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The 31st Annual Queer Prom Returns to Hartford

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:45:12 GMT

The 31st Annual Queer Prom Returns to Hartford

Hartford, Conn., May 12, 2025 — The Health Collective is thrilled to announce the 31st Annual Queer Prom, taking place on Thursday, June 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the iconic Mark Twain House in Hartford. This beloved event provides LGBTQIA+ youth with a vibrant and affirming evening of celebration, community, and self-expression.

This year’s theme, “Enchanted Forest,” invites attendees to step into a magical world where every young person is honored and celebrated. The prom is open to LGBTQIA+ high school junior and senior students across Connecticut. Schools are also invited to share this opportunity with their students and support youth participation.

“Queer Prom is more than a dance, it’s a celebration of identity and inclusion,” said David A. Grant, Executive Director of the Health Collective. “Every young person deserves to experience joy and belonging, surrounded by community.”

“For over thirty years, this event has been a safe haven and a source of joy for our youth,” added Kay Muñoz, Director of Community Engagement. “This year’s theme embraces the beauty of growth, resilience, and connection.”

Tickets are $30, and sponsored tickets are available to ensure cost is never a barrier. Those interested in sponsoring a student can contact Kay Muñoz at kaym@healthcollective.org .

The evening will include music, dancing, light refreshments, and an immersive, inclusive atmosphere that uplifts every identity. Don’t miss our local entertainment and our partner organization, Q+. The venue is fully ADA accessible, and quiet areas will be available for those who may need a break from stimulation.

The Health Collective is also seeking volunteers to help make this night a success. All volunteers must complete a DCF background check. For more information or to sign up, contact Kason at kasond@healthcollective.org .

To register, visit: https://www.giveffect.com/campaigns/38775-queer-prom .

To sponsor a student, email Kay at kaym@healthcollective.org .

Help us spread the magic! Share this announcement using #QueerPromCT and follow @healthcollectivect for updates, stories, and sneak peeks.

Media Contact:

Brayden Ransom, Community Impact Manager

The Health Collective

860-999-0085 | braydenr@healthcollective.org

About The Health Collective

Our mission is to promote healthy living, provide high-quality, compassionate care, and advocate for systemic solutions to the healthcare access barriers and health disparities faced by minority groups. We are committed to being a beacon of hope and healing for the LGBTQIA+ and broader communities in Connecticut. By delivering medical, dental, and social support services, the Health Collective is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving the well-being of Hartford’s most vulnerable individuals. Additional information can be found by visiting www.healthcollective.org.

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Hartford Pride Celebrates 16 Years with New Leadership

Mon, 12 May 2025 18:23:22 GMT

Hartford Pride Celebrates 16 Years with New Leadership

 Hartford, CT —  In 2025, Hartford Pride & Concert , a beloved tradition and a committee of CLARO, Inc., will celebrate its 16th anniversary in the City of Hartford. This year, a new chapter begins as The Health Collective proudly takes the lead in planning and implementing the 2025 Hartford Pride Fest & Concert, a landmark event for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies. 

Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025 , the Hartford Pride Fest & Concert will once again bring families, friends, and neighbors together on Church Street for a vibrant day of music, celebration, and community connection. 

“We are excited to announce that starting in 2025, The Health Collective will take the lead responsibility in planning and implementing the 16th annual Hartford Pride & Concert.”, said Charlie Ortiz, President of CLARO, Inc. and Chair of Hartford Pride. “The Health Collective’s leadership comes at a crucial time in facilitating and growing this popular event, which allows the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to come together to celebrate PRIDE, celebrate the arts, and provide a forum to share and inform resources and services”.  

As a growing community health organization, The Health Collective brings a unique lens to the event, aiming to create more inclusive and affirming spaces for queer joy, advocacy, and wellness.  

“As we take on this enterprise, we understand the need to collaborate with all of our community partners in order to create a truly inclusive and dynamic Pride festival.”, said David Grant, Executive Director of The Health Collective. “Under our vision, Hartford Pride will be a leading example of what a Pride festival can be: a space for families, seniors, queer youth and people from all walks to come together to advocate, educate, and celebrate our beautiful LGBTQ+ community.” As a health and wellness organization, The Health Collective will focus its efforts on incorporating more HIV/STI testing and education while incorporating other health and wellness demonstrations, resources, and activities. 

