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06/14/2021 12:00 AMIt was with #BranfordPRIDE that rainbow lights lit the classic facades of Branford’s Town Hall and James Blackstone Memorial Library for three nights, June 11 — 13.
The rainbow light tribute, which also featured a new rainbow flag centered in the Town Hall display, was a way for Branford to show its support for the town’s LGBTQ community, honor June’s Pride Month, and to recognize the 5th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy in Orlando, FL (6/12/2016). The tragic shooting at the nightclub took 49 lives.
Following the tragedy, on June 20, 2016, the Town of Branford first lit the rainbow lights during a special tribute event, #Branford4Orlando. The tribute also featured live musical performances under the direction of Cathyann Roding and speeches by Colin Sheehan (Producer/Director), Toni Cartisano, (past) state legislators Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. and Rep. Lonnie Reed as well as still-serving State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D, District 98), and Branford First Selectman James B. Cosgrove. In 2017, the Town of Branford repeated the event for the one year anniversary.
Sheehan, who has since taken on the role of Branford Parks and Recreation Arts & Culture Coordinator, helped the First Selectman’s office and the Town to coordinate this year’s tribute. People who visited the two rainbow-illuminated sites between June 11 - 13 were encouraged to post their photos and videos on social media with #BranfordPRIDE.
“It shows our support for Orlando five years later, but also during Pride Month, to say we support everyone in Branford that’s LGBTQ; as well as around the world,” said Sheehan.