BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Mark your calendars: Bridgeport Pride Center will host the 15th annual Greater Bridgeport Pride on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The day’s events will include the hallmark Pride March through the streets of downtown Bridgeport at 2 p.m.; the signature OUTwork art show at City Lights Gallery; and crown jewel event Unity in the Park from 3-8 p.m. at Wheeler Park with performances, vendors, food, family-friendly activities, and community organizations. "Greater Bridgeport Pride is back for our 15th year, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate love, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression,” said Stephanie Saujon, co-chair of Greater Bridgeport Pride and a board member of Bridgeport Pride Center. “Visibility and community are more important than ever – so come as you are, shine bright, and let’s make this Pride unforgettable!" Bridgeport Pride Center executive director Marcus Brown said Greater Bridgeport Pride arrives this year at a pivotal time in the local area, Connecticut overall, and the nation at large. “As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of our Pride festival alongside the first anniversary of the Bridgeport Pride Center, this milestone resonates with particular urgency in today’s climate,” Brown said. “The convergence of these anniversaries symbolizes both our community’s enduring resilience and our renewed commitment to create safe, affirming spaces.” Jason A. Coombs is a co-chair of Greater Bridgeport Pride and a board member at Bridgeport Pride Center. “We are energized and thrilled to be in the planning phase of our 15th year of Greater Bridgeport Pride,” he said. “In a time of uncertainty and ongoing attacks on the trans community, creating a safe, affirming space is more vital than ever.” Coombs further affirmed Pride as a time to acknowledge struggles and triumphs among LGBTQ+ people. “While Pride is an exciting celebration of our community, it’s more than just a party. It’s about uplifting voices, sharing stories, and honoring the beauty and resilience of queerness. We can’t wait to come together once again to celebrate, empower, and stand in solidarity with all of the beautiful people in our community.” The 15th annual festival is just the second one since Bridgeport Pride Center opened its doors in June 2024. “In just one year,” said executive director Brown, “our Center has become a vital refuge during a time of unprecedented challenges – from the alarming rise in book banning that attempts to erase LGBTQ stories, to the wave of legislation targeting transgender rights and healthcare.” Greater Bridgeport Pride helps draw attention to Bridgeport Pride Center’s work year-round, Brown continued. “The work of our Center has never been more essential as we continue the legacy that our Pride festival began – ensuring that every person in our community has the support they need to thrive authentically in a world that sometimes questions their right to exist.” Stay tuned for more announcements about the 15th annual Greater Bridgeport Pride such as this year’s grand marshal, headline performer, and other special honorees. Follow @bridgeport_pride and @bridgeportpridecenter on Instagram or visit www.bridgeportpridecenter.org for more information and ongoing activities for Greater Bridgeport Pride and Bridgeport Pride Center. Interested in volunteering, vending, performing, marching or other involvement with Greater Bridgeport Pride? Visit GBP’s Linktree at linktr.ee/BptPride for various sign-up sheets and contact forms. ABOUT GREATER BRIDGEPORT PRIDE A community-based event celebrating diversity and inclusivity, Greater Bridgeport Pride seeks to raise awareness of the vibrant local LGBTQ+ community, offer a platform for creative expression, and connect the community to work opportunities for queer creatives. Greater Bridgeport Pride began in 2010 when artist Ricky Mestre approached City Lights Gallery to host the first-ever LGBTQ+ art exhibit in Fairfield County. Now organized under the Bridgeport Pride Center, GBP maintains a diverse and dedicated steering committee of LGBTQ+ artists, professionals and community advocates involved in the greater Bridgeport area and Fairfield County. GBP believes in communities that embrace everyone, regardless of whom they love or how they identify. Through education, events and support, GBP strives to build understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Our goal is to create a future where every person can be proud of who they are and live without fear or discrimination. GBP’s planning committee received the Futures Award at the 2024 Connecticut Voice Honors. ABOUT BRIDGEPORT PRIDE CENTER Bridgeport Pride Center, incorporated in 2024, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create affirming and empowering spaces and resources for the intersecting and allied LGBTQ+ communities in Greater Bridgeport. We seek to pursue uplifting social and wellness opportunities, and to unite our voices through collective action, education, and outreach. We were established with an initial gift from the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation that was announced at Greater Bridgeport Pride in 2023. Led by executive director Marcus Brown, Bridgeport Pride Center is hard at work establishing partnerships with local groups; nurturing bonds with Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ centers, organizations and service providers; and providing services and social programming, both in the local area and in its physical location at 166 Elm St. -GREATER BRIDGEPORT PRIDE- Contacts: info@bridgeportpridecenter.org BridgeportPride.com Instagram.com/bridgeport_pride Instagram.com/bridgeportpridecenter Facebook.com/greaterbridgeportpridect