September 11 - 18, 2022
8 days, 25+ events
PRIDE New Haven is an 8-day festival celebrating the culture, art, and history of New Haven and Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community. Now in its 24th year, PRIDE New Haven is the only Pride celebration in Connecticut to feature arts and humanities programs alongside social and celebratory events.
Mark your calendars for a full week of panels, performances, and social events, including PRIDEfest in downtown New Haven on THE NEW HAVEN GREEN on Saturday, September 17th! Watch the panels live on Facebook & Youtube or enjoy the festivities in-person at the various venues around Greater New Haven!
Can’t get enough PRIDE? Continue the celebration with FRINGEfest – additional events not hosted by PRIDE New Haven that offer a variety of fun opportunities to come together as a community and support local LGBTQ+ businesses. Click the button below for the full list of events.
Click to browse the PRIDE New Haven mailer!
Meet the Team
Patrick J. Dunn (he/him)
Alyssa Marie Cajigas Rivera Ortiz (she/her)
Val Ruby-Omen (she/her)
Laura Boccadoro (she/they)
Questions about PRIDE New Haven? Contact us at pride@newhavenpridecenter.org.
Schedule of Events
September 11th
Drag Artist Story Hour
11:00a – 12:00p | New Haven Pride Center
Join us for a special PRIDE edition of Drag Artist Story Hour, hosted by Frizzie Borden and Ram Shackle, where we will read some of our favorite titles from the GLSEN Rainbow Library Collection, including many Lamda Award-winning books. Drag Queen Story Hour is a national movement where local drag artists read LGBTQ+ inclusive books with LGBTQ+ youth and families to provide kids with queer role models and encourage them to be their authentic selves. FREE.
Pride Kick-off Party – cancelled due to rain
3:30p | The Ninth Square
Join us as we kick-off PRIDE New Haven in style with a block party on lower Orange Street! Enjoy sets by the fabulous DJ Chris Gallo and the genre-defying rock band Semaphora, while you explore the Ninth Square! Barcade will be offering some special deals on drinks, food, and games! FREE. CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN.
September 12th
Flag Raising Ceremony
12:00p | New Haven Green
Celebrate the start of PRIDE New Haven at our Flag Raising Ceremony with New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker along with other members of the New Haven delegation. Members of the community are invited to join us as we celebrate and promote diversity and raise Daniel Quasar’s Progress Forward Pride Flag. The flag raising ceremony will include a performance by drag artist Robin Fierce. FREE.
Panel: Youth & Politics
3:00p | Streamed live on YouTube & Facebook
Oftentimes young folks are erased from discussions concerning politics and social change. What that leads to is a continued disconnection between policymakers and the folks on the ground who live out the direct result of their often inept decisions. Join us for a panel discussion that centers the lived experiences of young people and their expert solutions on the very topics that are important to all people, no matter if they can vote or not.
Taste of Queer New Haven: Tavern on State
**Postponed until October; new date TBA**
Tavern on State
Join us for an evening of culinary art with lesbian chef and Tavern on State owner Emily Mingrone. Enjoy a family-style four-course dinner celebrating local ingredients. Guests will be able to sample several different dishes each course, paired with either wine, beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages. Click here for the full menu.
Tickets are $160 and include tax, tip, and a small donation to the New Haven Pride Center. Purchase tickets here.
Art Exhibit: illustration
7:00 – 8:30p | New Haven Pride Center
Join us for a celebration of print history from around the world from ancient times to the modern era. Explore the storytelling power of illustration in this unique exhibit featuring the works of three queer Connecticut artists: Julia and Katie Slaughter and Riley Samuels. This exhibition, curated by Center Deputy Director Juancarlos Soto, runs through October 6th.
FREE Event!
