BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- In honor of Pride Month, Bloomfield Pride, Bloomfield’s LGBTQ+ Community Group, in collaboration with the Township of Bloomfield has hung banners reading “Celebrate Diversity: Celebrate Pride” with a Bloomfield logo throughout the town. These banners have can be seen outside of Town Hall, and throughout Bloomfield center.
“I would like to salute the members of Bloomfield Pride for this great idea of creating beautiful banners celebrating love and inclusiveness. I encourage residents to join us at PrideFest tomorrow and support Bloomfield Pride,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “Happy Pride Month to all!”
“My phone was buzzing with excited texts from fellow Bloomfield Pride organizers as the banners went up on Thursday. This added visibility will hopefully bring more people out to Pride Fest,” said Mary Valentine, Co-Chair of Bloomfield Pride. “No matter what, it’s a clear display of Bloomfield’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, something we can all be proud of.”
“Many towns have been celebrating Pride Month in recent years by raising Rainbow Flags, or painting their crosswalks with the colors of the rainbow. These are wonderful ways to make sure Pride is visibly celebrated in public spaces. The members of Bloomfield Pride wanted to create a unique way for us to show our commitment to achieving full equality and acceptance and we think these beautiful banners hanging proudly throughout town, will do that,” said Councilwoman Wartyna Davis, a founding member of Bloomfield Pride.
PrideFest is taking place tomorrow from noon to 5:00pm at Brookside Park, with street parking available. The outdoor festival will include free food, games, a rainbow flag painting station, animal adoption opportunities, yoga and fun for the entire family.
“Representation matters, and that’s what these banners are giving LGBTQ+ people in Bloomfield,” said Councilman Rich Rockwell, also a member of Bloomfield Pride. “The printing of these flags was paid for 100% by residents and businesses in the community, and I am thrilled that they are being displayed in our town.”
