Hartford, CT — In 2025, Hartford Pride & Concert, a beloved tradition and a committee of CLARO, Inc., will celebrate its 16th anniversary in the City of Hartford. This year, a new chapter begins as The Health Collective proudly takes the lead in planning and implementing the 2025 Hartford Pride Fest & Concert, a landmark event for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Hartford Pride Fest & Concert will once again bring families, friends, and neighbors together on Church Street for a vibrant day of music, celebration, and community connection.
“We are excited to announce that starting in 2025, The Health Collective will take the lead responsibility in planning and implementing the 16th annual Hartford Pride & Concert.”, said Charlie Ortiz, President of CLARO, Inc. and Chair of Hartford Pride. “The Health Collective’s leadership comes at a crucial time in facilitating and growing this popular event, which allows the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to come
together to celebrate PRIDE, celebrate the arts, and provide a forum to share and inform resources and services.”
As a growing community health organization, The Health Collective brings a unique lens to the event, aiming to create more inclusive and affirming spaces for queer joy, advocacy, and wellness.
“As we take on this enterprise, we understand the need to collaborate with all of our community partners in order to create a truly inclusive and dynamic Pride festival.”, said David Grant, Executive Director of The Health Collective. “Under our vision, Hartford Pride will be a leading example of what a Pride festival can be: a space for families, seniors, queer youth and people from all walks to come together to advocate, educate, and celebrate our beautiful LGBTQ+ community.”
As a health and wellness organization, The Health Collective will focus its efforts on incorporating more HIV/STI testing and education while incorporating other health and wellness demonstrations, resources, and activities. The City of Hartford also stands in support of this transition.
“I am thrilled that we can partner with The Health Collective to carry forward the proud legacy of Hartford Pride,” said Curtis Rodriguez-Porter, Chair of the City of Hartford’s LGBTQ+ Commission. “We extend deep gratitude to Charlie Ortiz and CLARO for their vision and commitment that has kept this celebration thriving. With the support of City Hall and the Hartford community, we’re excited to uplift our queer community, honor our past, and celebrate alongside our allies. Together, we will make this Pride the heartbeat event of our City and State.”
Hartford Pride’s legacy is deeply rooted in Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ history. The state’s first Pride event, the Connecticut Liberation Festival, was held in 1971 by the Kalos Society. Hartford Pride itself traces its roots back to 1982 and has been organized by CLARO, Inc. since 2009.
To learn more and stay up to date on festival announcements, visit www.hartfordpride.org.
About The Health Collective
Our mission is to promote healthy living, provide high-quality, compassionate care, and advocate for systemic solutions to the healthcare access barriers and health disparities faced by minority groups. We are committed to being a beacon of hope and healing for the LGBTQIA+ and broader communities in Connecticut. By delivering medical, dental, and social support services, the Health Collective is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving the well-being of Hartford’s most vulnerable individuals. Additional information can be found by visiting www.healthcollective.org.
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Media Contact:
Brayden Ransom, Community Impact Manager
The Health Collective
860-999-0085 | braydenr@healthcollective.org