September 13th
Panel: Black Queer Feminism
12:00p | Streamed live on Facebook & YouTube
This in-depth panel and discussion centers Black queer feminist voices throughout Connecticut. We will discuss BQF with a focus on Connecticut, the drawbacks and advantages of living in Connecticut, and the intersections between race, patriarchy, religion, small business ownership, healing, social justice organizing, and so much more. Our panelists will provide a wealth of information, as they represent some amazing intersections of Black queer feminism, from small business ownership to healing and social justice organizing. Panelists and moderator to be announced. FREE.
Panel: Queer & Disabled Pt. 2
**Postponed; date TBA**
3:00p | Streamed live on Facebook & YouTube
One of the most marginalized sub-groups within the LGBTQ+ community is queer individuals with disabilities. Because of the historically underground nature of the LGBTQ+ community, a large number of our gathering spaces, events, and activities remain inaccessible. What does this mean for disabled LGBTQ+ individuals who want to access our community’s support, resources, or art? How does one connect with a community if they can rarely be a part of it? Hear from advocates and individuals with lived experiences as we strategize together about how we change this. Panelists and moderator to be announced. FREE.
Taste of Queer New Haven: Blue Orchid
6:30 – 8:30p | Blue Orchid (130 Court St.)
Join us for an evening of culinary art with gay chef and Blue Orchid owner Natthawut “Kyu” Tipjak. Enjoy a family-style dinner of pan-Asian delights that celebrate the history and culture of our chef, including cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Click here for the menu.
Tickets are $50 and include tax and gratuity. Purchase tickets here.
Keynote: Pedro Julio Serrano
7:00 – 8:30p (doors open at 6:30p) | Bregamos Community Theater (491 Blatchley Ave.)
Pedro Julio Serrano is an internationally recognized boricua and gay human rights activist. He was the first openly gay and HIV+ political candidate in Puerto Rican history. Continuing our Queer & Puerto Rican series, join us for a special conversation with Pedro, president of Puerto Rico Para Todes, a non-profit LGBTQ+ social justice advocacy organization, as we discuss being a queer, HIV-positive activist in Puerto Rico and the state of the current climate in Puerto Rico. This program will be moderated by Pride Center Deputy Director Juancarlos Soto. FREE.
September 14th
Panel: Queer Responsibility: Be Anti-Racist
12:00p | Streamed live on YouTube and Facebook
Those of us within the LGBTQ+ community experience oppression on a consistent basis. Activism within our community looks like fighting for our liberties while healing from the trauma of having them consistently stripped away. As we strengthen and heal as a community, our job is to understand what equity is and how to obtain it for non-white LGBTQ+ individuals who are impacted by systemic racism in addition to anti-queer sentiment. In this conversation, join us as we discuss ways to be active participants in the fight for queer racial equity. FREE.
Panel: Fat Is Not A Bad Word
3:00p | Streamed live on YouTube and Facebook
Fatness: What once was revered as a sign of wealth and prosperity is now something we are taught to be ashamed of. However, for as long as people in larger bodies have been discriminated against, they have also fought back. From the 1967 Central Park “Fat-In” demonstration to the public figures who are unapologetically owning and loving their bodies, the movement still lives on today. What caused the societal shift towards the hatred of fat bodies? Where does the ideal body image come from? And how do we dismantle the Eurocentric standards of beauty that are so globally prevalent? Join us for a conversation with some of the body positive activists that are working towards a world that holds space for all kinds of bodies. FREE.
Drag on the Edge
7:00 – 9:00p (doors open at 6:00p) | Gotham Citi (84 Orange Street)
Drag on the Edge celebrates Connecticut drag artists whose art exists outside of the boxes of mainstream drag. Featuring performances by Chai, Midnight, Ambrosia Black, Ill Ell, Paxx Headroom, Iridessa Søul LaFlare, Rory Roux Lay, Ram Shackle, Giri Spades, and Glass Staine and hosted by Maddelynn Hatter from The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, this explosive show highlights the subversive and expansive nature of drag as an artform.
$20 Tickets in advance / $25 Day-of Tickets
Purchase tickets here.
