Connecticut, which has sizable gay communities in New Haven, New London, and the capital city of Hartford as well as significant numbers of gay residents living all over the state, holds popular Gay Pride Rally and Festival in early June (June 7 in 2008). The festival takes place at leafy Bushnell Park, in Hartford, right in view of the Connecticut State Capitol building, in which gay civil union legislation was signed into law in 2005. Indeed, Connecticut has long had a gay-friendly vibe, with a number of lawmakers in both parties highly supportive of gay rights. The rally draws people from all over the state as well as from the Pioneer Valley (home to Northampton) and Berkshires in central and western Massachusetts.
The rally and festival takes place from 11 am until 5 pm and includes entertainment by a number of singers and dancers as well as vendors, food booths, and more.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as The Rainbow Times (which is based in Northampton, Mass., and is a sponsor of Connecticut Pride as well as Northampton Gay Pride), In Newsweekly and Bay Windows for details.
