After helping headline the Connecticut Office of Tourism’s double-decker bus at Sunday’s NYC Pride march, Susan Bartsch looked a little tired Monday morning.
Staying in blazing 90-degree sunlight for hours might be the brightest at most, but Bartsch wasn’t complaining. The tourism office in the neighboring state of New York recruited nightlife experts to create a mobile version of the Bartsland “on top” party. She was joined on Bus Float by fashion designer Christian Siriano, who has a home in Connecticut. Artist Joy Arias was also accompanied by “RuPaul Drag Race” alum Milk and Connecticut Office of Tourism director Noel Stevenson.
The Office’s involvement and investment in this year’s NYC Pride March is part of its more than $3 million “Find Your Vibe” media campaign, which plays the state’s upsides, including the LGBTQ community, businesses and events, a spokesperson said Monday. Is.
Once word got out that Bartsch was curating, the tourism office was filled with over 100 volunteers offering their support and services. To spur interest, Bartsland and Connecticut Office Tourism promoted the event through their combined more than 300,000 social media followers.
More than 100 people offered to volunteer after learning that Bartsch was involved.
photo courtesy
CTVisit wanted to take its lead in LGBTQ issues such as gay marriage and parenting rights. The double-decker bus was also meant to remind the state that the constitution is proactive about welcoming LGBTQ passengers. The state recently became the first state to join the International LGBTQ Travel Association as a global partner.
Earlier this year, Connecticut lawmakers passed a law providing health care protections for transgender people. And earlier this year, the Connecticut Parentage Act went into effect, ensuring equal treatment regardless of parents’ marital status.
Connecticut-based corporations such as Xerox, Gartner, The Hartford and Pitney Bowes earned a score of 100 on this year’s Corporate Equality Index. Darien is one of the smaller towns in the state that has hosted its first significant Pride Party this year.
“The way things are now, things are really tough,” Bartsch said. “The more corporations and larger organizations get behind inclusivity, LGBTQ+ issues and Black Lives Matter, [the better], We are retreating. I’m happy to support someone who will help make the big picture more inclusive and to the point that everyone is welcome. They are falling behind which many people are opposing. This was really my inspiration. ,
Susan Bartschow
Another encouragement was Sunday’s opportunity to bring different communities together in support of the LGBTQ community. Bartsch said she has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ community, although she does not identify as LGBTQ. “Very pleased” that CTVisit recognized her work and asked her to join it, Bartsch said, “I am very interested in working with corporations that advance the cause. To leave everything behind.” For that we need a lot of action and a lot of people. It’s devastating how we are holding back.”
In Sunday’s NYC march, which Bartsch said she hadn’t attended for years prior to this weekend, she said, “It was more welcoming than ever. There are so many corporations that embrace the movement and the community as a whole.” Which is good. The more we can be one, the better. It is very important to get that message out there.
“We just need to embrace people from all walks of life. It was great. It was beautiful.”
Siriano also had a hand in CTVsit’s “#FindYourVibe” summer campaign, which encourages Connecticut visitors to find their own fun or relaxation. A clip from the designer’s most recent New York Fashion Week show, held at the border at her Westport, Connecticut house, is pictured.
Originally published at Pen 18
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