September 15th
Panel: Queer Geek Culture
12:00p | Streamed live on YouTube & Facebook
The connection between the queer community and geek/nerd culture is undeniable. From TikTok trends and streaming platforms to gaming and cosplay, queer folks often connect with each other and build community over the internet and at conventions. Join us for a panel that explores the power of these connections, and learn how and why queer folks find sanctuary and creative inspiration in nerd/geek culture. This panel will include perspectives from Akira AK, Luna Gemini, and Mia E Z’Lay. FREE.
Panel: Queer Elders
3:00p | Streamed live on YouTube & Facebook
Our queer elders have so much to offer our community, but are too often left out of the conversation. Join us as we talk with a few of our local elders to hear about their experiences growing up, the ongoing fight for our community, and their hopes for the future. Panelists and moderator to be announced. FREE.
Concert: pink navel & Indigaux
Doors open at 7:00p; Show starts at 8:00p | The State House
Join us for a concert featuring nonbinary rappers pink navel and Indigaux. A self-proclaimed Nintendo and Disney collector, navel blends the carefree cadence of cartoons with introspective lyrics on gender identity and mental health. Black nonbinary rapper and Punq Noire festival founder Indigaux brings an experimental lens to the rap genre for a high-energy show you don’t want to miss!
$20 Tickets in Advance / $25 Day of Tickets
Purchase tickets here.
September 16th
Panel: Rainbow Capitalism
12:00p | Live on YouTube & Facebook
In recent years, we’ve been hearing a lot of talk about “Rainbow Capitalism.” This topic of conversation typically happens around June during Pride month, but what exactly is Rainbow Capitalism and what does it have to do with the LGBTQ+ community? Join us for a panel where we’ll be answering this exact question and critiquing facets of our society that exploit queer culture. Panelists and moderator to be announced. FREE.
Panel: Transbians
3:00p | Live on YouTube & Facebook
Transphobia has permeated lesbian communities for as long as lesbians and trans women have existed, and we see examples of this in media, culture, and history. Transfemme lesbians are sometimes not aware they can exist because society has yet to dissect the delicate line between gender and sexuality. We do, however, understand that there is strength in numbers and that finding community is healing. In this panel discussion, we’ll be speaking with transfemme lesbians on their life experience as a marginalized group while arguing that exclusion is indeed harmful. Our hope is to cultivate an inviting space for folks to listen, learn, and share. Panelists and moderator to be announced. FREE.
Mx. PRIDE New Haven Pageant
10:00p – 1:00a | Partner’s Cafe
We are looking for drag artists, divas, go-go dancers, burlesque performers, activists, and everyone in between to compete in the 6th Annual PRIDE New Haven Pageant! Competitors will compete in three different categories (talent, interview, and fashion) to win our amazing prize package and the title of Mx. PRIDE New Haven. Who is going to take the crown? This year’s pageant will be hosted by Miss Gay New Haven 2018 Mia E Z’Lay and will be judged by Miss Gay New Haven 2019 Mz October May-Lay and Empress 22 of Connecticut Miss Frank Borrelli. FREE.
September 17th
PRIDEfest
12:00 – 7:00p | New Haven Green
At PRIDEfest, hours of LGBTQ+ entertainment and family fun await you on the NEW HAVEN GREEN. Hosted by Miz October May Lay and Crystal Starz, enjoy family activities, live music, drag performances, street artists, food vendors, info booths, and so much more! FREE.
Burlesque Extravaganza
8:00 – 10:00p (doors open at 7:00p) | 168 York Street Cafe
Featuring a powerhouse cast of burlesque artists from throughout the tri-state area, Burlesque Night Out is a celebration of femininity and queer bodies in a safe and fun environment. Burlesque Night Out will be hosted by Connecticut Burlesque Legend and Operalesque performer Dot Mitzvah and will feature performances by Harley Foxx, Miss Cherry Jackson, Kendall Marie, and Leona Star.
$20 Tickets in advance / $25 Day-of
Purchase tickets here.