The City of Hartford also stands in support of this transition. 

“I am thrilled that we can partner with The Health Collective to carry forward the proud legacy of Hartford Pride,” said Curtis Rodriguez-Porter, Chair of the City of Hartford’s LGBTQ+ Commission. “We extend deep gratitude to Charlie Ortiz and CLARO for their vision and commitment that has kept this celebration thriving. With the support of City Hall and the Hartford community, we’re excited to uplift our queer community, honor our past, and celebrate alongside our allies. Together, we will make this Pride the heartbeat event of our City and State.”  

Hartford Pride’s legacy is deeply rooted in Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ history. The state’s first Pride event, the Connecticut Liberation Festival, was held in 1971 by the Kalos Society. Hartford Pride itself traces its roots back to 1982 and has been organized by CLARO, Inc. since 2009. 

To learn more and stay up to date on festival announcements, visit www.hartfordpride.org . 

About The Health Collective  

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Grand Opening of New Gender-Affirming Aesthetics Center in Cromwell

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:27:59 GMT

The Health Collective Celebrates Grand Opening of New Gender-Affirming Aesthetics Center in Cromwell

(Hartford, CT) May 2, 2025 - The Health Collective proudly announces the grand opening of its newest facility, a state-of-the-art Gender Aesthetics Center in Cromwell, CT, marking a significant expansion in its mission to deliver inclusive, affirming care to underserved communities.

Located at 110 Court Street, Suite 2B , the new site, affectionately known as Health Collective South, will offer a range of wellness services in partnership with VIVID Aesthetics & Wellness , including laser hair removal, hormone therapy, weight management, vitamin infusions, Botox and fillers, erectile dysfunction treatment, and more. "The Health Collective once again is that beacon of hope and cocoon of comfort, a familiar place for us. This expansion affirms our belief that all humans get to live authentically and continues our promise of equity in our healthcare delivery”, said board President E John McGarvey.

To celebrate, the public is warmly invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 9, from 4 PM to 6 PM . Guests can enjoy complimentary food and beverages while connecting with the Health Collective team, representatives from the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, and local elected officials.

"Gender-affirming aesthetic care is about more than appearance—it’s about agency, identity, and mental well-being," said Brian Gomes, APRN, a medical provider at the Health Collective. “This collaboration allows us to combine medical excellence with a compassionate, equity-centered approach that prioritizes the lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Research continues to highlight the transformative impact of gender-affirming care. Trans and non-binary adults who access these services report improved mental health outcomes, including significantly reduced risks of depression and anxiety.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch this new center as a tangible commitment to health equity and LGBTQIA+ empowerment,” said David A. Grant, Executive Director of the Health Collective. “At a time when trans healthcare is under attack nationwide, we are standing up and expanding access. Every person deserves to live as their authentic self and we’re here to help make that possible.”

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Brayden Ransom

Community Impact Manager

P: 860-999-0085

E: braydenr@healthcollective.org

About The Health Collective

The Health Collective is a nonprofit health center with over 40 years of service in the Greater Hartford region, dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive, and compassionate care to the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS, and other underserved populations. Our mission is to promote healthy living by increasing access to care. We also advocate for systemic solutions to the health disparities faced by minority populations. We are committed to being a beacon of hope and healing for the LGBTQIA+ and broader communities of Connecticut. Additional information can be found by visiting www.healthcollective.org .

LGBTQ+ Mental Health Crisis Funding | The Real Story

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 17:36:40 GMT

Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective Dental Clinic

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:24:29 GMT

More Than Physical Health: Addressing Mental Health Needs of the LGBTQIA+ Community

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:33:30 GMT

Did you know that LGBTQIA+ individuals are nearly three times more likely to experience mental health challenges than the general population? This disparity stems from factors like discrimination, stigma, and minority stress. Understanding the unique mental health struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community is essential for fostering a supportive environment and ensuring they receive appropriate care. In this post, we’ll explore the common mental health issues, the impact of stigma, and how culturally competent services can make a difference.

