GLAAD elevates the stories of LGBTQ people and Pride celebrations around the country
GLAAD is capturing and highlighting Pride in hometowns and small towns around the country.
In a year of unprecedented challenge, including anti-LGBTQ bills, book bans and targeting of LGBTQ-inclusive art like drag and LGBTQ history and conversation in schools, Pride is more than ever a celebration of community, resistance and resilience.
Here are some highlights of Pride across America.
Montclair Pride
Montclair, NJ
June 10, 2023
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
The fight for LGBTQ equality and liberation is on in the suburbs. In Montclair, New Jersey on Saturday, June 10, the battle was joined by thousands of LGBTQ people and allies and more than 200 sponsors, vendors and community partners in what’s expected to be the biggest Pride festival in New Jersey this year.
Queer Joy at Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Yvonne Duck for Montclair Pride
Montclair is 12 miles west of New York City, known as a diverse and welcoming community and for its support of art and culture including the Montclair Film Festival and the Montclair Jazz Festival, but this is only the second year for Montclair Pride.
Photo credit: Ruth Plucinski for Montclair Pride
Montclair Pride 2023 featured three stages and more than six hours of entertainment, with out comedian and New Jersey native Judy Gold returning as host of the main stage, and featuring performances from stars of film and stage (as well as Montclair residents) Patrick Wilson and Laura Benanti; the cast of Cedar Grove High School’s The Prom, an LGBTQ-inclusive production saved from cancellation when alumni, Broadway and community spoke up for it; twin singer-songwriters Dane and Stephanie, a trans man and his sister from nearby Bloomfield who performed on NBC’s The Voice; and Rosé from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13.
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
The main stage also featured additional local performers and notable names including Montclair’s representative in Congress, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, also a Montclair resident.
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
One of the most touching moments of Montclair Pride was when the family of Marsha P. Johnson, the revolutionary trans activist who was born in New Jersey, appeared on the main stage to celebrate her legacy.
Al Michaels, Marsha P. Johnson’s nephew, at Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Lianne Schoenwiesner for Montclair Pride
Al Michaels; Out Montclair Executive Director Peter Yacobellis; and James Care
Photo credit: Peter Yacobellis
“We want to congratulate Montclair on taking strides and moving forward, becoming progressive, and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community,” said Al Michaels, Marsha P. Johnson’s nephew said.
“We want to come out here and speak out against the violence that’s being perpetrated against trans people of color in our family member Marsha P. Johnson’s name,” cousin James Carey said.
Photo credit: Lianne Schoenwiesner for Montclair Pride
While other states and towns tried to ban drag or moved to limit it at local Prides, Montclair Pride featured multiple performances and artists. Lady Keyante returned as host of the innovative Bravitas Family Stage, which offers Pride programming for all ages including storytime. Local favorites like Drums of Thunder from Hillside Elementary and local LGBTQ-inclusive entertainment performed for the capacity crowd.
Photo credit: Adrian Bacolo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
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New to Montclair Pride, the Pride On-Call Stage, hosted by Mimi Sashimi, which invited amateur performers and speakers, many of whom expressed their interpretation of the theme of Montclair Pride: “Be You. Be Heard.”
Photo credit: Jennifer Liseo for Montclair Pride
Photo credit: Adrian Bacolo for Montclair Pride
The festival, produced by Out Montclair, a nonprofit created for LGBTQIA+ people in and around Montclair, was preceded by nine days of community events. Revenue from Montclair Pride is invested back into the community for programs year-round.
Photo credit: Lianne Schoenwiesner for Montclair Pride
“With the increase in targeting and discrimination against our community, both nationally and globally, our organization has become a beacon of support and solidarity,” said Out Montclair Executive Director Peter Yacobellis, who is also the first out gay man elected to Montclair Town Council.
Photo credit: Chloe Apple Seldman for Montclair Pride
“We are proud to offer programming for teens, adults of all ages, families, and the trans community, which allows for community engagement, community building, and educational and awareness-raising opportunities for all those groups,” Yacobellis added.
“This is the heart of our nonprofit, and we are thrilled with the tremendous success we have achieved.”