PRIDEfest After Party
9:00p | Gotham Citi
Don’t miss one of the biggest dance parties of the year! Hosted by Casey Fitzpatrick, the evening includes incredible live performances, special guest appearances, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. Pay cover at the door.
September 18th
PRIDE Drag Brunch
12:00 – 2:00p (doors open at 11:00a) | Te Amo Tequila (182 Temple Street)
Join us for a hair flippin’, heel kickin’ Drag Brunch at local lesbian-owned bar and restaurant, Te Amo Tequila! This show will feature an incredible roster of entertainers including Astra S’Lay, Summer Haze, Lucia Virginity, Klitz Jenner, and Casey Fitzpatrick and will be hosted by local drag legend, Kiki Lucia, with music by DJ Edgewood.
There are no tickets to this event, although a $10 per person charge will be added to your final bill. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made here.
Tea Dance
4:00 – 7:00p | 168 York Street Cafe
Closing our PRIDE New Haven, as always, is the PRIDE Tea Dance. Join us for an afternoon of socializing, music, and dancing at New Haven’s oldest LGBTQ+ establishment. With both indoor and outdoor patio space, 168 York Street (formerly The Pub) is a homey end to a week of celebration and fun. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy the DJ stylings of NEUBODY, a queer New Haven based DJ collective. $5 cover.
Get Involved
Thank You to Our Pride Sponsors
Click to read the PRIDE Guide!
Meet Our Artists & Speakers
In order of appearance
Frizzie Borden (she/her), Drag Artist Story Hour
Frizzie Borden is a Connecticut-based drag performer. Her two favorite genres are comedy and horror, and she loves to combine them into her very unique style. She is a professional runner-up in many different competitions around Connecticut. She is very excited and honored to be reading for Drag Queen Story Hour this Pride.
DJ Gallo (he/him), PRIDE Kick-OFF Party
Out of New Haven, DJ Chris Gallo brings his passion for dance music to every set. He enjoys being able to create a journey which pulls from all types of dance genres. The ability to create a mood based solely on sound is what drives him. Chris shares his passion weekly with his dance floor at Partners Cafe in New Haven, Connecticut. He encourages his dance floor to “come early and stay late, you never know where the music will take us!
Semaphora, PRIDE Kick-OFF Party
Semaphora is an activist indie rock collective from coastal Connecticut, performing the music and lyrics of composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Lydia Arachne. With the spirit of a spontaneous library dance party, Semaphora explores ideas such as human-animal friendship, the history of A.I. assistants, and the possibilities of glowing cats, with ethereal harmonies and peculiar, magnetic grooves. For fans of: Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Joni Mitchell, and NPR’s This American Life.
Julia Slaughter (she/her), Illustration
Julia Slaughter’s simple tapestries deliver messages through abstract surrealism about what mother earth holds for us in the change of seasons and quiet or anticipatory moments in nature. Each work is made with fully plant-derived, natural fibers or fully recycled synthetic materials. Julia is inspired by the harsh beauty of New England winters in the hills and calmer days in the marshy coastal areas of our shoreline. She earned a BFA from Paier College in 2014 and currently lives in western Connecticut with her wife and fur children.
Katie Slaughter, Illustration
Riley Samels, Illustration
As a New Haven-based children’s book and pop-up card Illustrator, I use my platform and skill set to bring awareness to issues both social and environmental, as well as poke fun at some non-issues as well. I find value in presenting critical topics in a child-friendly format so that it can be digested by all audiences.
Pedro Julio Serrano (he/him), Keynote Speaker
Pedro Julio Serrano is an internationally recognized human rights activist, boricua and gay. He was the first openly gay and HIV+ political candidate in Puerto Rican history. He is the founder and spokesperson for Puerto Rico Para Todes and has won numerous national and international awards and recognitions for his activism. He was the media and public relations of the National LGBTQ Task Force in New York and director of the office of the first Puerto Rican Speaker of the New York City Council. He later served as the director of Clínica Transalud and Programa Vida of the Municipality of San Juan. He now works as Empodérate director of Waves Ahead, creating the public policy and community development department.
