More than a dozen organizations are sponsoring a rally on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square.

By Ronni Newton

A large rally is planned for West Hartford on Sunday morning, Nov. 17, with at least 14 organizations sponsoring the event that is intended to bring together the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We want to uplift voices and be a show of force and solidarity for the community,” said Barry Walters, co-chair of West Hartford Pride and a member of the West Hartford Town Council. “That’s exactly what we’re aiming for, but also to be a foundation for future action.”

The rally will include a call for action, and offer the opportunity for attendees to sign up for involvement in future activities that will be planned to support and protect the community.

“There’s a lot of fear, sadness, uncertainty of what’s going to happen next,” said Walters, in the wake of the presidential election. Representatives of the various organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community know that they will be stronger if they act together.

West Hartford Pride got involved in the early stages of planning Sunday’s rally, joining Equality Connecticut and Out Accountability Project CT. West Hartford, with its location in the central part of the state, was seen as an ideal location and the Webster Walk area of Blue Back Square – where a Pride flag is painted in the middle of the Isham Road – was secured as the space for the rally, which will begin at 11 a.m. and last for about 90 minutes, Walters said.

“I think it’s going to be a large number,” Walters said of the expected attendance, particularly since there are now 14 organizations sponsoring it from throughout the state, as well as other groups that plan to attend.

The line-up of speakers has not been announced yet, but will be focused one LGBTQ voices. “We will include youth voices as well,” Walters said. Elected officials have also been invited to attend. There will also be music as part of the rally.

“I think it’s going to be a great event,” Walters said. “We want there to be joy, but also know there will be some sadness.”

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.