By Keila Torres Osacio for the Stamford Advocate

STAMFORD — When the Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Committee chose state Supreme Court Justice Andrew McDonald as its 2016 grand marshal last month, they had a host of reasons.

From his time serving on municipal boards to his current position, McDonald has served Stamford in multiple capacities and has been involved with the annual Irish parade for years. “He meets all the criteria,” said Michael Feighan, chair of the committe.

By the Stamford Advocate

STAMFORD — Andrew McDonald, a city native and state Supreme Court justice, will lead Stamford’s March 5 St. Patrick’s Day parade.

McDonald was selected as the downtown parade’s grand marshal by the Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. He will be honored at a dinner at the Stamford Sheraton Hotel on March 4.

By Leslie Lake for the Norwalk Hour

NORWALK -- Beyond the rainbow flag hanging outside the Norwalk Senior Center dining room doorway, Jacki Alessio, MSW of Triangle Community Center (TCC) set out an array of books with titles such as "Living Two Lives," and "Strong Women: Deep Closets," for the monthly LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender) book discussion group at the center.

"More older adults are coming out than in the past with legislation being passed and not only celebrities but sports figures coming forward and telling their stories," Alessio said. "We're allowing people to feel safe and borrow these books and talk about whatever they'd like to talk about."

By Leslie Lake for the Norwalk Hour

NORWALK -- After overwhelming passage in the State Senate and the House, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed into law a bill that updates the state's birth certificate procedures to enable transgender people to change their birth certificates to the appropriate gender without having to undergo surgical procedures.

By Alex Gecan for the Stamford Advocate

STAMFORD — Up until Friday, the legality of Joseph Belisle and David Vintinner’s marriage could be real one second and disappear the next if they happened to drive over certain state lines. The U.S. Supreme Court has washed away that uncertainty.

Five out of nine justices carried the day, ordering that all 50 states recognize same-sex marriages. Same-sex couples could already marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

By Korey Wilson for the Norwalk Hour

NORWALK -- After becoming legal in Connecticut nearly seven years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court declared Friday that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States.

Gay and lesbian couples already could marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The court's 5-4 ruling means the remaining 14 states, in the South and Midwest, will have to stop enforcing their bans on same-sex marriage.

By Leslie Lake for the Norwalk Hour

NORWALK — With an 800-foot rainbow flag draped around Mathews Mansion as the backdrop, the second annual Pride in the Park celebration was in full swing on Saturday with a variety of music, food vendors and cultural activities.

Triangle Community Center (TCC) Executive Director Anthony Crisci's goal of making Pride in the Park the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) event in Fairfield County became a reality for the second year as hundreds of people celebrated diversity at Mathews Park.

By News 12 Connecticut

NORWALK - Hundreds gathered in Norwalk Saturday to celebrate Fairfield County pride at Matthews Park.

The Triangle Community Center - a group that provides LGBT support programs - joined with the World Health Clinicians to host its "Pride in the Park" event.

Those who attended enjoyed music and had the opportunity to visit representatives of nearly 60 different organizations.

By Farrah Duffany for the Record-Journal

Janis Booth can still recall the moment nearly 40 years ago when she watched celebrity athlete Bruce Jenner set a world record in the men’s decathlon event and win the Olympic gold medal.

“I remember sitting in front of my TV set and watching that gold medal get put around his neck. Never did I ever dream that the secret I was carrying, he was carrying too,” said Booth, a transgender woman.

By Sarah Quagliariello for the Norwalk Hour

NORWALK — Now that June, anticipated by some as Pride Month, is here, the Triangle Community Center and World Health Clinicians are gearing up for Fairfield County's celebration of the LGBTQ community Pride.

On June 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Triangle Community Center and World Health Clinicians will hold their Fairfield County Pride Press Conference and Rally in preparation for their Pride in the Park event. The press conference will be held at the Norwalk City Hall Entrance at 125 East Ave.