Governor Mikie Sherrill welcomed elected officials, advocates and community members to the Governor’s Mansion as New Jersey marked Pride Month and reflected on decades of LGBTQ+ progress.
Governor Mikie Sherrill hosted a Pride Month celebration at Drumthwacket, the official residence of New Jersey’s governor, bringing together elected officials, advocates and residents to recognize the state’s LGBTQ+ community and its history of activism.
“Happy Pride from Drumthwacket!” Sherrill wrote in a social media post. “It was great to celebrate alongside so many elected officials, advocates, and community members who have helped make New Jersey one of the safest, best places to be who you are and to love whom you love.”
Governor pledges support for LGBTQ+ rights
During the celebration, Sherrill emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ residents and preserving rights gained through decades of advocacy.
“We will keep standing against attacks on hard-won freedoms and rights, and we’ll keep moving forward together,” the governor said.
The event highlighted New Jersey’s longstanding role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and equality, a legacy that dates back more than three decades.
Pride movement began with historic 1992 parade
New Jersey’s Pride history was pioneered by the New Jersey Lesbian & Gay Coalition, which organized the state’s first statewide gay Pride parade in June 1992. The inaugural event was held in Asbury Park, chosen for its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive shore destination.
The parade took place on June 7, 1992, and drew an estimated 1,500 attendees. The milestone followed the addition of sexual orientation protections to New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination earlier that year.
What began as a single statewide march has since evolved into the annual Jersey Pride festival in Asbury Park, attracting tens of thousands of participants and visitors each year.
Pride celebrations expanded across New Jersey
As support for LGBTQ+ communities grew, municipalities across the state launched their own Pride events. Jersey City held its first Pride celebration in 2001, followed by Trenton’s Capital Rainbow Fest in 2002.
Newark established its Pride festival in 2005 in memory of Sakia Gunn, drawing attention to violence and safety concerns affecting LGBTQ+ youth. The North Jersey Pride Festival was later founded in 2011.
New Jersey continues to formally recognize Pride Month through annual legislative resolutions and local proclamations, reinforcing statewide support for LGBTQIA+ residents and communities.
Key Points
• Governor Mikie Sherrill hosted a Pride Month celebration at Drumthwacket.
• The event highlighted New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ history and ongoing advocacy efforts.
• New Jersey’s first statewide Pride parade was held in Asbury Park in 1992 and has since grown into one of the state’s largest annual celebrations.