WESTWOOD—The Pride Committee of Westwood & Twp. of Washington, a diverse group of residents who have recently come together to support the LGBTQIA+ community in both towns, proudly announces its Pride Month celebrations for 2023.
The lineup starts with a flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 4 at 1 p.m. at Westwood Borough Hall.
All of the committee’s events are supported through the sale of Westwood & Twp. of Washington Pride lawn signs with additional proceeds supporting the GSA of Westwood Regional High School and co-sponsored by Parkside Community Church and Westwood for All Ages. Other scheduled events are listed below. Register at parksidechurch.net for the first three events. Events requiring registration are free and open to all.
- An evening of show-tune performances in “Westwood Goes Broadway” on June 16, (7 p.m. at Parkside Community Church). Registration required at parksidechurch.net featuring some of the best new and old Broadway hits performed by an array of professional theatrical performers in our region.
- Faith and LGBTQIA+ panel presentation on June 21 (7:30 p.m. at Parkside Community Church) “focusing on how we reconcile LGBTQIA+ inclusion through the lens of faith tradition.” Panelists will include clergy from Christian and Jewish faith traditions as well as transgender and gay members of the faith community sharing their personal faith journey. Time for Q&A will be included.
- BBQ and family friendly pride party on June 24 (5 p.m. at Parkside Community Church) with food, music, games, and more.
- Understanding the ABCs of LGBTQ+ Educational Forum on June 25 (4 p.m. at Westwood Community Church) led by Westwood resident Michael Tozzoli, LCSW, CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare. This event is sponsored by Westwood for All Ages and is designed to help people understand the LGBTQIA+ terminology, the spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity, and how to best support your loved LGBTQIA+ loved ones and friends. Light refreshments will be provided. Register at westwoodforallages.org or call (201) 831-4192.
- Pride Meet & Greet on June 26 at 6 p.m. at Five Dimes Brewery. Come enjoy a brew and celebrate together as we close out a great month of Pride activities.
The committee was self-formed to encourage broad community participation in the advocacy and education of LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity. According to Youth.gov, each June, Pride Month activities work to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Worldwide celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts as well as memorials for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQIA+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally and has been officially recognized by the federal government since 1999.