Pride Rainbow Crosswalks at Wilton Library and YMCA Bring Message of Affirmation for Wilton’s LGBTQ+ Community

Wilton Library and the Riverbrook Regional/Wilton YMCA aren’t just talking the talk when it comes to supporting Wilton’s LGBTQ+ community — the two organizations are literally walking the walk, putting their allyship into action with rainbow crosswalks painted for June’s Pride Month.

Both organizations readily said, ‘Yes!’ when Wilton Pride asked if they would be interested in having their crosswalks painted with rainbow flag designs that have now become associated with LGBTQ+ Pride.

About 50 people of all ages came out on Sunday afternoon, May 19, to paint the crosswalks — three at Wilton Library and one at the Wilton Y.

Wilton Pride Co-Founder Farah Masani explained that the crosswalk painting effort is meant to promote inclusion and safety for the LGBTQ+ community. Visible symbols like the crosswalks or rainbow-decorated shop windows during June are ways to communicate acceptance to members of a community that may not always feel accepted.

“Positive signs of affirmation make the queer community feel safe, welcome and wanted. Research from The Trevor Project shows that just one affirming person can reduce the risk of suicide in LGBTQ youth by 40%,” Masani said, adding that coming on the heels of May’s designation as Mental Health Awareness Month, Wilton Pride wanted to promote a message about keeping all kids healthy.

Masani was elated about the community support the crosswalk project has received, starting with the library and YMCA. “Before I could even finish asking my question, we just got a resounding, ‘Heck yes!'” she said.

“We think it’s a great way because the Y is for all, the Y is an inclusive organization. It’s a safe space, you can be who you are at the Y. It also shows that we are an ally,” said Jarred Barnes, the Riverbrook YMCA’s Chief Development Officer and Head of Marketing. “It’s just a small thing we can do, other than our words, we’re using our actions to show that we are for the community and everybody.”

Just as huge is the support from Wilton’s business community. Not only are several businesses participating once again in the Adopt-a-Shop window decorating effort during Pride Month, but Kimco Realty, the owner of Wilton River Plaza at 5 River Rd. where Stop & Shop is located, has agreed to have Wilton Pride paint the crosswalk at the plaza’s main entrance.

“The Wilton Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in making that happen,” Masani said, adding that Ring’s End donated much of the material and supplies for the crosswalk painting effort. She also thanked Wilton residents Lisa and Tim Gibonny who volunteered to organize the crosswalk project.

Notably, some of Wilton Pride’s biggest allies have been found among Wilton clergy members and houses of worship. Masani pointed to a letter written last year by five clergy leaders to town officials asking them to reconsider a decision against issuing a proclamation supporting Wilton’s LGBTQ+ community.

“Rev. Marissa Robach of St. Matthew’s Church and Rev. Caroline Hughes of Wilton Congregational are on our Wilton Pride board. And Cantor Harriet Dunkerley of Temple B’nai Chaim will pick up her phone at three in the morning. And Rev. Mark Montgomery from Wilton Presbyterian is super supportive,” Masani noted.

One of the other highlights of Pride Month is the 2nd Annual Pride Festival planned for Saturday, June 1 on the Town Green in Wilton Center. And Wilton Pride will also be marching again in the Memorial Day Parade with the theme, “Courage Knows No Gender,” to honor LGBTQ veterans.

“We’re respecting and celebrating our troops that had to fight in silence. That for years, decades, we had queer soldiers that fought and gave their lives silently in silence. Also, we’re figuring out a way to make sure people know that the trans flag — the blue and pink flag — was actually designed by a Navy veteran. And so it all kind of ties in,” Masani said.

The number of people participating in all of Wilton Pride’s events, especially the many people who came out to volunteer at Sunday afternoon’s crosswalk painting, was overwhelmingly positive for Masani.

“It is absolutely heartwarming, I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes that people want this. People want to be part of history. People want to show their pride. They want to be allies that are doing action. We have more people than paintbrushes,” Masani said.