Two Pride groups are part of CoDE — Small Town Pride – CT, serving Hebron, Marlborough, Andover and Columbia, and East Hampton CT Pride.
Small Town Pride became part of CoDE in December 2023, and East Hampton Pride became part of CoDE in December 2024. The missions are in alignment and the decision to unite was unanimously approved by CoDE Board of Directors. The groups maintain their identity, social media presence, and plan their programming, with administrative, marketing and program planning support from CoDE.
Small Town Pride - CT
Coalition on Diversity & Equity (CoDE) and Small Town Pride CT Unite
On December 6, 2023, CoDE’s Board of Directors unanimously approved making Small Town Pride – CT part of CoDE.
“We already had a deep commitment to one another and have supported each other’s missions, programs and activities,” said Amy D’Amaddio, president of CoDE. “Our broad goals – to create more welcoming and inclusive communities – mirror one another. This more formal alliance makes perfect sense – for both of our organizations and for the communities we serve.”
“We love that CoDE is including us into their mission of building ‘more diverse, equitable and vibrant communities’,” said Grace and Nickie Collins, co-founders of Small Town Pride – CT. “By working with CoDE, we can expand our community and support each other to spread the support and kindness.”
The Coalition on Diversity & Equity (CoDE) was formed in July 2020 by a group of town residents following the death of George Floyd and the first-ever rally for racial justice in Hebron. Since then, CoDE has become a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the towns of Hebron, Marlborough, Andover, and Columbia. Small Town Pride – CT was formed in 2022 to make sure that members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially kids and teens, have a place to feel safe and supported.
“During our discussions over the past months, we became increasingly excited about joining together,” said Donna Jolly, vice president of CoDE. “We knew from the start that we share common goals, values, and positive approaches to making change in our communities. We seek to work with others in the community and to make sure that all voices are heard. We aren’t afraid to speak up – but we do so with respect and an open mind. And we care deeply about our community and want to see it be the best it can be.”
Both groups have sponsored community events. CoDE has hosted nine community conversations, a workshop on understanding and addressing racism, Juneteenth Celebrations and Martin Luther King Jr. event. Small Town Pride – CT hosted the first Pride event in Hebron and a “Safe with Me” pin-making event. Both groups have received support from other nonprofits, faith communities, town leaders and departments and libraries, as well as from area foundations, businesses, and individual donors.
“Small Town Pride – CT has given people the chance to meet and get to know each other,” said 16-year-old Grace Collins. “I have definitely met some wonderful people that I don’t think I would have met without this group. We learned that many people in our small town are actually more supportive than we had felt before and they wanted to learn more.” Grace and her mom, Nickie formed and run the group.
All are welcome to join! Follow Small Town Pride on Facebook and sign up for CoDE’s monthly newsletter to stay in the know.
East Hampton CT Pride
East Hampton Pride was on founded June 4, 2021 by Stephanie Heine. East Hampton Pride exists as a safe and accepting community for East Hampton CT LGBTQ+ residents and allies to stand unified in opposition against hate and intolerance by celebrating Pride in our hometown.
East Hampton has hosted successful events such as an annual Pride Stroll, viewing of the documentary Will & Harper, and True to be You photo project.
For more information, visit www.easthamptonpride.com.
