As Hudson County continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, things may seem bleak. Yet some will still find a reason to celebrate.
The township of North Bergen announced its ongoing support of Pride Month in June, dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners continue to strongly support equality and tolerance, striving to ensure that all residents feel welcomed and included without living in fear over whom they choose to love.
June is the month chosen to celebrate pride because it was when the Stonewall riots in 1969 occurred, an event that led to monumental changes in gay rights in America.
Rioting to achieve civil rights progress is now being criticized by many Americans, but in the past, riots were often a tool for change.
Pride Month itself has changed this year as large, in-person gatherings are still prohibited under Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders to stop the spread of COVID-19.
While Pride Month is usually celebrated with parades, marches, and activities, this year many celebrations have been cancelled or reconfigured due to the ongoing pandemic.
Serving the LGBT community, digitally
The Hudson Pride Center has partnered with North Bergen for Pride Month events in the past, and continues to deliver an array of services, programs, and activities to meet ongoing needs.
Established in the early 1990s to serve as an advocate and social service provider, the non-profit Hudson Pride Center now offers many of its services remotely.
This includes Zoom sessions for youth, young adults, and seniors. Also available are physical and mental health services, counseling and HIV services, and more.
However, as New Jersey sets it eyes on Phase 2 of the reopening after COVID-19, some events may be rescheduled in-person.
For more information, the community-based organization Hudson Pride Center can be reached at 201-963-4779 or by email at info@hudsonpride.org.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
