The rally was founded to give access to queer youth of rural New Jersey.
Organizers believe that these pillars keep their community focused, safe, and politically active.
Sussex Pride maintains its three components of pride: Pride, action and advocacy. “We want to make sure the Sussex County Pride Rally is safe for everyone to attend, and we are lucky that we have had more people than ever before sign up to volunteer,” said Heath. This will be the county’s third Pride rally. “Trying to organize an event for LGBTQ+ people in a rural area like Sussex County is difficult enough, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve faced a different set of hills to climb than in years past,” said organizer Zoe Heath.Ģ020 Pride was cancelled for many, including Sussex. Folks should also look out for the several local organizations that stepped up to have booths and volunteers throughout the rally space. Sussex County Pride will be in person on June 12th and will hold amazing events from live music and speeches from community leaders to drag shows. Also, follow the Facebook page for updates or to join in on the celebration remotely. Go to to become a volunteer, participate as a fundraiser, become an official Pride partner or vendor, and make your nominations for the inaugural Pride Advocate Award. We want pride to be brighter than it ever was,” said Cardone.Ĭardone is particularly excited for a performance by the notorious stunt Queen herself, Izzy Uncut, coming to Toms River Pride from the Big Apple. We want Pride to be that reminder of how loud united voices can be. “Exit 82 is based in a conservative town and we recognize that (for many reasons) the pandemic made a lot of people feel isolated, alone and silenced. Toms River Pride will take place on June 13th from 11am to 5pm on Washington Street Downtown and welcomes all family and friends to celebrate not only surviving but thriving this Pride year. Now that we have guidelines and boundaries, we can create within all of that,” said Cardone. “There has been such a level of hope and excitement versus the fear and unknown of 2020. provides sexual health advocacy and also serves as a point of contact between the client and community resources such as housing, HIV and STD testing and therapy.
(Real Empowerment on All Levels) offers free social events that bring together the local young LGBTQ community helping build peer support. Multiple Jersey Shore musicians like Blaise, David Ross Long, and Heather Hills are scheduled to jam out along with vendors and Drag Queens to help raise money in honor of Pulse Nightclub for Project R.E.A.L. The organizer spoke with the Visiting Nurse Association in Asbury Park and they are honored to host the benefit each year that raises thousands of dollars. Georgie’s Bar will also supply a beer truck as the host of the annual event. “Even though Asbury Park Pride is postponed until Coming Out Day in October, we will still have our annual Pulse Memorial and Project REAL benefit show June 13th at noon in the Visiting Nurse Association parking lot,” said organizer and activist Ethan Dayback of Neptune, NJ. Where some Prides are virtual, others are postponed, but many will be held in person. Be they virtual or in person, Prides of 2021 are examples of perseverance through COVID-19 as the global pandemic continues to linger. Many Prides of New Jersey have persevered through the 2020 cancellations of Pride to bring you the celebrations many LGBTQ homes and communities need this year. Pride up your life from Sussex to Toms River