The Mental Health Disparities in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face disproportionate rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGBTQIA+ individuals are more than twice as likely to experience a mental health condition compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. This increased risk is not due to their identity but rather a result of ongoing societal discrimination and lack of support.

The Role of Minority Stress

Minority stress refers to the chronic stress experienced by individuals from stigmatized minority groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community. It encompasses the emotional toll of prejudice, fear of rejection, and internalized stigma. Minority stress has been linked to higher rates of substance abuse, self-harm, and relationship challenges among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Recognizing this source of stress is crucial for mental health professionals to provide compassionate and effective care.

Impact of Stigma and Discrimination

LGBTQIA+ people often encounter stigma and discrimination in various settings—whether at work, school or within their own families. This hostility can contribute to social isolation, low self-esteem, and chronic anxiety. For many, this leads to reluctance to seek help due to fear of judgment or misdiagnosis. Creating safe spaces and offering non-judgmental, affirming care are essential steps in breaking down these barriers.

Importance of Culturally Competent Care

Culturally competent care means that mental health providers are trained to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Providers who specialize in LGBTQIA+ mental health are better equipped to address issues such as gender dysphoria, coming out anxiety, and trauma related to discrimination. At The Health Collective in Hartford, CT, we offer therapy, counseling, and support groups tailored specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community. Our services are designed to ensure that every person feels respected, valued, and understood.

The Benefits of LGBTQIA+ Specific Mental Health Services

Access to LGBTQIA+-affirming mental health services can significantly improve overall well-being. When clients feel safe and validated, they are more likely to engage in treatment, resulting in better outcomes. Services such as group therapy, peer support, and individual counseling provide spaces for shared experiences and mutual understanding, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing resilience.

How to Get Started: Taking the First Step

For LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support, the first step is reaching out to a provider who understands and respects their identity. At The Health Collective, we prioritize culturally competent care and offer a range of services to meet diverse needs, from individual therapy to support groups that foster community and acceptance. To learn more about our services and get connected, visit our website today !

Conclusion

Addressing the mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community requires an understanding of the unique challenges they face. From navigating stigma and minority stress to accessing culturally competent care, finding the right support is essential for promoting mental wellness. The Health Collective is committed to providing safe, supportive mental health services tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community. Call us now at 860-278-4163 !

CT's Health Collective offers LGBTQ+ communities health care access and respect

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:57:58 GMT

LGBTQ+ annual fundraiser "One Big Event" coming this weekend

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:55:46 GMT

LGBTQIA+ People Should Vote Like Their Lives Depend on It

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:27:47 GMT

August 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:22:17 GMT

What's Inside!

Our New Team Members • Event Recaps •
News & Happenings In Our Community

Over the past year, the Health Collective has undergone some remarkable growth and transformation. I am proud to report that, for the first time in our history, we have achieved gender AND racial parity within our workforce. Alongside this achievement, we now have a more multilingual staff, and nearly half of our employees hold advanced degrees, enhancing our ability to serve our community better than ever before.

Additionally, with our groundbreaking facility move to Hartford’s Maple Avenue on the horizon, we have also focused on improving the experiences for families, seniors, and people living with HIV at our Manchester location. These advancements, alongside our strategic investments, operational improvements, and expansion of services, mark an exciting time for our organization.

However, none of this would be possible without the support, commitment, and feedback of our volunteers, donors, and community. Your voice is crucial in helping us make informed decisions that will sustain and expand our programs and services.

There are many more exciting developments to come, so please stay tuned and thank you for your continued support of the Health Collective.

Sincerely,
David A. Grant, MPA
Executive Director

PRIDE MONTH TABLING

June was an incredible month for the Health Collective. We participated in 14 events including a variety of PRIDE festivals and community fairs. In total, we engaged with nearly 4,983 people to hand out safe sex and dental kits, sign up volunteers, and provide FREE testing!

To request our team at your event, please reach out to our Director of Community Engagement, Kay Munoz, at kaym@healthcollective.org .

30TH ANNUAL QUEER PROM

On Friday, June 28th, the Health Collective held our 30th Annual Queer Prom at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford. We had eighty-four high school juniors and seniors in attendance and thirty-four adult volunteer chaperones. At the event, we also recognized the winners of our LGBTQIA+ scholarships and partnered with Playhouse on Park to host a private performance of their musical “The PROM.”

