A wall of LGBT and Pride history in Bushnell Park helped to mark “30 years of Prides,” and it seems the community could not be happier to have the past included in Saturday’s event. An onlooker commented, “this is fantastic.” The wall included quotes and news articles for each year, reminding the community why they make it a point to come together in this way every year.

As usual, information tables were set up in the park, providing support resources, volunteer opportunities, and chances to get more involved in the community. All the standard organizations appeared to have a presence; GLSEN, PFLAG, and the Human Rights Campaign had booths, as did local organizations like the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective and the CT TransAdvocacy Coalition. The Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition will be having another fashion show fundraiser in early October.

Several local churches were present, not just willing to “tolerate” gays in their congregations, but openly recruiting them. Center Church, St. Patrick-St. Anthony, and Riverfront Family Church were among the places of worship inviting LGBT folks. The local atheist group was also providing information to the community.

Vendors, as usual, were selling anything that could be dyed rainbow colors. One shopper was heard exclaiming, “they have rainbow rosaries! Oh my God! Rainbow! Rosaries!”.

Performances, as a whole, were what we have come to expect at the Pride event in Hartford: club, folky-rock, divas, and costumes involving thongs. Nina Flowers (pictured above and below) received an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd.

Leslie Avery did a Tina Turner impersonation, which seemed under-appreciated by younger segments of the crowd.

The Elm City Dance Collective performance was a highlight of the afternoon.

Another highlight of the event was the people-watching:

Workshops were offered for the first time at the Connecticut Pride Hartford Rally and Festival; topics ranged from health to leadership to workplace issues.