Governor Ned Lamont announced on June 1 that he has signed a proclamation designating June as LGBTQ Pride Month in Connecticut. The proclamation recognizes the contributions of the state’s LGBTQ community and emphasizes support for the rights of every person to live free from discrimination, fear, and prejudice regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Connecticut has a legacy of leading the nation on critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community and being one of the most welcoming states in the country, and I am proud to let everyone know that in this state we celebrate the rights of everyone to be themselves and live openly, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Governor Lamont said. “I am committed to ensuring that our laws and regulations continue to provide everyone with equal protection, and I vow to stand up to any efforts to turn back the clock on equality.”
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, “Throughout our history, here in Connecticut and across the nation, the LGBTQ+ community has shown extraordinary resilience, courage, and leadership. As we declare June as Pride Month, we honor the individuals, families, and organizations who continue to stand for equality, visibility, and dignity for all. Connecticut remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every LGBTQ+ person feels safe, supported, and celebrated.”
Lamont highlighted two legislative achievements from 2026: Public Act 26-77 consolidates hate crimes laws by removing procedural barriers that previously hindered prosecution of bias-motivated crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals; Public Act 26-33 requires private insurers in Connecticut to cover fertility care for LGBTQ+ couples and single individuals by updating definitions related to infertility.
The announcement also referenced prior actions taken since Lamont took office in 2019. These include banning gay and transgender panic defenses in criminal cases; expanding access to HIV prevention medication for at-risk youth; creating an LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Network; signing legislation such as the Connecticut Parentage Act (2021), which ensures legal recognition for both parents in LGBTQ+ families; enacting protections for providers offering gender-affirming care (2022); and making it illegal for health care providers to discriminate based on gender identity or expression (2025).
According to Lamont’s office statement announcing these measures, “As states across the country have moved to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, Connecticut has moved in the opposite direction by strengthening protections, expanding access to care, and reaffirming that every person deserves to live, work, and raise a family free from discrimination.”
