“United in Pride” will be online Sunday to celebrate NJ Pride

06/03/2020

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The partnership between GSE and Jersey Pride will feature two hours of entertainment and LGBTQ Pride

The Stonewall Uprising took place 51 years ago, and it was a violent riot against police brutality led by trans and queer women of color. One of those women was Marsha P. Johnson, a native of Elizabeth. In the years since, brave members of New Jersey’s LGBTQ community have continued in her footsteps.

Jersey Pride kicks off LGBTQ Pride month on the first Sunday in June. But this year as our nation struggles in this moment of crisis due to a pandemic, the festival will be held in October. To celebrate during Pride month in June, Garden State Equality has partnered with Jersey Pride to produce a virtual event United in Pride. “It’s more important than ever that we remember our history,” said Laura Pople, Jersey Pride’s executive director. “We act now in the spirit of Stonewall, and inspire those who will carry us into the future.”

LGBTQ Pride nationwide will be different this year for many reasons. “We cannot gather in Asbury Park on the first weekend in June, as we have done since 1992, for New Jersey’s Annual Statewide Pride Celebration,” said Pople. “However, we will still celebrate our pride this year. We have postponed this year’s Pride event to coincide with National Coming Out Day on Sunday, Oct. 11.”

So on Sunday June 7, from noon until 2 pm, instead of kicking off a pride parade through the streets of Asbury Park the organizers have found a virtual way for the community to stand united. The virtual celebration invites those participating, as well as those viewing, to reflect on what Pride means to them and how the spirit of pride can carry us forward during these challenging times.

This year’s unique online event will feature the entertainment you’ve come to expect—including La Bouche, Janice Robinson, Felipe Rose, and BETTY—along with plenty of very special guest speakers, local and regional LGBTQ performers, and a few surprise attractions.

Throughout the online show, United in Pride, will be raising funds to support organizations in New Jersey fighting for racial justice. “Our community understands what it means to rise up and push back against a culture that tells us we are less than, that our lives don’t matter,” said Pople. “This Pride Month, we’ll be standing united with Black Americans to dismantle injustice.”