Southington Church Celebrates LGBTQ Community

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A local church unveiled a special art exhibit that celebrates the contributions of the LGBTQ community.

The First Congregational Church of Southington, 37 Mains St., recently announced the opening of "Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families."

It is an art exhibit curated by Family Diversity Projects, which is based in Northampton, Mass.

Family Diversity Projects is devoted to helping eliminate prejudice, stereotyping, bullying, and harassment of people who are discriminated against due to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, religion, and disabilities of all kinds.

The exhibit was unveiled on Sunday, April 7, and it will run at the church on May 7.

According to the church, the exhibit "is a powerful showcase of art that celebrates and honors the
experiences, identities, and stories of trans and nonbinary individuals and their families."

It features portrait photography and it aims to create a space for dialogue, understanding, and appreciation of diversity, wrote the church in an announcement.

"The First Congregational Church of Southington is proud to host this important exhibit
as part of our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community
for all," wrote the church.

"As a church, we believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and
seek to foster an environment where all are embraced and celebrated."

In conjunction with the exhibit, a reception will take place Monday, April 15, from
6 to 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Southington.

This reception will provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with the art, learn more about the
portraits on display, and join in meaningful conversations about identity, acceptance, and love, according to the church.

"We are thrilled to host 'Authentic Selves' at our church and to provide a space for the voices and experiences of trans and nonbinary individuals and their families to be heard and celebrated," said the Rev. Laura Kisthardt.

"We invite the community to join us in embracing diversity and promoting love and acceptance for all."

Admission to the exhibit and reception is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the First Congregational Church of Southington at 860-628- 6958 or visit https://www.fccsouthington.org.