Mayor Ganim and Former Rep. Grabarz Raise Pride Flag

City of Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim hosted a LGBTQ Flag Raising Ceremony in celebration of Gay Pride Month at the Margaret Morton Government Complex, 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport on Wednesday, June 12 at Noon. Bridgeport native Joe Grabarz, the first openly gay State Representative in Connecticut and one of the first in the United States, raised the flag along with Mayor Ganim and give brief remarks. This annual ceremony held special significance this year as it is the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, which was the start of the gay civil rights movement.

Sean-Michael Hazuda, the executive director of Fairfield County's LGBTQ organization, the Triangle Community Center spoke of the work his organization does to help the LGBTQ community, who at are at higher risk of homelessness and sexual assault. He credited his partnership with The Center for Family Justice for reaching the LGBTQ community in Bridgeport.

Community leaders including members of the Bridgeport City Council along with State Representatives Christopher Rosario, Steve Stafstrom, Antonio Felipe from Bridgeport; Cristin McCarthy Vahey of Fairfield; Joe Gresko of Stratford and Matt Blumenthal of Stamford attended along with Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau.

The Reverend Sara Smith, the pastor of United Congregational Church, the oldest church in Greater Bridgeport and a lesbian, offered the innovation. Paul DiMauro from the CT Gay Men's Chorus sang the National Anthem. John Brannelly, a former Bridgeport City Council Member, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Complimentary pizza and ice cream with rainbow sprinkles was served on the plaza following the ceremony.