I love living in New Jersey. I was reminded of just how much on June 17, 2024, at Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor’s official residence in Princeton. It was the annual LGBTQ Pride Month Reception. It’s a beautiful, historic mansion on elegant grounds, just outside of downtown Princeton. First Lady Tammy Murphy said, “It is my honor to welcome all of you to Drumthwacket, also known as ‘The People’s House,’ in celebration of Pride!”
And what a celebration it was. Our Master of Ceremonies was Aaron Creuz, Deputy Chief Counsel and director of authorities for the Office of the Governor. He introduced the first lady, Tammy Murphy, who told us about the many events they host at the mansion, including the one we were at, which she asserted, “stands out as one of the most joyful and beautiful celebrations of all.”
She introduced Gov. Phil Murphy, who said, “We are proud that New Jersey is moving forward with empathy, understanding, and compassion at a time when so many other states are falling backward. But the war on transgender and nonbinary youth will have no victories in New Jersey.” He then announced the launch of transgender.nj.gov to connect New Jerseyans to those providing support and gender-affirming health care.
The governor was also eager to announce Executive Order No. 361, which establishes an Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools. The commission will ensure that New Jersey schools are safe and supportive, and provide an equitable learning environment for all students.
Murphy said that our young people’s well-being is a responsibility that he does not take lightly. I met Kate Okeson at the reception. She is a longtime advocate for LGBTQ youth and will be the Executive Director of the commission.
The crowd gathered in the backyard in the stunning gardens and were entertained by 11th grade Piscataway High School student Jada King. Her profound poetry electrified the audience of leaders and influencers from the New Jersey LGBTQ community. The governor then read a proclamation honoring the Marsha P. Johnson Family Foundation. The honors were accepted by family members in attendance, and the foundation interim president, James Carey.
The evening ended with a joyful performance by Vogue Boot Camp. The dancing was even more exciting than the name implies. It made me proud to be a gay New Jerseyan, standing on such hallowed grounds, sharing love and welcome with so many consequential people.
Both the governor and first lady ended their speeches by telling us that they would stand with us, and behind us, no matter what. New Jersey is a great place to live. It was good to be reminded of that, and to celebrate.