Rory Roux Lay (she/they), Drag on the Edge
Rory Roux Lay is a CT based trans drag artist who performs throughout the state. She loves doing a variety of different types of drag including comedic, dance, political, and alternative numbers. In addition to performing, Rory also sews costumes, edits mixes, and makes flyers.
Ram Shackle (they/them), Drag on the Edge
Ram Shackle is a gender-blending CT Drag Thing and self-identified skanky space snake. Their performances mix androgynous oddity with good ol’ fashioned dancing foolery. They believe it is important to honor drag’s pre-Drag Race roots while continuing to push the art form forward. When not performing, Ram loves teaching with Education at Hartford Stage.
Glass Staine, Drag on the Edge
Glass Staine is a drag artist based in Hartford, CT. Glass is known for her sexy, subversive, and scary performances and loves nothing more than shocking a crowd, all while looking stunning! Glass has been spreading her madness for 7 years and is the current reigning Mx. KYNK titleholder, representing all things dark and twisted.
Iridessa Soul (she/they), Drag on the Edge
My name is Iridessa Soul, of the Haus of LaFlare. I am a CT based drag performer, who loves to shine my light, & bring love & smiles to as many faces as I can! I have been doing drag for two years now, & I couldn’t be more blessed to be apart of this amazing community! You never know what you’ll get when you see Iridessa! I may pull out a stunt or two, maybe a prop or reveal, or maybe just a bit of magic! I couldn’t do it without all of my friends & family, & my peers around me for all of their support & all they have taught me! Much love, & keep shining bright!
Ambrosia Black (she/he/they), Drag on the Edge
Ambrosia is what you get when you reach the intersection of pop princess, Halloween-town, and a Comic-Con. Because she can deliver so many different types of drag, you will always see something new. From comedy and camp, to serious emotional ballads, or even horror and cosplay, she can do it all.
Ill Elle (she/they), Drag on the Edge
Hi! My name is Ill Elle! I am 23 years old and have been doing drag for about 3 years. My name comes from my out of drag name and is a play on the French words “il” and “elle” meaning “he” and “she”. My drag is a combination of twisted beauty, curvy body, and stupidity. I love confusing an audience and making them laugh at whatever I’m doing on stage.
Giri Spades (he/they), Drag on the Edge
Giri Spades, is a drag king aspiring to make it big in the Drag World. Getting his start in drag performance in 2018, and growing ever since. Giri hopes to bring his love of art and story telling into the spotlight, although he’s a man of few words, he uses his whole body to create a captivating storyline. Giri Spades, THE KING OF SPADES, welcomes you into his world of fantasy, as he makes his way out the pages of his own story book, and onto the stage of our own reality! Ready your doe and enjoy the show
DJ Ephraim Adamz, Drag on the Edge
Ephraim Adamz is an American DJ, filmmaker, songwriter, and recording artist of Guyanese heritage. Often regarded as the “King of Pride”, he is widely known for his activism in Black and Queer communities. He rose to prominence on YouTube in 2014 with the viral music video “Twerk Bitch (You A Bottom)”. He has collaborated with over twenty four Pride Festivals. Two are the largest in the United States, including Rhode Island Pride and Stonewall 50 WorldPride NYC 2019. During the Covid-19 pandemic he was one of twenty-four video editors to produce Global Pride 2020, the worlds largest LGBT virtual event in history.”
pink navel (they/them), pink navel & Indigaux
Pink Navel is a non-binary rapper originally based out of the South Shore of MA, but has relocated to Maine to join Ruby Yacht at their headquarters. As a self-proclaimed Nintendo and Disney collector, Navel’s music tends to blend the carefree cadence of cartoons with introspective lyrics on gender identity and mental health.