Below are just a few of the pictures captured by our photographer Matthew Wallace who attended our Queer Prom when he was in high school. It truly was a magical night for everyone involved.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS AND PARTNERS

In June and July, the Health Collective held several fundraising events with some incredible partners! To help celebrate PRIDE, businesses like Alvarium Brewing, MAX Group, Small State Provisions, and Trulieve stepped up to launch fundraising campaigns raising thousands of dollars to support our work.

Groups like the LGBTQ Real Estate Alliance and individual donors contributed over $19,000 to the Health Collective to help fund our Senior Dentures program which provides FREE denture services to individuals over the age of fifty.

We could not do what we do without the support of our community, and we are so grateful. If you want to sponsor a fundraiser or make a donation please contact our Director of Development, Maria Grove, at mariag@healthcollective.org .

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Lang, a nonbinary award-winning journalist, has spent over a decade covering the transgender community’s fight for equality, with their work featured in major publications such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Time. They have been recognized with numerous awards, including a GLAAD Media Award and the Visibility Award from the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, highlighting their significant contributions to queer media and advocacy.

To pre-order the book on Amazon, Click Here >

Celebrating 30 Years of Queer Prom

anthonyd@healthcollective.org (Anthony DiLizia) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:19:35 GMT

Celebrating 30 Years of Queer Prom with The Health Collective

June 20th, 2024 (Hartford, CT) - The Health Collective is excited to host the 30th annual Queer Prom, held at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford, CT on June 28th, from 7pm-10pm. This event is for LGBTQIA+ high school juniors and seniors in Connecticut to celebrate a universal milestone in a safe, affirming and fun way.

In keeping with the theme of ‘Starry Night’, students will dance the night away beneath the stars in the Grand Ballroom, overlooking the cityscape and beautiful Bushnell Memorial Park. Angel Rivers, one of Hartford’s favorite drag queens and a frequent collaborator of the Health Collective, alongside DJ Reefa, another Hartford native and queer community staple, will ensure students have a great time throughout the night. The prom will also feature performances from talented CT drag queens Dro-Lopez Fierce and Dolling!”

Students will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments throughout the evening, with space to mix and mingle, take photos, and even have their tarot cards read if they choose. Q-Plus, a grassroots organization for queer youth, will also join us by providing a safe and supportive space in the form of a Sensory Room, with tools to help youth self-regulate and decompress while at the prom. Additionally, students have a chance to win two tickets each to see ‘The Prom’, a hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy performed by West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park.

“The Health Collective is proud to offer our Queer Prom as a means to affirm, empower, and heal queer youth within Connecticut,” says David Grant, Executive Director of the Health Collective. “This experience provides a safe space free of the cisgender and heteronormative barriers which often deter LGBTQIA+ students from attending those within their own schools.”

Mayor Arunan Arulampalam also acknowledged the significance of the event. “As a City, Hartford is committed to continuing the work necessary to ensure we are an inclusive City,” said Mayor Arulampalam. “It’s crucial that all of our residents feel safe, feel like they belong, and grow up feeling embraced by our community and those around them.”

In addition to Health Collective staff, this event is also being supported and chaperoned by a range of dedicated volunteers, including members from Empower, Our Piece of the Pie and Liberty Bank. The Health Collective, founded in 1983, provides medical and dental services alongside support groups and health education tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Health Collective also advocates for LGBTQIA+ issues through a wide range of community outreach initiatives. For more information about the Health Collective’s services and ongoing programming, please visit www.linktr.ee/thehealthcollectivect.

HISTORIC MERGER!

anthonyd@healthcollective.org (Anthony DiLizia) — Thu, 02 May 2024 19:17:39 GMT

HISTORIC MERGER: The True Colors Conference Becomes a Program of the Health Collective!

In a unanimous vote, the True Colors Conference Relaunch Committee (TCCRC) has decided to officially integrate the conference into the Health Collective, establishing it as a core program of the organization. This strategic merger signifies a landmark development in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, youth support services, and education within the region.

