Submitted by Haley Stafford, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Middletown, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, Wesleyan University, and the Russell Library—in collaboration with the Triangle Community Center—is proud to announce that the fourth annual Middletown PrideFEST has been scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2022! This event is presented by NBC CT and Telemundo CT.
This year, PrideFEST will kick off with our Pride March, starting at 2:00 p.m. In order to be mindful of the fact that Pride is first and foremost a demonstration, the first portion of the Pride March will feature those individuals and organizations who work every day to advance the rights and equality for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The second portion of the Pride March will be focused on celebrating our history and diversity. The Pride March will commence at the intersection of Spring Street and Main Street, and will proceed south on Main Street until the intersection with Union Street.
After the conclusion of the Pride March, the event will transform into Middletown Pride’s first-ever Pride Rally from 4:00-6:30 p.m., where we will rally together on the South Green, with local activists and performers, to 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. PrideFest will conclude with our Pride Showcase Concert on the South Green from 7:00–10:00 p.m., where the state’s best drag artists and LGBTQIA2S+ groups will wow you with their performances. You won’t want to miss it!
Middletown Pride is also thrilled to announce that this year’s Grand Marshals for Middletown PrideFEST are Mel Cordner and Kenya Mone Heart!
Mel Cordner (they/them) is the founding leader of Q Plus, a Connecticut queer youth organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering queer youth through programs like open mics, workshops, weekly game nights and support groups, and GSA support. Mel has years of experience running programs and events for youth, and facilitating training for adults and youth alike on topics like gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, consent, college activism, and youth culture and leadership development.
Kenya Mone Heart is a 27 year old Drag entertainer who resides in Middletown, and was an emcee at Middletown PrideFEST 2021. Originally from New Haven, Kenya brings the flair and fire, not only to the stage, but in every aspect of her being, and according to her recent Yelp reviews has the comedic timing of Bianca Del Rio, the body of Megan Thee Stallion and the soulfulness of Tyler Perry. From Drag Queen Story Hours to the PrideFEST Stage, this Queen is one for every age!
Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim noted, “We are so excited for the in-person return of PrideFEST this year as we kick off a month of celebration, education, and activism for Middletown Pride 2022. In just a few short years, Middletown Pride has become so much more than a march—thanks to the support of our sponsors and our community, we have been able to expand our Pride Month and year-round programs and activities, create a bi-weekly youth group in partnership with Q+, offer LGBTQIA2S+ 101 training to City staff and local organizations, and much more. And with LGBTQIA2S+ rights, especially rights for transgender youth, under sustained attack nationwide, it is more important than ever before to show, in our words and our actions, that Middletown is a community for everyone.”
Chamber President Larry McHugh noted, “We are very excited about the upcoming Middletown PrideFEST. Middletown Pride has truly become a key part of this vibrant and inclusive community, a community our chamber is proud to be a part of. I thank our partners, the City of Middletown, Wesleyan University and Russell Library for their efforts on this front, and for their commitment to this important cause.”
Wesleyan University President Michael Roth stated, “Wesleyan is honored to partner with the City, the Chamber, and Russell Library on this important event. The energy and enthusiasm on display at the Inaugural Pride event was an inspiration, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow.”
Russell Library Director Ramona Burkey added, “At the Russell Library, we are thrilled to be counting down to Middletown Pride 2022. Libraries are at the center of every community, and Pride is all about building and strengthening community, so it’s just a great fit for us. We are planning lots of great events and activities for all ages with our partners throughout Middletown, and we hope to see everyone there!”
Individuals or groups interested in registering to march, vend, sponsor, or volunteer at Middletown PrideFEST can visit www.middletownpride.org/get-involved/. 100% of all proceeds, sponsorships, and donations raised for Middletown Pride goes to ensure the continuity of Middletown Pride and to support local vendors, artists and performers.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to Haley Stafford at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce at 860-347-6924 or Info@MiddletownPride.org. Further details will be released closer to the date of the event. We look forward to seeing you at PrideFEST!
