We had a blast marching at the Daffodil Fest Parade! Thank you to everyone who marched with us — your presence shows the joy and vibrancy of Pride to our community.

CLOSURES: As we enter the busy season for Pride festivals and parades, the Pride Center will have closures so we can attend these events and give our team time to rest. Please check our monthly events section to stay up to date.

With Pride,

-The Meriden Pride Team

This moment in Queerstory 🪶

International Family Equality Day

International Family Equality Day (IFED) grew from a vision shared by Swiss advocate Maria von Känel at a 2011 international symposium. Launched officially in 2012 with events in nine countries, the day was designed to provide a platform for "rainbow families" who were often sidelined in broader political discourse. What began as a grassroots effort to increase visibility has since blossomed into a massive global movement, now celebrated on the first Sunday of May in over 60 countries. By bridging local activism with international human rights advocacy, IFED serves as a reminder that the fight for family recognition is a worldwide endeavor.

IFED is a day to affirm that every child deserves to see their family reflected and respected by society. To celebrate, you can join local community rallies, host a "chosen family" potluck, or share your family’s story on social media with the hashtag #IFED to help raise global visibility. Taking a moment to honor the love that builds our homes is the most meaningful way to participate in this worldwide tradition.

Local Resources (Meriden & Greater CT)

• PFLAG Hartford: As the nearest chapter of the nation’s largest family and ally organization, they offer monthly support groups and educational resources specifically for parents and families of LGBTQ+ individuals.

• Anchor Health (Hamden/Stamford): A leading provider of LGBTQ-centered healthcare in Connecticut, offering family-affirming primary care and specialized services.

Online & Global Resources

• Family Equality: The premier U.S. organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ families. They provide "Path to Parenthood" resources, legal toolkits, and virtual community spaces for parents and children.

• COLAGE: The only national organization specifically for people with one or more LGBTQ+ parents. It’s an incredible resource for children (and adult children) of queer parents to find a network of peers.

• The Trevor Project: While known for crisis support, they also offer an extensive "Coming Out" handbook for parents and a social networking space called TrevorSpace for youth.

• GLSEN: Focuses on making K-12 schools safe and inclusive for all students and families, providing resources to help parents advocate for their children in the classroom.

• IFED (International Family Equality Day) Official Site: Find global campaign materials, toolkits, and information on how families are celebrating in 60+ countries.

May Events 🌼

Our first annual Health Fair is under two weeks away! Join us for an afternoon of health vendors, informative presentations, free and confidential HIV and Hep C testing, a blood drive, outdoor yoga, giveaways, and more!

• 5/13, Gayme Night: Luffy’s Bento Panic. 5-8 p.m. @ Meriden Pride Center

• 5/16, Meriden Pride Health Fair. Noon-4 p.m. @ Meriden Pride Center

• 5/25, Memorial Day Parade. 9 a.m. lineup, 10 a.m. start time @ Curtis Street

• 5/30, Waterbury Pride. Noon-4 p.m. @ St. John’s on the Green, 16 Church St, Waterbury, CT 06702

CENTER CLOSURES: May 16 (Health Fair will be taking place), 17, 30, 31

Please check our Facebook pages to RSVP to events. If you’re not already a member, join the private group for Meriden Pride. (Main FB page | Private group)

Observances

• (3) International Family Equality Day

• (17) International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

• (19) National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV Awareness Day

• (22) Harvey Milk Day

• (24) Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day

Volunteer Opportunities 🙌

Connect with the local LGBTQ+ community! We’d love to have your help at events. Please fill out a volunteer form if you would like to volunteer with us.

Right now, we need volunteers for:

• Staffing the center with a committee member on Saturdays and Sundays

• Staffing the Health Fair on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. We are stronger together!

About the Community Center 🌈

The Meriden Pride Community Center offers a wide range of free resources and support services to empower and assist the community, including:

• Sexual health supplies such as male and female condoms, dental dams, and lubrication

• Free at-home COVID-19 test kits, Narcan overdose prevention kits, and blood glucose meters for health monitoring

• Assistance with applications for heating and renters’ reimbursement programs

• Personalized help connecting to broader city and state services

• Borrowing books from our LGBTQ+ library

• Complimentary internet and printing access

Committed to holistic support, the center strives to address immediate and long-term needs through its inclusive and accessible offerings.

Donate to the Center 💝

Every donation fuels our mission to uplift the Greater Meriden LGBTQ+ community through free, accessible programming that celebrates identity, fosters belonging, and sparks joy. From inclusive workshops and peer support networks to vibrant Pride events and educational resources, we create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive. Led entirely by volunteers, our work is powered by your generosity—ensuring queer voices are heard, stories are celebrated, and no one faces barriers to connection. Together, we’re building a world where everyone can live authentically, proudly, and without compromise.

Venmo: @MeridenPride

Cashapp: $MeridenPride