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
Cecil Carter is a 14+ years Naval Contractor, 7+ years College Educator for Three Rivers Community, and a U.S. Navy Veteran. He is an inspiring Coach/ Advisor for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC within multiple outreach organizations such as OutCT, The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus Advocacy Committee, EQUAL, and The Black Education Committee within Southeastern CT.
Chevelle Moss-Savage
Vice-President
Chevelle Moss-Savage is a Licensed Psychotherapist and the founder of “Helping Everyone Accept and Adapt to Life”, (H.E.A.L-LLC). She has more than twenty years of experience working in mental health as a therapist, group facilitator, trainer/instructor, and case manager. She holds a master’s degree in Human Services Clinical Counseling from Lincoln University; is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Chevelle is an international thought leader, who has been recognized for her amazing work to further social justice and equity for LGBTQIA+ folx. In addition to serving as the Vice President and Education Committee Chairperson for outCT. She also serves as an adjunct professor at several local colleges, her areas of instruction include, Behavioral sciences, Psychology and First year experience.
Alycia Ziegler
Treasurer
(She/Her) is a queer woman and LGBTQIA+ rights activist. She earned her master’s degree in Higher Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Boston University, where her thesis was structured around supporting trans youth at a collegiate level. She is the marketing chairperson and treasurer for outCT. Currently, she works at Three Rivers Community College as the Director of Student Activities, where she plans events for the college and the community, focusing on LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as hosts trainings on equity and inclusivity on campus. When not speaking on the importance of inclusivity and why pronouns matter, both personal and professional, she enjoys spending time with her wife, Amy, her kids, and her dog, Ophelia.
Crowley
Secretary
B. Maxwell Crowley, our secretary, is an animal lover, spoken word poet, arts and crafts enthusiast, and avowed Satanist. His praxis centers around self-healing and empowerment through social action and education. His formal background includes many student-led organizations which have campaigned for equal rights at the secondary and postsecondary education level, as well as a brief stint with MaineTranNet. He is currently working towards a Masters in psychology that centers around Gender and Sexuality.
Xavier Day
Board Member
Xavier Day is a Harm Reductionist Social Justice warrior who professionally and personally beliefs that all humans are deserving of equitable medical care and access to social services regardless of gender identities, sexual identities, socioeconomic status and racial backgrounds. The only place for stigma, discrimination and injustices are in conversations that lead to actively eradicating them. Xavier is the Director of Ryan White Services at Alliance for Living where their mission is at the forefront of implementing evidence based client centered care to address public health with a focus on HIV, homelessness and the overdose epidemic. Xavier is a servant leader who proudly serves his community in the following capacities: volunteering with his church at the New London Meal Center, OutCT Board of Directors where he has served as secretary, corresponding secretary and Pride Co-Chair. Aware of his intersecting identities, Xavier uses them to bring together diverse communities in an affirming space through his work within OutCT.
Robin Harris
Board Member
Robin Harris is a SECT native who serves on the OutCT Board of Directors. She is a LGBTQIA+ Ally who tries to support and empower our community. Robin has two children that inspire her to make the world a better place. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Fiddleheads Food Co-op, and a member of Project Oceanology. Robin has worked in the financial industry since 2001, currently as the Operations Manager at a financial planning and wealth management office in Waterford.
Aurora Bowen
Board Member
Aurora Bowen is a SECT lgbtqia+ ally serving currently on the OUTCT board. Her passion for helping comes from a desire to make the community a better place for the future generations.
Daphne Parker Powell
Board Member
Daphne Parker Powell (she/they), long time New Londoner and LGBTQIA+ advocate splits her time between the northeast and New Orleans serving those communities as a non profit Project Manager and Performing Songwriter. Daphne also serves on the Board of Directors for New London's Rotary Club and loves to craft, travel and spend time with an adorable cat named Morgan.
Hagen
Board Member
(He/They) is a transhuman and all around activist. He has over a decade of Information Technology experience working specifically in the non-profit education sector. Currently he has the pleasure of working as technology manager at The Williams School in New London. He is a parent to four amazing young people and loves anything that takes him outdoors. Hagen’s passion for activism comes from a deep desire to make life for those who come after us happier, safer, and more joyful than it was for those before us.
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.