As everyone knows, owls are both wise and curious. Ridgefield's OWLs (Older Wiser Livelier Set) are no different. The OWLs invited Ridgefield CT Pride to their monthly meeting Friday, March 7th for a question and answer session as they aim to further their knowledge and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. OWLs member Ariana Anderson said, “Best to go to a reputable source like Ridgefield CT Pride rather than going to the internet. If you are curious, ask someone who knows.”
Whether people realize it or not, everyone probably knows someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. There are nearly 2400 Ridgefielders, including approximately 800 seniors who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The meeting took place at Founders Hall and participants enjoyed a lively and engaging conversation. OWLs president, Clemencia Saleeby set the stage with some LGBTQ+ basics, including definitions of key terms and then shared her own personal experience about her family and how she came to truly understand, appreciate and cherish her niece who is gay. She explained her early misunderstanding and how it kept her distant from her niece. Years later, at her niece's baby shower, Saleeby discovered a warm, caring and welcoming atmosphere, and their relationship is now extremely close. The experience changed Ms. Saleeby’s perspective profoundly, moving her from reticent to a fierce advocate. “Experiencing the compassion and love my niece, her wife and the LGBTQ+ community have demonstrated has enriched my life." said Saleeby.
Alisa Trachtenberg, Founder and Chairperson of Ridgefield CT Pride, shared her story and answered questions. According to Trevor Project's 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People “LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities.” Several OWLs had questions regarding transgender individuals, including about medication and surgeries. Ms. Trachtenberg pointed out that almost everyone takes some type of medication, all medications have side effects, and that everyone has a right to make decisions about their own health care. Trachtenberg further explained that puberty blockers have been around for decades and pause puberty temporarily via various methods, including small implants similar to some methods of birth control. When the blockers are stopped, puberty resumes. First Selectperson Rudy Marconi was in attendance to share town-related topics with the OWLs, also to show his support for Ridgefield Pride.
Ridgefield CT Pride is a 501c3 non-profit. In addition to doing educational presentations and conversations Ridgefield CT Pride runs support groups for caregivers, parents and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals and a variety of groups for youth and adults. Ridgefield CT Pride also runs Ridgefield Pride in the Park which will take place on Sunday, June 1st from 12 to 3pm. The event is a free family friendly event. To donate or for information go to https://ridgefieldctpride.com/
Photo shows: Elaine Sulpizio, Patti Anesetti, Beulah Fisher, Irene Brooker, Victor Torchia, Clem Saleeby,
Back row: Ben Ortiz, Arlana Anderson, John Fisher.