DEEP RIVER, CT — A community presentation aimed at addressing transgender misinformation turned into a powerful show of unity Wednesday night, after hate-filled flyers were distributed around the town in what police are now investigating as a potential hate crime.
The event, hosted at the Deep River Public Library by the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, featured transgender advocate and therapist Jillian Celentano. It was designed to educate attendees about the realities of being transgender and to combat common myths and misunderstandings. The presentation quickly reached capacity, with dozens more choosing to stand outside in quiet solidarity, holding signs of support.
Outside the library, however, a darker message circulated. Flyers filled with harmful rhetoric and false statistics targeting Celentano and the LGBTQ+ community were discovered across town—left at bus stops, tossed onto driveways, and even scattered near Deep River Elementary School.
“We all have our internet town trolls, and that was to be expected,” said Abby Roccapriore, Program Manager of Tri-Town Youth Services. “But these flyers cross a legal line. What happened here is considered a hate crime in Connecticut.”
The flyers singled out Celentano by name, urging people to “keep children away” from her and perpetuating dangerous misinformation. For Hilary Montenegro and her partner, Aryana Galbraith, who display a rainbow flag in their window, finding one of the flyers outside their apartment felt deeply personal.
“We picked it up off the ground, read it, and felt extreme concern,” Galbraith said. “It was right where we always park. It felt targeted.”
Despite the disturbing messages, the community responded not with fear, but with fierce support. More people attended the event in response to the flyers, determined to stand with their transgender neighbors.
“I saw lots of people and my first thought was, ‘oh no, the protestors came out in force,’” said Rob Bibbiani, Executive Director of Tri-Town Youth Services. “Then I saw a rainbow—and I was so relieved.”
Security was increased for the evening, with local police and a state trooper present to ensure safety. Deep River First Selectwoman Carol Jones confirmed that police are investigating the flyers and have asked residents with security cameras to review their footage for potential leads.
Celentano, who has given similar talks before, said this one drew more backlash than usual—but that only underscored the importance of the conversation.
“It was disturbing,” she admitted. “But I’m not here to change people’s minds. I’m here to expand them. This made it even more important to show up.”
As for the individuals behind the flyers, organizers and attendees had a clear message: they will not be silenced.
“The people who hide behind these flyers and posts are not going to win,” Roccapriore said. Celentano echoed the sentiment: “If they can find them, fine. If not, I’m moving on. What matters most is helping my community.”
For many in Deep River, last night wasn’t just about responding to hate—it was about reaffirming that education, visibility, and love remain louder than fear.
