Newark Mayor Booker to Kick off NJ PrideFest

Newark Mayor Cory Booker wlll kick off the annual 2013 North Jersey Pride Festival, a day-long event on Sunday, June 9 from Noon to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival is the culmination of a full week of events in Maplewood and South Orange for the community of LGBT residents and supportive allies. 

The events are designed to focus on the importance of supporting Marriage Equality and LGBT youth, said the executive director of the non-profit North Jersey Pride, C.J. Prince.

The festival has expanded to a week of events that will draw attendees from across the state, said Prince.

Leading up to the festival will be a community forum about bullying with the parents of Tyler Clementi at Columbia High School; a LGBTQ author book signing at Words Bookstore; a Trans-Themed Movie Night, a "Coming Out" themed Story Slam, and a Dance for Equality.

The forum, on June 4, is particularly meaningful to event organizers. Tyler Clementi's parents Joe and Jane Clementi, along with other panelists, will host a conversation about what they experienced when their son took his own life following a much publicized episode of bullying, and will talk about their journey to helping other vulnerable youth to reach different outcomes.

"We think this is an incredibly important event and the one that really represents the mission of NJP," said Prince. "Out of their grief, the Clementis have created an organization that is absolutely devoted to saving children's lives and we are thrilled to be partnering with them, as well as with GLSEN and Columbia's own student GSA."

"As a family and as a foundation we are thrilled to participate in the panel discussion and pride festivities right here in our home state of New Jersey," said Tyler's brother, James Clementi. "As we work to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBT and vulnerable youth we feel that it is important to engage in meaningful discussions to raise awareness about LGBT people in the Garden State."

Prince said the organization hopes that everyone will attend and be a part of the conversation, which is why no admission will be charged. "This is a problem we really need to solve together," she said.

For more information on the forum and to RSVP, visit this link.  For more information on all NJ PrideFest events, visit the website.

Full Listing of North Jersey Pride Week Events: 

Monday, 6/3: Kickoff Cocktail Party

Help us start Pride Week with a toast to equality! DJ, Cash bar. 8pm, Coda Kitchen + Bar, 177 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood, NJ.

Tuesday, 6/4: Engaging Families: Turning Bystanders into Upstanders

Join us as we welcome the family of Tyler Clementi at Columbia High School to talk about how to put an end to bullying. Cosponsored by the Tyler Clementi Foundation, GLSEN and SPECTRUM, Columbia’s gay-straight alliance club. 7-9 pm, Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Ave., Maplewood, NJ. 

Wednesday, 6/5: LGBT Author Signing at Words Bookstore

Veteran Broadway performer and author Tim Federle will read from his sweet debut novel about a gay 13-year-old boy who wants to make it big on Broadway. The New York Times calls Better Nate than Ever a “twinkling adventure tale.” 7pm at [words] Bookstore (also a North Jersey Pride Dignity Sponsor) 179 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood, NJ. 

Thursday, 6/6: Trans-themed Movie Night

Join us for a special screening of “Gun Hill Road,” a provocative Sundance Jury Award nominee, and director Rashaad Ernesto Green for a Q&A following the film. Rated ‘R.’  8pm-10pm, St. Georges Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, NJ. 

Friday, 6/7: Story Slam with Studio B: “Coming Out”

Bring your best five minute tale of any coming out. Gay? Debutante? Undercover agent? All secrets revealed. We will choose 10 names out of a hat to read. Or just come to listen and soak up the cultural vibe. Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ.

Saturday, 6/8: The 2013 Dance for Equality

Eat, drink and dance the night away at this magical NYC nightclub-themed evening. Award-winning DJ Steve Sidewalk will spin all night long. Fabulous silent auction includes an Atlantic City getaway, Cartier jewelry, exclusive artwork, tix to Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon, David Letterman, and Cyndi Lauper’s latest concert—plus a meet-and-greet with the Diva herself! The Maplewood Club, 489 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, NJ.

Sunday, 6/9: The 2013 North Jersey Pride Festival! Memorial Park Amphitheater 124 Dunnell Road, Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