By: Najla Alexander
Hi, RLS Media friends & family. Najla here! I wanted to take the time out to appreciate the time we are currently living in, where people are free to love who they want to love without fear and have a time where they can celebrate exactly who they are with no compromise.
The month of June is all about that PRIDE, and the Honorable Daniel J. Reiman, Mayor of the Borough of Carteret, proclaimed June 1st, 2024, GSA DAY, where the Pride Flag was raised to honor those who came before in the LGBTQ+ Community who fought and continue to fight for equal rights.
The Proclamation reads,
”WHEREAS, the month of June is recognized across the United States as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan – a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, the first LGBTQ+ Pride March was held on June 27, 1970, in Chicago; and,
WHEREAS, Brenda Howard, the organizer of the original Pride March, originated the idea for a week-long series of events around Pride Day, which became the genesis of the annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations that are now held around the world every June; and,
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ individuals have made important contributions here in the Borough of Carteret, nationally, and internationally; and,
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey became one of the first states to legalize same-sex domestic partnerships and officially legalized same-sex marriages in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Marriage Equality became law on June 26, 2015, when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that same-sex marriage is protected by the Constitution; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ rights are basic human rights, and Carteret is a melting pot of all ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and creeds
NOW THEREFORE, I, DANIEL J. REIMAN, Mayor of the Borough of Carteret, in conjunction with the Borough Council in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1st, 2024
GSA DAY
In the Borough of Carteret and request that all nationalities of this Borough stand allied with the LGBTQ+ Community, and hereby order that the Pride Flag be displayed at the Memorial Municipal Building this day in honor of all those who fought for equal rights.”
Looking around, I saw that the turnout for such a special event was nothing but smiles and rainbows, all in support of this community that is more like a family!
“Carteret has always been very accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said the Central Jersey GSA speaker.
“Our job here is to continue to provide programs and events for everyone,” the speaker continued.
To further celebrate and support such an incredible community, Carteret invites you to a free, family-friendly art workshop on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2 p.m., at 63 Carteret Ave, Carteret, NJ, 07008. For more information, contact the Central Jersey Arts Council at 732-542-3879 or info@centraljerseyartscouncil@carterettac, officials say.
The Central Jersey GSA will also host a monthly meeting every second Thursday of this month for old and new members to join to discuss and explore what this month truly means to this community. The meeting is open to all and begins at 6:30 p.m., also located at 63 Carteret Ave, Carteret, NJ, 07008.
I cannot speak for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community because, as someone who is not part of it myself, I can never truly understand the experiences and hardships those in the community continue to face every day in hopes of being with the one person who makes them happy.
I do, however, have many loved ones who mean the world to me and are a part of this amazing, diverse community. I will do everything to make sure they feel not only welcomed but accepted in this world as who they are.
It was an honor to support those in the community and be an ally to my loved ones every single day, RLS Media and I want to thank those strong individuals out there fighting for their right to love; we see you and celebrate you!
Happy Pride from myself and the RLS Media family!
