BY: Najla Alexander
Morris County officials proudly announce the second annual Morris County National Coming Out Day from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, on Court Street, outside the Morris County Administration and Records Building.
LGBTQ+ liaisons from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris Township Police Department, along with sponsors Atlantic Health System, edge(end discrimination gain equality), and GAAMC (gay activist alliance in morris county), officials say.
National Coming Out Day is coordinated to encourage and support LGBTQ+ individuals to “come out” and is the unconditional commitment by law enforcement to build bridges with the LGBTQ+ community.
There was music and food and beverages provided at no charge to foster interaction between law enforcement and those in attendance, reported by officials.
Welcome remarks were given by Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.
Others who also addressed attendees included: Detective Supervisor Stephanie Merced, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office LGBTQ+ liaison; Investigator Ashley Craig, Morris County Sheriff’s Office; Lieutenant Heather Glogolich, Morris Township Police Department; Aura K. Dunn, NJ State Assemblywoman; Nina Guercio, Atlantic Health Senior Diversity & Inclusion Manager; Amy Sampson, NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency; Detective Connor Johnson, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office; and Courtney Gould, Music for Hope.
Prosecutor Carroll stated, “Law enforcement exists to protect and serve everyone, regardless of one’s background or individuality. Unfortunately, there have been, and continue to be, circumstances where people in certain communities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, are hesitant to seek assistance from law enforcement.
Events, such as the Morris County National Coming Out Day, are intended to overcome barriers between the public and law enforcement so that we can provide the best possible service.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office continues to support the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, we are proud to have a Liaison, LGBTQ Community Outreach Officer Sheriff’s Investigator Ashley Craig, on our team, and thank her and all others who contributed during this event.”