It’s “Trails Day” in Connecticut and beyond, a day to celebrate the outdoors by getting outside.

The American Hiking Society started the annual event and the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association keeps it going here in Connecticut.

They’ll tell you a day outside, is a day well spent.

“I thought, here is a chance to try out a new trail,” said Jeff Dickey–Chasins, of Middletown.

He had been wanting to check out the southern section of Middletown along the Connecticut River, so he took Trails Day as a chance to explore with a group.

The day is dedicated to recreation on the state’s trails.

“Even though there are a few sprinkles we have people ready to go for the hike,” said Gail Hanson, the leader of Dickey-Chasins hike.

She said this is her third year leading hikes, but has been volunteering with the organization for five years. As a former science teacher, for her, it’s a chance to help people appreciate the world they are in.

“I talk to people about the rocks, the birds, the flowers, I point things out, the more you notice, the more fun it could be,” Hanson said.

The CFPA puts on about 200 hikes and events in 110 towns around the state. The idea is to get more people exposed to the outdoors and enjoying what Connecticut has to offer.

They maintain about 825 miles of our states trail system so this is also a chance to check in on trails at the start of the busy hiking season.

“Really what we want to do is make the outdoors accessible and families especially to experience something new,” said Chuck Toal, leader of Trails Day for the CFPA.

He notes there are activities geared toward everyone, of all experience levels.

“Things like paddles and bike trips, history hikes, yoga hikes, birding events, there are urban events, there are farm walks,” Toal said.

He said Connecticut’s trails are stellar and more people should be outside using them. This is a chance to do that and celebrate our great state.

“It’s really become a great celebration of all our outdoors here in the state,” he explained.

Despite a few Saturday showers, those participating in the Middletown hike, say a wet day in the woods is still better than a day spent indoors.

“To be outside, what she was saying earlier, its very relaxing, even if it’s raining its relaxing,” explained Dickey-Chasins.

Some Saturday events did get postponed, and there are still Sunday hikes to attend. The CFPA asks you register for the events if you would like to participate.

When I first ran for office, I was one of only two openly gay members of the Connecticut General Assembly. Today, I’m proud to serve as co-chair of a growing LGBTQ+ Caucus, one that’s not only increasing in number but in impact.

That growth matters. Because while we gather this June to mark Pride Month, we do so at a time when LGBTQ+ rights, especially the rights of trans people, are under coordinated attack across the country. Under the current federal administration, we’ve seen efforts to erase LGBTQ+ history from classrooms, target trans youth in healthcare and sports, and target our identities to distract from real issues.

Connecticut has chosen a different path. We’re showing what it looks like when a state leads with dignity and action, not division.

This year, we passed bipartisan legislation that prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care facilities, ensuring our elders can live openly and receive the care they deserve without hiding who they are. No one should be forced back into the closet just to access basic services.

We also protected funding for the LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network, which provides grants to LGBTQ+ nonprofit, healthcare, and advocacy organizations across the state. The network collaborates with local affinity groups and advocates to inform the legislature on the evolving needs of our community. I’m especially proud of this program, because it was the first bill I introduced and took to the House floor back in 2019.

But we didn’t stop there. In a year when states are criminalizing gender-affirming care and restricting access to abortion, we passed legislation to shield providers in Connecticut who offer this care. This sends a clear message: if you’re under attack in your home state, Connecticut will stand with you.

And while other states are banning books and threatening librarians, we’re doing the opposite. We advanced legislation to protect public libraries, librarians, and the freedom to access information without intimidation or censorship. We did this because defending free expression and the right to learn is foundational to a healthy democracy and to a truly inclusive society.

For me, Pride is deeply personal. I spent 18 years in the closet, raised by an immigrant father and an Irish Catholic mother. That combination came with its own set of challenges, but today, after many difficult conversations and a lot of growth, they’re two of my biggest supporters. I’m grateful for that, and I know not everyone is so fortunate.

And even within our own community, we don’t always get it right. I’m a gay man, I don’t know what it’s like to be trans or nonbinary, and sometimes I get it wrong. We all do. But we’ve got to give each other the space and grace to keep learning, and to keep showing up.

That’s true for allies, too. Allyship isn’t seasonal. It doesn’t stop at a pin, a post, or a parade. It’s about using your voice when it matters, especially when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about backing up your values with real action, not just words.

To every LGBTQ+ person across Connecticut and beyond, especially those feeling exhausted, afraid, or unseen right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. We’re here. We’re fighting for you. And we’re not going anywhere.

We’ve come too far, and the stakes are too high, to go quiet now.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan is the Democratic Chief Majority Whip. He represents the 2nd District (Danbury) in the Connecticut House of Representatives.