ASBURY PARK, NJ — Starting tomorrow, Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and wellness organization, will host five events around the state in culmination of its largest annual grassroots fundraiser. Formerly the Equality Walk, the organization has reinvented the event to be more inclusive, equitable, bigger, and better than ever before.
Equality in Motion will truly be a statewide event, taking place in five locations across New Jersey, including two new areas: Camden and Sussex County. Each event centers around a different type of motion for attendees. From family fun and marching with drag performers to yoga and dancing, there’s a little something for everyone.
At each location, Garden State Equality will also be honoring local advocates fighting to secure lived equality for LGBTQ+ communities near them. They include:
- Health Equity and Wellness Award (Asbury Park): Juan Carlos Barrera, LCSW (he/they)
- Vice President/Director & Community Outreach Coordinator for Empowerment, Diversity, Inclusion, Inc.; Integrated Adolescence Mental Healthcare Program Director for Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation
- Ally in Action Award (Camden): Pastor Nyzia Reynolds (she/her)
- Founder of Saving Grace Ministries; Grief Counselor; Trauma Coach
- Queer Joy Award (Atlantic City): Queerheaded
- Queer and sober social events and support organization
- Outstanding GSA Leadership Award (Atlantic City): Cumberland Regional High School Advisors
- Queer Joy Award (Sussex County): Lunar Faire
- Bi-monthly witchy and welcoming pop-up night market
- Inclusion in Educational Programming Award (Sussex County): Jennie Griffin (she/her)
- Fairview Lake YMCA
- Ally in Action (Montclair): Anjali Mehrotra (she/her)
- Founder of Equality, Period. NJ., a statewide advocacy coalition instrumental in passing legislation to provide free menstrual products in NJ public schools
As of Oct. 8, more than 500 people have registered and donated to support Garden State Equality’s life-changing work for New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ communities.
Accessibility and equity are at the heart of the rebrand. Everyone should be able to take part in Equality in Motion, no matter how they move or where they live. That’s why, in addition to new locations, there’s also been the “20 Days for 20 Years of Setting Equality in Motion” social media challenge. In the 20 days leading up to the event, a different member of the Garden State Equality staff (and friends!) has shared a video about how they like to move. Followers are invited to comment “their motion” or post their own video for the challenge. Collectively, the series has nearly 20,000 views on Instagram.
Equality in Motion is sponsored by PSEG, RWJBarnabas Health, Amazon, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, NJEA, NJ Transit, Hackensack Meridian Health, Lyft, Sills, Cummis, & Gross P.C., and First Energy.
The Atlantic City event is presented in partnership with the Atlantic County Queer Alliance. The Sussex County event is presented in partnership with Sussex County Pride and alongside PFLAG Sussex County’s Craft Fair.
Locations and Dates
Wednesday, October 9 | Asbury Park
- Time: 5–7 pm
- Location: Garden State Equality’s new office (308 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712)
- Activity: Kickoff + New Headquarters Preview Party
Thursday, October 10 | Camden
- Time: 5:30–7:30 pm
- Location: Cooper River Park (South Park Drive, Collingswood, NJ 08108)
- Activities: Family Field Day
Friday, October 11 | Atlantic City (with the Atlantic County Queer Alliance)
- Time: 5–7 pm
- Location: Ocean Casino Resort Sign at Atlantic City Boardwalk (500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401)
- Activity: Marching with Drag Performers
Saturday, October 12 | Sussex County (with Sussex County Pride & PFLAG Sussex County)
- Time: 12–3 pm
- Location: Sparta United Methodist Church (71 S Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 07871)
- Activity: Yoga + Craft Fair
Sunday, October 13 | Montclair
- Time: 12–3 pm
- Location: First Congregational Church (40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042)
- Activity: Outdoor Dance Class
Media are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP with [email protected].