Founded in 1983, the Health Collective stands as one of Connecticut’s oldest LGBTQIA+ healthcare organizations. It has played a pivotal role since its inception, being the first organization to provide dental care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and among the first in the state to offer HIV testing during the peak of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

David Grant, Executive Director of the Health Collective, expressed gratitude to Robin McHaelen and the planning committee for entrusting them with this significant event. He emphasized the commitment of his team to delivering innovative and life-saving programming, ensuring that next year's conference embodies queer joy and excellence in Connecticut, while also nurturing the next generation of LGBTQ leaders and their allies. Grant stated, “I am deeply grateful to Robin McHaelen, and the planning committee, for trusting us with this incredibly important event. My team and I are committed to meeting people where they are to deliver innovative and lifesaving programming. Next year’s conference will be the epitome of queer joy and excellence in Connecticut helping to prepare the next generation of LGBT leaders and their allies.”

Robin McHaelen, retired Executive Director of True Colors, Inc., and current conference consultant, emphasized the significance of the decision. She recalled the conference's origins as 'Children from the Shadows' in 1994 and its evolution into the True Colors Conference. McHaelen highlighted the importance of continuing the conference amidst the challenges posed by anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed or passed in the last year. She stated, “Before COVID pulled the plug on in-person events, we hosted a total of 26 annual conferences and were the largest LGBTQ+ youth conference in the country with over 3,000 participants each year. When I retired, COVID ended and True Colors closed, the conference as it had been envisioned ended too. But with over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed or passed in the last year, it has become clear that we need the conference now more than ever!”

"Health Care Advocates International is honored to be the "Empowered by" sponsor for the return of the country's largest LGBTQ youth conference. The choice to sponsor an event like this is an easy one when goals and mission align; both HCAI and the Health Collective are determined in ending HIV stigma and discrimination and we are dedicated to providing genderaffirming care for all," said Pattie McKnight, HCAI Executive Director.

"We applaud Robin and the team for their commitment to bringing back this prominent event to the state of Connecticut". McKnight added, "The True Colors Conference has provided such a transformative experience for many over the years, we see it as our responsibility to continue this necessary work. This event truly makes an impact in the lives of so many, we can only hope to continue to provide a safe space for adolescents to connect, grow and learn for many years to come."

The True Colors Conference has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ youth since its launch in 1994. As it transitions to become a program of the Health Collective, the conference is poised to expand its reach and impact leveraging the infrastructure and network of the nearly 41-year-old health and wellness institution.

The official relaunch of True Color’s SOGIEcon will take place the weekend of Friday, March 21st, 2025, at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. SOGIE is an acronym that stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression.

For more information, volunteer and vendor opportunities, or to sponsor the conference, please visit www.HealthCollective.org.

Empowering Future Leaders

anthonyd@healthcollective.org (Anthony DiLizia) — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:14:31 GMT

Empowering Future Leaders: New Scholarship Program for LGBTQIA+ High School Seniors in
Connecticut

April 8th, 2024 (Hartford, CT) - The Health Collective, in collaboration with the New Haven Pride Center

(NHPC) and the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber Foundation (CTGLC Foundation), launched a

scholarship program for LGBTQIA+ high school seniors transitioning into a post-secondary education

program after they graduate. This financial award recognizes outstanding future leaders with monetary

scholarships being granted to students in each of our state's five congressional districts.

“These scholarships are pivotal investments in a future that values resilience, liberation, and the

empowerment of LGBTQIA+ youth to become inclusive leaders through the transformative power of

education,” said Juancarlos Soto, Executive Director of the New Haven Pride Center. “They are a

testament to our collective dedication to creating a world where every young person can achieve their

dreams and contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society, regardless of their sexual

orientation or gender identity.”

Interested high school seniors can apply here. The deadline to apply is June 20th with awards being

disbursed after July 1st. Students who apply must be transitioning into higher education or vocational

training. The Health Collective strives to provide all students with the opportunity to apply without any

restrictions of their zip code.

“The CTGLC Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth by imparting knowledge

and helping others in achieving their goals,” said John Pica-Sneeden, Executive Director of the

Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber. “We aim to empower today's youth, offering support that enables

them to reach their own versions of success and fulfillment.”

