New Haven Pride Center

Photo courtesy Glenn Koetzner/Love Makes a Family

Christopher Healy, left, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, and Nancy DiNardo, center, chairwoman of the Connecticut Democratic party, joined over 75 attendees in a lively discussion of GLBT issues moderated by Robin McHaelen of True Colors.

Over 75 people turned out to join in a lively discussion of GLBT issues at the NHGLCC during “Election 2008:What’s at Stake for Connecticut’s GLBT Community? An Issues Forum.”

State party heads Christopher Healy, of the Connecticut Republican Party, and Nancy DiNardo, of the Connecticut Democratic Party, discussed with the crowd a number of issues relating to the GLBT community, including marriage, health care, and the role of government in bringing change to equalize rights, as well as an individual voter’s role in encouraging such change with lawmakers.

Both party leaders suggested that the continued efforts of grassroots organizations, as well as individuals contacting lawmakers, is a surefire way to make sure that the path to eqaulity is achieved. DiNardo noted that bills wouldn’t likely die in the House or Senate if they’re brought earlier in a session, and therefore encouraging lawmakers to bring it up sooner in a session, brought on by supporters pushing for the bill to contact lawmakers, is a good idea.

Co-sponsors of the event included NHGLCC, Love Makes a Family, Multicultural Leadership Institute, True Colors, Women and Families Center, United Church on the Green-UCC, Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition, Human Rights Campaign, AIDS Project New Haven, GLSEN Connecticut, PFLAG New Haven, and GLAD.