Indigaux (they/them), pink navel & Indigaux
Indigaux stirs the moshpit with radical electric passion! A rare species of punq faerie discovered in Connecticut circa 1997, Indigaux uses synesthesia as a foundation for their experimental noise and hyperpunk rap music.
Mia E Z'Lay (she/her), Host of Mx. PRIDE New Haven Pageant
She’s campy and Kooky.
Thicc and Spooky.
A tiny waist and a subtle face.
Mia is a drag entertainer from CT. You can find her running shows and performing all over New England. Mia is known for her comedy skills, flexibility, and her ability to ignore her large stack of unpaid parking tickets. Catch her at venues near you or online @miaezlay.
To see all of the performers of the Mx. PRIDE New Haven Pageant click here.
Crystal Starz (she/her), Host of PRIDEfest
Crystal Starz is an up and coming drag performer who is known for bringing energy to every stage she is on. Over the last year, Crystal has worked tirelessly to establish herself as a quality performer and host, performing at different venues across the state. Having come from extremely humble beginnings, and a past fear of performing, Crystal has made quite the impact. Crystal’s continued ambition is to find and secure more opportunities to create more spaces where queer artists can be expressive and showcase their talent openly and safely!
To see all of the performers of the PRIDEfest click here.
Kendall Marie (she/her), Burlesque Night Out
I’m Kendall Marie: a sweet soul with a twist of sass & seduction. Growing up I danced across the US, leading to recent auditions and music video roles. I’ve performed burlesque, musical theatre, and cabaret acts throughout Connecticut and New York City over the past five years. Ultimately, I enjoy infusing acrobatics into my performances, creating the ultimate tease.
Harley Foxx, Burlesque Night Out
Casey Fitzpatrick (she/her), Host of PRIDEfest After Party
I’ve been performing in New Haven for 10 years. I love this community and bringing joy to the masses!
Mychael Jay (he/him), PRIDEfest After Party
Greetings I’m Mychael Jay, a singer songwriter and performer from CT. I have been making music for about 10 years and have performed at over 50 venues from Connecticut down to Florida. You can find my latest works wherever major music is streamed or sold. I have performed at 6 Flags New England for pride. New York Fashion Week, and I was the opener for the universe is undefeated tour with Danity Kane. And you may have seen me on this season of Divorce Court. I’m so happy to have been booked to be able to bring my talents to New Haven Pride this year. I can’t wait to give you guys a killer show and I may even be bringing out a few friends of mine:) can’t wait to see you all at the Pride After Party at Gotham.
Danny C (he/him), PRIDEfest After Party
Danny C is a 27 year old music artist from Southington, Connecticut. He burst into the music scene with his debut song “Where They At?” and ever since then has began to build an amazing bond with his fans and people who feel inspired and empowered by the music. His goal is to open the minds of people from different worlds to see the commonality in the love of art.
JustJeremiah (he/him), PRIDEfest After Party
Inner city boy with a passion for music, fashion and performance.
Karelys bleau (they/she), PRIDEfest After Party
Karelys bleau known as Connecticut’s GLAMAZON AMAZON QUEEN with curves to kill for between preforming, modeling, pageants, and bookings for all events. Karelys bleau is known throughout the community for Serving L O O K S HUNNNI. Add me on insta @Thereal_karlyb.
Aurora Garavani Gucci, PRIDEfest After Party
I’m a drag entertainer/musical artist with 4 singles on all music platforms. I started my drag career in Springfield MA, leading into Hartford, CT performing at polo for years until I eventually moved to Florida, where I perform now. Entertainment is what I do best, and I love giving you all some top notch adrenaline type performances where you are still thinking about what a great show I put on. My type of drag is body and skin with a touch of dramatics. I love playing with colors and hair as well. My music side of me is considered trap and very Megan, Nicki, and Cardi all together, so make sure you all stream my music.
