Ridgefield CT Pride is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was created in 2019 under the umbrella of the Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs. Ridgefield CT Pride offers both periodic and ongoing support to the community through a variety of initiatives.
Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging for our LGBTQ+ community members and their families by educating, promoting awareness and understanding, increasing visibility, and celebrating our LGBTQ+ community members.
Support Groups and Social Groups
Ridgefield CT Pride offers free monthly peer-led support groups and social groups. This year we launched a monthly pot-luck Game Night for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, as well as a monthly LGBTQ+ youth group in partnership with Kids in Crisis Lighthouse with the support of the Ridgefield Youth Commission and the Teen Barn. We also organize periodic meet-ups in partnership with Wooster School for LGBTQ+ youth, and separate groups for LGBTQ+ adults and Caregivers to provide opportunities for in-person socialization and support in a safe environment. Both our Caregiver Support Group for caregivers, friends and family of LGBTQ+ individuals and our separate LGBTQ+ Youth Support Group meet monthly over zoom.
Outreach, Education, Advocacy & Celebrating our LGBTQ+ Community
As part of our outreach efforts we run an annual Pride in the Park event which attracts over 500 attendees, have organized several Progress Pride Flag Raising ceremonies, painted a Progress Pride Crosswalk in a prominent town location, and hang 8 large banners annually on town lampposts on Main Street and Danbury Road (Rt 35) as part of the Ridgefield Arts Council Lamppost Banner Project, all of which help raise visibility and send a message that Ridgefield sees and cares about our LGBTQ+ community.
“All Are Welcome” is a new initiative for businesses and organizations which will provide training and support about inclusive business practices and offer a safe-space decal to businesses which sign a statement of support. We also hope to offer an optional component which would help companies conduct self-evaluations and implement institutional changes.
The Ridgefield Oral History Project is a partnership between Ridgefield CT Pride and the Ridgefield Historical Society. The goals of the Oral History Project are to record, preserve, and share Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ stories, which are underrepresented in the Ridgefield Historical Society’s collection; to foster intergenerational conversation; and increase civic pride and awareness.
This June, thanks to ACT of CT’s First Act Audience Access Initiative, Ridgefield CT Pride was able to attend a special performance of “Kinky Boots” enabling student and individuals who have not had the opportunity to experience live theater the chance to attend a professional production and participate in a Q&A with leaders from ACT of CT.
Finally, we field numerous calls, advocate for all-gender signage, as well as inclusive policies and practices in town buildings and organizations in an effort to improve the climate for the queer community.
CONTACT: ridgefieldctpride@gmail.com
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