Maplewood Declares June to be LGBT Pride Month

Maplewood Mayor Victor DeLuca presented the Maplewood Township Committee's declaration of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month on Tuesday at a Township Committee meeting. 

In the proclamation, DeLuca noted, “Maplewood is known as a welcoming and friendly community for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families in which to live and raise a family.” He decreed, “LGBT residents have made important and lasting contributions to improving the quality of life in Maplewood.” 

While this year’s proclamation was largely the same as the one in 2010, a new paragraph was added to reflect the recent rash of bullying and abuse that has targeted LGBT individuals across the country. 

“LGBT youth should feel safe to learn in our schools without fear of harassment,” DeLuca proclaimed.  “LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.”

This was the second straight year that DeLuca and the Township Committee declared June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. Accepting the proclamation was Steve Mershon of Rainbow Families of Maplewood and South Orange. 

“On behalf of Rainbow Families of Maplewood and South Orange, we thank you for this proclamation and your continued support,” Mershon said.  “You’ve been a big supporter all these years and our families really appreciate that.”