On April 22nd, SB 899 (the marriage codification bill) passed the CT Senate with no discriminatory amendments by a vote of 28 to 7, and passed the House 100-44! Gov. Rell signed the bill the next morning.
The new law removes demeaning anti-gay language from CT statute, makes CT law consistent with the Kerrigan Supreme Court decision, and provides a process for merging civil unions and marriages.
LMF Celebrates Successes; will close doors at year's end Executive Director Anne Stanback to Step Down in July
April 1, 2009--Standing with a dozen other Connecticut lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) leaders at the LegislativeOfficeBuilding in Hartford, Executive Director Anne Stanback announced today that, with marriage equality secure and other LGBT issues now in the forefront, Love Makes a Family will cease operations on December 31st. .
Lambda Legal Wins Marriage Equality in Iowa! Same-Sex Couples Began Marrying in Iowa on 4/27/09
Left Alone Thousands of people have lost everything because federal law does not protect same-sex couples in case of a loss of a loved one.
Justice of the Peace Laura Minor of Bristol, CT talks about the thrill of marrying same-sex couples in Connecticut. On November 12, 2008, same-sex couples began to legally marry in the state.
The Love Makes a Family Foundation and Fran Rzeznik collaborated to produce Marriage Makes A Word of Difference. Watch it right on our website! Winner of an Audience Award at the 2008 CT Gay Lesbian Film Festival. Watch it here.
Volunteer at the CT Pride Festival on June 6th, anytime from 11am-5pm at Bushnell Park in Hartford. Contact Matt at 860-525-7777 x304 or matt@lmfct.org to volunteer at the LMF table! ____________
Happy 5th Marriage Anniversary, Massachusetts!
Five years ago on May 17th, same-sex couples began to legally marry in Massachusetts, and over 10,000 couples have been married in since then! Watch the video on how marriage equality in MA has benefited society:
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The Williams Institute has just released a new study showing that after 5 years, Massachusetts has attracted highly-skilled workers and experienced an economic boost of over $100 million. Learn more
In response to the CA Supreme Court decision upholding Prop 8, the Courage Campaign is launching this TV ad today to help restore marriage equality in CA. See the stories of real people affected by the discriminatory Proposition 8.
____________ Love Makes a Family and PFLAG mourn the loss of John Currie, a loyal, dedicated, and persistent advocate for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Connecticut.
His memorial service is on June 6th at 11am at Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT
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A Special Exhibit at CCSU, Burritt Library (Special Collections): Since Stonewall--Forty Years of GLBT Activism. June 1-30. Opening reception; 6/4 6-8pm. RSVP to gagliardi@ccsu.edu
A Gaythering Storm: There is a storm being caused by gay marriage and we are all in serious trouble. A must see! The hilarious spoof on the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage's Gathering Storm ads.
Anti-Discrimination Laws Would Protect Transgender Youth!
Youth in harm's way Read Robin McHaelen's powerful op-ed in the Meriden Record-Journal calling for protections for gender variant kids in Connecticut schools.
Transgender Children: Out of the Shadows (8 min) This film by Jenn Burleton was viewed more than 300,000 times and translated into several languages. It is a timely film about an issue facing children and youth that is far too often overlooked or sensationalized for political reasons.
Transgender People in the News
When a staffer switches genders (CNN Money) Coping with major changes can flummox a workplace, but you can protect your bottom line and your employees by promoting tolerance and respect.
Victory! Marriage Equality in Connecticut, captures all the exhilaration and excitement of our marriage win. Click the book cover above to see the pages. Want your own copy? It’s available for a $75 donation to LMF. Contact carol@lmfct.org or call 860-525-7777, x313. ________________
Lambda Legal Wins Marriage Equality in Iowa! 
