Ridgefield GOP Town Committee Share's Mary Fay's Pride Message

**News release submitted by Ridgefield Republican Town Committee**

On June 4th, the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee was joined by local and state dignitaries for Pride in the Park among them were Toni Boucher, Jennifer Hack Collins, Kim Healy, Bob Hebert, Dominic Rapini, Jayme Stevenson and Wayne Floegel who came to show support for the community and our very own Mary Fay, a LBGTQ person who is serving her third term as West Hartford Town Councilor and Minority leader.

Mary Fay was not permitted to speak but her message of unity and hope deserves to be heard and shared. Below are the remarks Mary planned to deliver.

"Hello Ridgefield! It’s nice to be here in this beautiful park on a glorious day. It’s terrific to be here with all these beautiful people, supporting our community, Yes. You heard that right. I’m a proud member of the LGBTQ community. I’m here with my family. My wife, Mary; my daughter Katie; and our puppy Daisy. I’m a third term town councilor in West Hartford and minority leader. I’m the Republicans endorsed candidate for Comptroller.

Today, as we commemorate Pride month, let’s remember and honor those who paved the way for us. In my day, the coming out process was excruciatingly painful. Many were disowned by family, friends, and discriminated against in employment and housing.

We need to protect our youth from experiencing feeling less than. We are not less than. We are and always have been and will be equal. Never forget that. As we leave this beautiful day, let’s remember the importance, compassion, unity, and belonging we experienced. Bring this with you everyday in your every day walk of life, and never forget you matter, you all matter, and love conquers all.

Thank you all for being here, and being your true, authentic selves. Love conquers all."

**News release submitted by Ridgefield Republican Town Committee**