06/05/2026
Pride is not just a celebration. Pride is a response.
This week, Connecticut heard deeply troubling rhetoric from a 23-year-old Republican candidate for public office (we will not say his name because he doesn't deserve the platform), rhetoric that portrayed LGBTQ+ people as a threat to families, society, and the moral fabric of our communities and advocated for the reintroduction of the DEATH PENALTY. Even leaders within his own party condemned those statements as hateful and inconsistent with basic decency.
What makes this especially alarming is not simply what was said, but who said it.
At 23 years old, this candidate is a member of a generation that many hoped would be moving beyond the prejudice and fear that have historically targeted LGBTQ+ people. Instead, his words are a reminder that anti-LGBTQ+ ideology remains powerful enough to reach and influence young people today. Hate is not dying out on its own. It is being taught, repeated, and normalized.
That should concern every person who believes in dignity, equality, and freedom.
For LGBTQ+ people, rhetoric that paints us as dangerous, immoral, or undeserving of life is not merely political disagreement. History has shown that when people are dehumanized, violence becomes easier to justify. When leaders tell the public that an entire group of people is corrupting society, they create an environment where discrimination, harassment, and even physical harm become more likely.
This is why Pride still matters in 2026.
Pride matters because there are still voices willing to deny the humanity of people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride matters because LGBTQ+ youth are still hearing messages that tell them they are less worthy of love, respect, happiness, and belonging.
And Pride matters because every LGBTQ+ person deserves to live openly, authentically, and safely.
We will continue to speak out against hate. We will continue to defend our community. And we will continue building a Connecticut where every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
That is what Pride is about. Also, when we say we are not safe, we are not being dramatic; we see what's happening, and we hear what's being said, and it's terrifying.
