The sun was smiling as it shone down on Ridgefield’s Dedication and Celebration of its first Pride Crosswalk on Sunday, October 8th at 1pm at the corner of Governor Street and East Ridge Road. Both the painting and dedication of the Pride Crosswalk were organized by Ridgefield CT Pride, a non-profit based in Ridgefield CT and created in 2019. Its mission is to foster a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ community members and their families by educating, promoting awareness and understanding, increasing visibility, and celebrating our LGBTQ+ community members.
Over 100 attendees were greeted with a vibrant rainbow crosswalk featuring the colors of the more inclusive Progress Pride Flag. Pride flags adorned the lawn and a colorful Celebrate Pride banner waved proudly as brightly colored silk ribbons fluttered behind it.
The Pride Crosswalk was painted on Sunday, October 1st by volunteers representing a cross-section of the community including members of Ridgefield CT Pride, students, parents, government officials, clergy and others.
Alisa Trachtenberg, Chairperson and founder of Ridgefield CT Pride, emceed the event along with Executive Board members Mary Joyce and Noalee Darragh. “It is a clear symbol of caring and belonging for so many in our community, both for our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, their family and loved ones, and for the community at large. This is a visible sign that says to all, you are seen, “YOU MATTER” and you belong. It is especially meaningful that our Pride Crosswalk is dedicated just before October 11 which is National Coming Out Day. Both of these events raise visibility and awareness, and ultimately save lives” said Trachtenberg. Speakers were a Who’s Who from government and non-profit organizations which all work to help vulnerable communities and work to uplift all. The Ridgefield Chorale wore cheerful rainbow leis and waved Pride flags while singing “Why We Sing” under the direction of Daniela Sikora who shared some personal comments as well as the Chorale’s DEI statement.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas gave a moving speech about what it feels like to be different and commented, “This crosswalk stands not only as a symbol of inclusivity, but also exemplifies what it means to live in a representative democracy. The issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community and all communities don’t end on Election Day. We must all vote in EVERY election and get involved in our communities 365 days a year. Ridgefield CT Pride did just that and today marks their success.” She also shared some statistics about voter participation in Ridgefield and stressed the importance of voting in the municipal elections on November 7 in order to make your voice heard.
When First Selectman Rudy Marconi was introduced it was noted that he will hopefully soon be Ridgefield’s First Selectperson following the November elections. Ridgefield has several Referendum Questions which will be on the ballot this November to replace gendered titles and language with more inclusive gender-neutral titles and language for their Town Charter. He talked about the difficulties that young people go through in terms of finding their identity, and noted that being heard, being recognized, being respected is everything.
17-year-old Eva Trachtenberg, Ms President US Ridgefield 2020 & member of the Ridgefield CT Pride Youth Advisory Board and Civil Rights Advocate Eva Trachtenberg explained why something like a Pride Crosswalk is so important, especially LGBTQ+ youth. “ This pride crosswalk shows that Ridgefield supports and appreciates our LGBTQ community. This is so important because small signs like these help improve social emotional well-being, especially that of our youth and acccording to the Trevor Project’s 2023 US National Survey on Mental Health of Young People, 41% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year—and young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color reported higher rates than their peers.” However, “LGBTQ young people who had access to affirming homes, schools, community events, and online spaces reported lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who did not.” In other words community support and visibility literally saves lives. We hope that everyone feels welcomed here in our beautiful town. This crosswalk is amazing but it won't be the last thing we do. We are proud of who we are.”
Police Commissioner Caporale who is part of the LGBTQ+ family shared a personal story about how she served in the military for over 25 years during the time of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Additional speakers included State Representative for CT’s 111th District Aimee Berger-Girvalo, State Senator Ceci Maher for CT’s 26th District, ACT of CT Resident Music Supervisor and member of the Ridgefield CT Pride Advisory Board Bryan Perri, Youth representative Liv Keden for Kids in Crisis’ Lighthouse Program, Ridgefield Youth Commission student representative Akshay Pertab, and Member of the Board of Directors for both The Center for Empowerment and Education and also for Planned Parenthood Glori Norwitt. Following the speeches, Ridgefield’s Poet Laureate Emerita Barb Jennes read an original poem she had written specifically for the occasion entitled "Walk the Talk.”
A large rainbow ribbon adorned the crosswalk as Trachtenberg, Joyce and Darragh cut the ribbon surrounded by dignitaries and supporters. After cheers from the crowd, everyone had the opportunity to walk across the Pride Crosswalk before heading over for refreshments including a large cake that said “Celebrate Pride.” It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all