Songbird Angel Love, PRIDEfest After Party
Luna Asakura (she/he/they), PRIDEfest After Party
La’Nece Onassis, PRIDEfest After Party
Ryder Die, PRIDEfest After Party
Jayde Aloura, PRIDEfest After Party
Malaya Love Nations, PRIDEfest After Party
Kiki Lucia, PRIDEfest After Party
Kiki Lucia (she/her) is a Connecticut-based drag performance artist with a vast training and artistic background that includes : classical ballet, aerial acrobatics, music theatre, modern dance, and acting. She also has experience in theatre production, directing, costume and production design, and producing.
She regularly performs throughout Connecticut as well as at events in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York and has also performed in Washington, DC and Canada. Her monthly show Let’s Have a Kiki (going into its 5th year in 2022) has regular gigs at Partners Café in New Haven, Trevi Lounge in Fairfield, and the Chez Est in Hartford. Let’s Have a Kiki, which is hosted and produced by Kiki, features a variety of regional drag performers and burlesque artists and will celebrate its 100th show in 2022.
Kendra Brown, PRIDEfest After Party
Puertorican Queen! I am 30 years old. With more than 10 years of experience, loving this art and achieving the union of our community. I am currently Miss Universe Latina New Comer 2021-22. I am passionate about dance, dramatization and the power to connect with the public. I consider myself a passionate, committed and very talented drag. Love, Kendra Brown. 🖤
Astra (she/they), Drag Brunch
Hello! My name is Astra, I’m a drag entertainer from Middletown, Connecticut. I get a lot of inspiration for my style from the divas before me. I like to mesh the old school drag and new drag with futuristic silhouettes and a lot of drag classics. If you’re going to see Astra, expect a flashy look and a lot of splits!
DJ Edgewood (he/him), Drag Brunch
Connecticut’s outgoing Disc Jockey and music enthusiast from Fairfield County, DJ Edgewood brings nostalgia and high energy to dance floors, drag events, radio shows, and beyond all over the Northeast. With a selection of today’s and yesterday’s Pop, House, Hip-Hop, and R&B, his mission is to bring queer representation to dance floors all over.
Summer Haze, Drag Brunch
Summer Haze is Connecticut’s very own stunning, fun-loving, dancing, Puerto Rican queen! Whether you’ve seen her modeling sparkly bodysuits on Amazon, riding her bike in heels around East Haven, or strutting that sultry walk at the nearest casino, Summer’s looks are sure to turn heads. Summer has been preforming in Connecticut since 2019, and currently lives in East Haven with her partner and their three kitties. Regardless of the season, Summer brings the heat to any stage she is on!
Lucia Virginity (she/her), Drag Brunch
With 15 years of drag experience, Lucia Virginity has been a busy queen in her community of Connecticut, helping raise money for local and national charities including the states of New York, Boston, Rhode Island, DC, & Western Massachuetts. In those 15 years, she’s made a name for herself that’s on everyone’s lips bringing smiles to their faces. With a lot flare, glamour, class, and sass, Ms. Lucia Virginity loves what she does and is grateful for making life-long friends & relationships with everyone that she has encountered.
Klits Jenner (she/he/they), Drag Brunch
Hailing from the backwoods of Ansonia, CT; known for their high kicks and splits, most men can’t find her – it’s Klits Jenner!!
NEUBODY, Tea Dance
The NEUBODY collective creates opportunities for DJing, dancing, and collaboration within New Haven. As an integral part of urban communities and queer resilience, we seek to elevate techno, house, and dance music culture as well as uplift local DJ and artist talent.
Individual artist bios:
valence (he/they/she) is an LA born and bred DJ with eclectic musical interests spanning across the underground. Since starting at Yale for graduate school, valence has sought to build queer and trans community in New Haven through their DJ practice.
Jentlemen (she/her) is a CT-born DJ and producer dedicated to the classical and contemporary rave sounds as well as the more eclectic. Prior to moving back to CT, she refined her DJ skills in New York and The Netherlands where she held a residency at Amsterdam’s Red Light Radio.
7 Ways (he/him): Southern born, New England based musician/DJ. Fire sign.