The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Grand marshals picked for June 4 Pride fest
MIDDLETOWN — The fourth annual Middletown Pride celebration is set for June 4 from 2 to 10 p.m.
It is being held in collaboration with the city, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, Wesleyan University and the Russell Library, as well as the Triangle Community Center, according to a press release.
This year, the event will kick-off with a Pride march at 2 p.m. The first portion will feature individuals and organizations who work daily to advance the rights and equality for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, the city said.
The second portion will focus on celebrating Middletown's history and diversity. The march will step off at the intersection of Spring and Main streets, and will proceed south on Main Street until the intersection with Union Street.
After the conclusion, Middletown Pride's first ever Pride rally will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m on the South Green. There, the news release said, local activists and performers will “take a stand against the systemic oppression and violence” toward the LGBTQIA2S+ communities, and to show up in force as a community to advocate for equality.
It conclude with a showcase concert on the South Green from 7 to 10 p.m., where drag artists and LGBTQIA2S+ groups will perform.
This year's grand marshals are Mel Cordner and Kenya Mone Heart.
Cordner (they/them) is the founding leader of Q Plus, a Connecticut queer youth organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering queer youth through programs such as open mics, workshops, weekly game nights and support groups, and GSA support, Middletown Pride said.
Heart lives in Middletown and was an emcee at Middletown PrideFEST 2021. Originally from New Haven, Heart “brings the flare and fire not only to the stage but in every aspect of her being,” it concluded
Those interested in registering to march, vend, sponsor or volunteer at the event can visit middletownpride.org. One hundred percent of proceeds, sponsorships and donations will ensure the continuity of Middletown Pride and to support local vendors, artists and performers, the news release said.
For information, contact Haley Stafford at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce at 860-347-6924 or info@MiddletownPride.org.