Big display of support for LGBTQ+ rights at rally in West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Members of the West Hartford community gathered in BlueBlack Square Sunday morning to show solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ lives and rights.

In the wake of the presidential election, West Hartford Pride partnered with Equality CT and the Out Accountability Project to organize a rally and remind the LGBTQ+ community that they were not alone.

Attorney General William Tong, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Senator Richard Blumenthal were some of the state officials at the event.

At the rally Sen. Blumenthal mentioned, "We are stronger together, we are stronger because we are in a coalition. because queer rights are human rights."

National LGBTQ+ plus advocacy group The Rainbow Youth Project has seen a 700% increase in calls to its crisis outreach hotline from the queer community since Election Day.

With specific intentions of building community, the rally included counseling spaces staffed by therapists and visitors were encouraged to bring signs and flags.

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