundraising at the event, with on-theme cheeky titles. ​“Cheers to Queers,” said one case of wine glasses. The Forcuccis said that they were taken aback by how many people were eager to donate baskets, like Tommy’s Tanning, Best Video, Ricky D’s BBQ. Burning Hearts Tattoo donated two $100 gift cards. 

Kids of all ages stayed entertained with a wealth of activities. Butterflies, rainbows, hearts, and pride flags of every variety began to appear on everyone’s faces; face painting was the obvious favorite. The castle bouncy house and juggler making live balloon animals were a close second. 

Older kids could tie-dye clothing, make friendship bracelets, or paint. Hamden High School student representatives set up a table and mingled all day long with their peers as they cycled through various activities. 

About mid-day, the dancing took hold of the event, as Mayor Lauren Garrett led a conga line through the crowd. 

When the DJ played ​“Cha-Cha Slide,” former phys ed teacher Patty Nicolari saw her opportunity to work up the crowd. Nicolari, a queer woman herself, was excited to talk about PROUD Academy, a nonprofit with ​“the goal of opening a private school grades 7 – 12” with a mission to create ​“a safe educational space for students who feel marginalized based on their sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or disability.” 

Nicolari is the founder and president of the nonprofit. The school will be Connecticut’s first ever LGBTQIA+ private school and only the fourth in the nation.

Meanwhile, inside of the tent, attendees shared information and resources about their pro-queer projects. 

At one table, Derek Wiebke and Josh Lambert spoke to passersby about their nonprofit, Project Open Books. The couple founded the organization as an internet-based, free online library that uses donor money to purchase and ship LGBTQIA+ young adult and children books to students, schools, and teachers who do not have access due to funding or restrictive legislation. Since its founding in February of 2021, Project Open Books has donated over $15,000 in books to individuals in 35 states.

And Tarah Monday and Kristen Comeforo talked to people about raising funds for abortion access. Upon hearing the news about the potential for Roe v. Wade to be overturned, Monday designed a graphic that reads ​“Abso‑f*cking-lutely not” accompanied by a coat hanger. After the logo went viral, Monday decided to monetize the design to raise funds. 

“The response here has been so positive,” said Monday, who had feared that folks wouldn’t immediately see the connection among reproductive health and pride. ​“Reproductive issues are queer issues. Bodily autonomy is a queer issue.”

Those who brought their furry-legged friends to the event could even take a pride-themed photo of their pet at the festival.

Other groups present included one the CT Gay Men’s Chorus, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Triangle Community Center, and many more. 

Toward the end of the event, Carrie Ashton took the stage to play and sing some live music with her guitar. Ashton played crowd-pleasing queer hits, including ​“Come to My Window” by lesbian musician Melissa Etheridge. Watch a clip below!