The importance of a functional, LGBTQ-forward government in NJ’s second-largest city
The rise of MAGA has precipitated the need for strong local government: to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
As the second most populous city in the state, Jersey City has long been a welcoming home to the LGBTQ community. In many ways, JC leads the way — but we could do better.
We could always do better. That’s why I’m fully endorsing James Solomon for Jersey City mayor.
James is an active ally to our community. He doesn’t just show up to queer events to smile and wave — he advocates for us in the city council without compromise.
I recently grilled him on his policy positions and was very impressed with his eloquence and well-considered answers. James discussed how he won’t cooperate with a “federal administration hostile” to our community, how he will work with the Jersey City Board of Education, Hyacinth, and Hudson Pride to protect our queer youth, his commitment to expanding access to gender-affirming care and PrEP, and his contingency plans if the Supreme Court decides to strike down federal marriage equality.
Some of you may remember me from my days as Editor at Out In Jersey — and I’m sure you’re wondering: “Tom, why are you advocating for a straight man over McGreevey?”
Good question.
McGreevey has had his time to shine — and has failed. While he is a gay man, his past indiscretions suggest that he’s not the right person for the job. Remember his “I am a gay American” speech? It was precipitated by him elevating a man he was having an affair with to a sensitive position as Homeland Security Advisor.
That’s just one example.
James on the other hand is young, progressive, and bold. He’s not beholden to a Democratic old-guard that continually throws our community under the bus, especially trans and gender non-conforming folks. James is committed to continuing our work to make Jersey City an affordable, queer-affirming city. He’s been endorsed by Paul Mendoza and Miguel Cardenas (the co-founders of Jersey City Pride) and longtime JC LGBTQ activists Beth Achenbach, Harmonica Sunbeam, and Walt Boraczek.
We don’t need a token gay man in the pockets of big donors. We need functional local government for the people — all people.
