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LGBTQ+ group Equality Connecticut launched

Up to now, Connecticut is one of the few states without an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.
Credit: FOX61

HARTFORD, Conn. — After working more than a year, advocates Monday announced the formation of Equality Connecticut, a group that will protect and defend the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens.

Although Connecticut has long been in the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights nationwide, until now the state has not had a group to advance and protect the community’s rights. 

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Equality Connecticut said that in a time of increasing political and physical attacks on LGBTQ people, the work they expect to do is more important than ever. 

In a statement, Executive Director Matt Blinstrubas said, “Equality Connecticut is built around the principles of power and joy. We will advocate for positive change, celebrate the LGBTQIA+ communities in the state, cultivate financial resources to support all LGBTQIA+ organizations, and expand a sense of belonging for every community member.”

The group outlined its priorities as: 

  • Expand state suicide prevention programs to be more LGBTQIA+ inclusive
  • Support legislation to ensure the coverage of fertility care for LGBTQIA+ people
  • Ensure access to gender-affirming health care in the state
  • Support the continued progress of the state’s LGBTQ Health and Human Services Committee
  • Advocate and raise funds for the creation of a Connecticut AIDS memorial in Hartford through the Shawn Lang Task Force for a Connecticut AIDS Memorial
  • Build a pipeline of young LGBTQIA+ leaders and activists through a new training program

In the early 2000s, the advocacy group Love Makes a Family worked on same sex marriage and LGBTQ+ family issues. The group disbanded after same sex marriage was made legal in 2008. 

Doug Stewart is the Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.

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