If students need assistance with the application they are encouraged to contact the Health Collective's

Director of Community Engagement, Kay Muñoz, by emailing kaym@healthcollective.org. Information on

the scholarship program has been sent to superintendents, principals, libraries, and town youth services

across Connecticut. Winners will be showcased at the Health Collective's Queer Prom currently slated

for June 28th at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford, CT.

"We are proud to celebrate these young leaders and look forward to working with all LGBTQIA+ students

in our state to create stronger, more empathetic communities," said Health Collective Executive Director,

David Grant. “Our partnerships with the New Haven Pride Center and the CTGLC Foundation, significantly

enhances our ability to achieve this critical mission. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to work

alongside my peers to strengthen the next generation of advocates.”

World’s Largest LGBTQ+ Youth Conference to Relaunch in Connecticut

anthonyd@healthcollective.org (Anthony DiLizia) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:12:07 GMT

World’s Largest LGBTQ+ Youth Conference
to Relaunch in Connecticut

Manchester, CT (February 16, 2024) A group of committed volunteers has announced the

re-establishment of the True Colors Conference, a national event focusing on LGBTQ+ youth

issues. The perennial favorite of LGBTQ+/Ally youth as well as youth-serving professionals has

been on hiatus since COVID struck, but will return in March 2025 to the University of

Connecticut (UCONN) in Storrs, CT.

In 1994, True Colors, Inc. first presented their landmark conference. By 2020, the transformative

two-day event became the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ youth conference, drawing more than

3,000 high school and college students, educators, clinicians, and family members from

Connecticut and 18 other states. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference

took a hiatus and the organization subsequently dissolved.

“Today, many Connecticut organizations have stepped up to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth

and they’re doing a great job”, McHaelen says the retired True Colors Inc, executive director.

“But people continued to tell me how important the conference was and how its absence is

affecting kids, because nothing comparable has emerged (since the closing of True Colors).

Everyone kept asking ‘how can we fill that gap?’. That question was literally taking over my

dreams! After a recent social media poll, it was clear that there was an appetite to bring the

conference back.” Zoe Donnellycolt, a recent MSW graduate from the UCONN School of Social

Work, said, “ I grew up going to True Colors with my parents. I remember thinking that the

conference was a truly unique opportunity for teenagers in Connecticut… (and) how lucky I was

to be able to attend it. With all the fear I felt growing up, celebrating and dancing were unique

moments of relief. My memory of the joy, pride, and empowerment I witnessed and

experienced at True Colors was an anchor of hope for my future…”

Longtime conference volunteer Matthew Wallace agrees. “The TC Conference is needed now

more than ever. With hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives across the country - including

Connecticut - LGBTQ+ youth are under attack. The steady stream of vitriol toward transgender

and non-binary youth in particular is taking a terrible toll on them and their families. They need

a safe space where they can connect, create community, learn from local and national experts –

particularly experts with lived experience.

McHaelen added, “We’re honored that The Health Collective has agreed to serve as our

fiduciary, allowing us to raise the funds we need to run the conference in 2025 - and rebuild the

infrastructure to ensure that it will keep going.” David Grant, Executive Director of the Health

Collective, mirrored this sentiment. “Throughout the Health Collective’s history, we have

witnessed the profound impact that the True Colors Conference has had on the LGBTQIA+

community,” Grant said. “It is an honor to recommit the Health Collective to this cause,

particularly at a time when loneliness is becoming an epidemic in America. I want to extend our

deepest gratitude to Robin McHaelen and the conference relaunch committee for allowing us to

be a part of this journey.”

Veteran volunteer Barbara Curry, noted, “It takes an army of volunteers to make this conference

a success. We’re forming teams now to handle all aspects of organizing - operational, marketing,

fundraising, inclusivity and workshop selections.” Interested volunteers can get more

information and/or sign onto the email list at www.RobinMcHaelen.com

Hartford group improves health care for LGBTQ+ community

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:03:06 GMT

#ProtectSafeSpaces

anthonyd@healthcollective.org (Anthony DiLizia) — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:08:20 GMT

Congressman Larson, Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz visit the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective (HGLHC) to Address Rising Threats Against the LGBTQ+ Community

HARTFORD, CT – September 6th, 2023 – The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective (HGLHC) will host Congressman John Larson, and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz on Thursday, September 7th at 2:00pm. The meeting comes amid rising concerns about increasing threats and acts of violence against the LGBTQ+ community both nationally and within Connecticut.

