Hudson County officials acknowledged the first anniversary of the Hudson County LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force during the March 26 meeting of the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners. During the meeting, the volunteer members were presented with both a proclamation and a resolution acknowledging their efforts in community outreach, inclusion, and equity.
- Hudson County officials presented a proclamation and resolution to the 17-member LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force during the March 26 Board of County Commissioners meeting in recognition of the group’s first year of service.
- The task force, created by County Executive Craig Guy in January 2025, advises county leadership on issues affecting LGBTQ+ residents, including barriers to equity in housing, employment, healthcare and public services.
- Michele Dupey, chair of the task force, accepted the recognition while also acknowledging Hannah Bartges for originating the idea and drafting the resolution honoring the advisory group.
Advisory Body Created By County Executive Craig Guy
The advisory group was created in January 2025 by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy as a 17-member LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force. Its purpose is to assist county leadership in addressing issues affecting LGBTQ+ residents while supporting initiatives intended to build a safer and more equitable environment across Hudson County.
Celebrating one year of impact! 🌈
County Executive Craig Guy and the Board of County Commissioners honored the Hudson County LGBTQ+ Task Force for their dedication to community engagement, inclusion, and equity. pic.twitter.com/SlNyZbfHkK
— Hudson County (@HudCoTweet) March 27, 2026
Members of the task force provide recommendations to county officials on policies and initiatives affecting LGBTQ+ residents. Their responsibilities also include identifying obstacles to equality and proposing ideas intended to strengthen inclusion and equal opportunity. During its first year, the group has attended community gatherings, conducted outreach, and listened to concerns shared by LGBTQ+ residents throughout Hudson County.
Guy said he was proud of the work completed by the task force since its creation and described members attending events, reaching out to residents, and hearing directly from the LGBTQ+ community. He also said he plans to continue working with the advisory group on efforts to eliminate discrimination, encourage acceptance, and support greater dignity and visibility for LGBTQ+ people.
Resolution Describes County Diversity And Ongoing Challenges
The resolution adopted by the commissioners describes Hudson County as one of the most diverse counties in the state, stating that its strength, prosperity, and vitality rely on the inclusion, dignity, and full participation of all residents.
County officials stated that LGBTQ+ residents contribute to the economic, cultural, civic and social life of the county. The resolution also acknowledges that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher levels of discrimination, harassment and violence, along with obstacles related to housing, employment, healthcare and public services.
The board stated that every resident should receive dignity, respect, and fairness regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The document also explains that the advisory task force serves as a source of recommendations, guidance and community insight for county leadership on policies, programs and services involving LGBTQ+ residents. Commissioners also encouraged cooperation between county officials, community organizations and the advisory group to maintain a welcoming and safe environment across the county.
Michele Dupey Accepts Recognition From County Officials
Michele Dupey, chair of the Hudson County LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force, accepted the proclamation and resolution during the commissioners’ meeting.
Dupey shared that she previously worked for Hudson County government in the late 1990s as assistant communications director for former Hudson County Executive Robert Janiszewski. During her remarks, she described an earlier experience involving the first Pride festival in Asbury Park in 1992.
Dupey explained that she offered to write a proclamation if Janiszewski agreed to present it during the event. The proclamation was delivered at the festival on June 6, 1992. According to Dupey, the experience showed her that while acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community existed statewide at that time, Hudson County had not yet reached that point.
Dupey said she appreciates that Hudson County government now publicly supports the LGBTQ+ community through the advisory task force she chairs. She also acknowledged Hannah Bartges, stating that Bartges developed the original idea for the task force and prepared the resolution presented to the commissioners. Dupey thanked the board for the recognition and said she hopes the task force will continue offering guidance helpful to both county leadership and the community.
Chief Of Staff Jenny Davis Speaks On Volunteer Commitment
The proclamation and resolution were presented by Jenny Davis, chief of staff to Hudson County Executive Craig Guy.
Davis spoke about the dedication of the volunteers who serve on the advisory body without compensation. She explained that advisory groups formed by government agencies sometimes lose momentum, particularly when they rely on volunteer participation.
Davis said the Hudson County LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force continues its work and has not slowed down. She also referred to Dupey’s enthusiasm while expressing excitement about the group reaching its first anniversary and anticipation of future anniversaries.
Jersey City Pride Festival Draws Thousands Each Year
Community celebrations across Hudson County include the Annual Hudson LGBT Pride Festival in Jersey City, organized by Gayborhood Jersey City and Humanity Pride Productions.
The festival takes place along Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue in historic downtown Jersey City. The location sits next to transportation connections that include the PATH Grove Street station, two stops from Manhattan, along with nearby bus routes.
The Jersey City Pride Festival celebrates the diversity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities and their allies from Hudson County and the New York City metropolitan area.
Attendance at last year’s event was estimated at 9,000 to 10,000 people. The Jersey City LGBT Pride Festival is recognized as the leading LGBTQ+ event in Hudson County and one of the largest festivals in the Northern New Jersey region.
