Hartford Forum Highlights CT Tourism’s LGBTQ Push

CT Visit

HARTFORD, CT — State and LGBTQ leaders gathered at a special event in Hartford recently to celebrate how Connecticut has marketed itself to LGBTA tourists, especially those from LGBTQ-hostile Florida.

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont led opening remarks for a roundtable discussion commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month hosted by the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford.

The event brought together prominent leaders and advocates within the LGBTQ+ community.

They were there to discuss key milestones in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the progress made in Connecticut, and the critical work that still lies ahead.

“We’re telling the world that we’re all God’s children and that Connecticut is a place where you can be who you want to be — without fear. To the LGBTQ+ community: Come to Connecticut. We welcome you; we support you, and we embrace progress,” Lamont said.

“That’s evident in our history. This is who we are as a people, and we’re working hard with advocates, legislators, and statewide officials to take affirmative steps to protect people’s rights.”

With panelists from diverse fields such as healthcare, small business, tourism, and religion, the discussion highlighted the strides Connecticut has made in creating an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community.

Topics included state legislative achievements in supporting LGBTQ+ rights, expanding healthcare access, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

The program was moderated by Clare McCarthy, founder of Transqat Enterprises.

“Connecticut is more than just a place to visit—it’s a place to belong,” said Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the State of Connecticut. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels welcomed and valued.”

This roundtable comes after Connecticut’s response to Florida removing all LGBTQ+ references from its official tourism website.

Connecticut launched a digital campaign in Florida to ensure LGBTQ+ travelers feel welcome and valued and has announced it will extend the campaign.

As part of this commitment, Connecticut has seen a 13 percent increase in visitation from Florida’s LGBTQ+ community since 2022.

Moreover, 37 percent of LGBTQ+ visitors are inspired to take action after exploring CTvisit.com, demonstrating the powerful impact of Connecticut’s inclusive messaging.

“It’s more important than ever,” adds Anthony, “ to send a clear message that Connecticut is a welcoming place for all, especially for those in states like Florida, where many may feel like their voices and needs aren’t being represented.”

For more information on LGBTQ+ History Month, visit www.CTvisit.com.

To watch the full video of the event, which took place on Oct. 3, click on this link.