Who We Are & What We Do
OutCT is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 2013 by a diverse group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queers and their allies in Southeastern Connecticut to plan a New London Pride Festival. They quickly realized they had enough interest and energy to do more. In addition to a pride festival, OutCT has planned an art exhibit, film series, educational forums, drag shows, and a youth program.
Mission
OutCT is committed to creating a network of people, programs and experiences that celebrate our growing understanding of sexual and gender identities in Southeastern Connecticut.
Vision
Celebrating a community that honors and recognizes the diverse spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations.
Purpose
Promote human and civil rights and work against prejudice and discrimination
Provide opportunities and venues for people to celebrate their sexual orientations and gender identities.
Create opportunities for integrating and promoting positive visibility for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and allied community.
Foster the support and development of community groups and promote harmony within the community-at-large.
Foster the economic growth of the area.
Action
Funding, planning and implementation of the New London Pride Festival and other activities.
Partnering with corporations and community groups for education, outreach and other purposes.
Networking resources and information by publishing an annual resource guide, website and/or newsletter.
Donating funds and staff to other community groups when feasible; against prejudice and discrimination.
Meet the Board
Cecil Carter
President
Chevelle Moss-Savage
Vice-President
Alycia Ziegler
Treasurer
Crowley
Secretary
Xavier Day
Board Member
Robin Harris
Board Member
Dale Rodgers
Board Member
Daphne Parker Powell
Board Member
Aurora Bowen
Board Member
Hagen
Board Member
Constance Kristofik
Founder of OutCT
Founder of OutCT Constance Kristofik was no stranger to pride organizing as she was President of Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley in Allentown, Pennsylvania before relocating to New London. In 2010 while a graduate student at the University of New Haven, Constance conducted a feasibility study on whether southeastern Connecticut could support a pride festival. Results were positive but she was not ready to commit to such a project until later. In 2012 New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio encouraged her to start the organization; and, in 2013 she selected a very diverse board of directors who created a mission and vision for the organization and obtained 501c3 non profit status. Out CT has since organized the annual pride festival, Born this Way Fashion Show, and various educational, social, and cultural programs. The OutCT Youth Program offers monthly space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and allied youth in southeastern Connecticut.