John Bonelli Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-Bonelli

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection includes materials relating to the activism work of John Bonelli, including his campaign for city council and his work with People for Change. Many of the materials, which include advertisements, campaign materials, speeches, and notes, relate to advocacy around LGBTQ+ rights and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Other issues addressed include homelessness, drug use, social services, the Colt strike, and health and safety in Hartford.

Dates

1985 - 2004

Conditions Governing Access

The records are stored in a restricted area and therefore may not be available on a same-day basis. Please contact the Hartford History Center in advance of your visit to have the material available in the research room.

Conditions Governing Use

See Hartford History Center's Collection Use policy. Permission to publish from the collection must be obtained in writing from curator of the Hartford History Center, and a copy of the published work may be requested by the Hartford History Center. The Hartford History Center reserves the right to refuse permission to publish, etc. to those who have not complied with its policies. Use of the collections will normally not be permitted for the purpose of promotion of commercial products and services or political campaigns. Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library reserves the right to limit the number of photographic prints/captures and to restrict the use or reproduction of rare, fragile, or valuable objects.

Biographical / Historical

John Bonelli (born 1968) was an activist born and raised in Hartford. He attended St. Thomas Seminary High School and Trinity College, where he graduated in 1985 with a degree in Religious Studies. During his time at Trinity, he became involved in activism and came out as gay.

In 1987, Bonelli joined the steering committee of People for Change (formerly People for a Change), a third-party coalition of community and labor activists.

In 1989, Bonelli ran for city council on the People for Change slate alongside school board member Sandra Little and councilman Eugenio Caro. According to contemporary sources, Bonelli was the first openly gay man to run for municipal office in Connecticut. Bonelli's candidacy was endorsed by State Representative Juan Figueroa.