Two East Haddam organizations create an historic Pride Celebration! At 1 pm, begin at the East Haddam Historical Society (EHHS) for a presentation by Ken Simon, Emmy award-winning filmmaker, founder of Syracuse New Times, and Executive Producer of SimonPure Media, that will highlight Kate Swift and Casey Miller who helped make strides toward gender equality. After, explore EHHS’ exhibit, “Linguistic Warriors: Casey Miller and Kate Swift” that highlights their groundbreaking work changing pronouns. At 2:30 pm, a shuttle bus will bring attendees to the Palmer-Warner House to explore the Connecticut Museum of Culture & History’s traveling exhibit on our state’s rich LGBTQ+ history.

At 3 pm, Dusty Rader will lead a discussion on gender identity and expression. Dusty, who transitioned his senior year of high school in 2009 and has never looked back, has provided training and professional development on LGBTQ+ youth across the nation, taught Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at CCSU, and served as their interim Coordinator for the LGBTQ Center. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for PROUD Academy, which is applying for charter status in Connecticut and would be the first Connecticut school to specifically focus on LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

A shuttle bus will bring attendees back to EHHS at 4:30 pm.