EAST HAVEN

On Aug. 27, East Haven Pride held its inaugural meeting to officiate the organization and outline its mission to “ensure every individual feels welcome and included” in East Haven, including residents who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, according to its leaders.

The non-profit organization was founded by its president, Cindy Sparago, and Town Council member Karen Martin, while its Board of Directors also includes Kathy DeChello as vice president, Sarah Parlato as secretary, and Mike Sparago as treasurer.

Martin provided a statement to The Courier about the organization’s mission.

“This organization has been founded to ensure all members of the East Haven community feel welcome and included, where all will be treated fairly and equally. I am proud and honored to be working with this group of people who all feel inclusiveness is the true meaning of community,” said Martin.

Sparago informed The Courier that “as a parent and friend to members of the LGBTQ community, this mission was deeply personal to me.” This past year, Sparago tabled a booth at the North Haven Pride event “to show support for children and families like mine on behalf of East Haven, and what I experienced was the final push to establish a non-profit in our town,” she said.

According to Sparago, the reception of East Haven Pride “has been incredible,” while its membership continues to grow and is open to all.

At its first meeting, held at the Cosey Beach House, the group discussed with its represented demographic its mission, social media presence, and activity in town. For those who are looking to join, there are several opportunities for volunteers, both currently and in the near future, as Sparago told attendees at the Aug. 27 meeting.

“We have a Social Media Committee, we have an Outreach and Development Committee [in which] development is usually raising funds,” she said.

The non-profit is also looking to organize teen-oriented programming and education for LGBTQ+ youth, including partnering with Hagaman Memorial Library.

Cynthia Gwiazda, community services librarian, told The Courier that “an initiative that we are working on here at Hagaman is to provide equitable library services to all groups.” This applies to the LGBTQ+ community, which she said is a “community that we would like to work and partner with to find out what types of programs and activities they would like to see offered.”

Hagaman director Sarah Malloary added, “It's important for public libraries to be mindful of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Hagaman, we are working to create a space that is welcoming to all, where every member of our community feels seen, supported, and heard, and where they feel welcome to explore the educational, enrichment, and entertainment opportunities we have available. This includes our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Through its activity and representation in town, East Haven Pride is looking to create “positive visibility” for LGBTQ+ individuals, something which Sparago said “will allow this community to shine even brighter and foster confidence in those who otherwise felt unseen.”

“I’ve never felt more hopeful for a future where everyone can freely and openly embrace their true identity and felt inspired to bring that future home to East Haven,” said Sparago.

Donations through the non-profit’s Venmo account are welcome, and more information about the group is available on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/p/East-Haven-Pride-61560109799072/?_rdr; and its Instagram account, @easthavenpride.