The event is an integral part of the #ProtectSafeSpaces campaign, a collaborative initiative in partnership with the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) and CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers. Through these collaborative efforts, the campaign aims to shed light on the critical importance of safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and the urgent need to fund and protect them. Additional information about this initiative can be found here.

“The HGLHC believes that this visit will serve as a potent reminder of their enduring commitment to champion the rights of the LGBTQ+ community”, said Executive Director David Grant. “By joining hands with local and national organizations, HGLHC aims to reinforce our elected leader’s dedication to advocating for and safeguarding LGBTQ+ safe spaces in Connecticut and across the country.”

Members of the media and the public are invited to attend the event.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, September 7th

Time: 2:00 pm

Location: 1841 Broad St, Hartford, CT 06114

RSVP: email anthonyd@hglhc.org or call (860) 823 – 8160

About The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective

Founded in 1983 by volunteer health professionals and supporters and incorporated in 1986, The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, Inc. (HGLHC), has become an organization with full and part-time staff and over 100 volunteers contributing thousands of hours annually.

Since its inception, the hallmark of the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective has been the provision of quality services by professional and highly skilled staff and volunteers in a safe and welcoming environment, free of judgmental attitudes or prejudice.

The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective currently provides medical services, dental services, support groups, and health education tailored to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, but serves clients of all genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages and ethnicities. The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective is especially proud of its services to people living with HIV/AIDS. We touch the lives of thousands of people every year.

HGLHC is and will continue to be an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and is proud to maintain a prominent presence at community meetings, events and other venues where issues of relevance to HGLHC’s constituency are discussed, decided or celebrated.

Greater Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective provides community support

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:20:15 GMT

bscw9952-30j9pkl9dobdl67b_v2

The 31st Annual Queer Prom Returns to Hartford

The 31st Annual Queer Prom Returns to Hartford

Hartford Pride Celebrates 16 Years with New Leadership

Hartford Pride Celebrates 16 Years with New Leadership

Grand Opening of New Gender-Affirming Aesthetics Center in Cromwell

The Health Collective Celebrates Grand Opening of New Gender-Affirming Aesthetics Center in Cromwell

LGBTQ+ Mental Health Crisis Funding | The Real Story

Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective Dental Clinic

More Than Physical Health: Addressing Mental Health Needs of the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Mental Health Disparities in the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Role of Minority Stress

Impact of Stigma and Discrimination ﻿

Importance of Culturally Competent Care

The Benefits of LGBTQIA+ Specific Mental Health Services

How to Get Started: Taking the First Step

Conclusion

CT's Health Collective offers LGBTQ+ communities health care access and respect

LGBTQ+ annual fundraiser "One Big Event" coming this weekend

LGBTQIA+ People Should Vote Like Their Lives Depend on It

August 2024 Newsletter

Celebrating 30 Years of Queer Prom

Celebrating 30 Years of Queer Prom with The Health Collective

HISTORIC MERGER!

HISTORIC MERGER: The True Colors Conference Becomes a Program of the Health Collective!

Empowering Future Leaders

Empowering Future Leaders: New Scholarship Program for LGBTQIA+ High School Seniors in Connecticut

World’s Largest LGBTQ+ Youth Conference to Relaunch in Connecticut

World’s Largest LGBTQ+ Youth Conference to Relaunch in Connecticut

Hartford group improves health care for LGBTQ+ community

#ProtectSafeSpaces

Congressman Larson, Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz visit the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective (HGLHC) to Address Rising Threats Against the LGBTQ+ Community

Greater Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective provides community support

Impact of Stigma and Discrimination

Empowering Future Leaders: New Scholarship Program for LGBTQIA+ High School Seniors in
Connecticut

World’s Largest LGBTQ+ Youth Conference
to Relaunch in Connecticut