John Bonelli (left; Source: https://library.ccsu.edu/help/spcoll/equity/AIDScouncil.php)
“Winning those two seats in 1987, being in that room when that victory happened, was an amazing feeling. Because we got the community-based people elected and we beat the Republicans. And then [we got] the platform expanded to include more LGBT issues. Then in subsequent elections, I ran as an openly gay candidate, so we broke that barrier. We got more women of color elected for city council. We pushed to get more Puerto Ricans. Then we passed Needle exchange, which was a prevention tool. During that time we created the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual city Commission. We passed domestic partnership before marriage was here…”
– John Bonelli reflecting on the victories of community organizing in Hartford, CT
Background
John Bonelli was born in 1963 and grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood in Hartford. He attended a Catholic seminary in Bloomfield for high school and got his undergraduate degree at Trinity College. Growing up, he experienced the gradual demographic changes in his neighborhood, with Puerto Ricans and African Americans moving in, which were accompanied by racist practices at both the systemic level (redlining) and individual level (White neighbor’s responses to POC newcomers). Despite being from a predominantly white neighborhood, John was exposed to diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds through his interactions at school and his father’s work at City Hall. John has been actively involved in organizing and activism in Hartford since the late 1980s. His involvement spans various social and political issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and community representation in governance.
Involvement in Organizing and Activism
John’s involvement in organizing and activism began during his college years at Trinity. He joined the Student Government and later became the chair of a community outreach program aimed at bridging the campus with the community. This initiative provided various service opportunities, including serving meals to the homeless, working with people with disabilities and the elderly, and tutoring. He also participated in anti-apartheid movements, LGBT rights activism, and efforts to challenge sexism on campus. John’s activism continued after college, as he became involved in housing rights activism and worked with organizations like the Hartford Neighborhood Housing Coalition and the Coalition to End Homelessness.
John played a significant role in founding and leading People for Change, a coalition focused on advancing progressive causes in Hartford. In this interview, John emphasizes the need for good people on the inside to effect change and acknowledges the challenges of maintaining long-lasting and loyal allyships among politically involved activists.
Issues
Throughout his life, John has been committed to addressing various social justice issues, including racial discrimination, housing inequality, LGBT rights, and economic struggles faced by marginalized communities. His activism has focused on creating awareness, building alliances, and advocating for policy changes to address these issues effectively.
Throughout his activism, John has championed numerous issues, including expanding representation for marginalized communities, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and pushing for progressive policies at the city level. He highlights successes such as diversifying the city council, passing needle exchange programs, and advocating for queer domestic partnership recognition.
Other Organizations and Movements
John has been connected with numerous organizations and movements throughout his activism journey. Some notable ones include:
- Home Front: A progressive gathering space in Hartford’s North End, where John was involved in organizing efforts.
- People for Change: A Hartford-based coalition that aimed to unify progressive groups and neighborhood organizing efforts. John was invited to join this coalition by fellow activist Steve.
- Connecticut Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights: John joined this coalition after graduating from Trinity and became actively involved in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Save Our Homeless People Association: John worked with this organization, which focused on addressing homelessness issues in Hartford.