Pride flag raised in Wayne as dozens mark key step on 'long road' toward inclusion
WAYNE — It was probably the ugliest sky that anyone ever saw, but it made the rainbow bands of the Pride flag really stick out.
The colors popped against the drabness of the early evening, as a storm growled in the distance and clergy, politicos and business leaders cheered for the banner being raised in the parking lot of the municipal building on Valley Road.
Wednesday's event, the first of its kind in Wayne, marked the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month, which commemorates the Stonewall riots in Manhattan in June 1969.
The Rev. Andrew Smith, of Grace United Presbyterian Church, said the occasion was a remarkable step, but that society as a whole still has a "long road ahead" to fully accept its diversity.
"This isn't the end," he said. "This is only the beginning of creating a truly just and kind and inclusive community."
Smith then commended police for their decisive action in the fall, when his congregation on Preakness Avenue was a target of vandalism.
Its Pride flag was ripped to the ground.
"You're more than merely welcome," he said, directing his comments to the LGBTQ public. "You're more than merely tolerated. You are affirmed. You are loved. You are valued. You belong here."
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Smith was one of six speakers to address a crowd of about 60 people who gathered in the gentle rain. Guests included state assemblymen Christopher DePhillips (R-Midland Park) and Kevin Rooney (R-Wayne), as well as Passaic County Surrogate Zoila Cassanova and William Paterson University President Richard Helldobler.
State Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-Totowa) spoke of love.
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"It's what we are all doing right," Corrado said. Even though people describe it in different ways, she added, "We all know it when we see it. We see it here, today."
The event was co-planned by Councilwoman Francine Ritter and Mayor Christopher Vergano, who hoisted the flag to the top of the pole and served as emcee.
Ritter, representing the 5th Ward, said inclusion creates a stronger community because it strengthens the economy — and, as evidenced by the event's bipartisan participation, it "bridges divides."
"Discrimination and intolerance can affect any town," she said. But "when we come together on Pride, we show that we stand ready to help and defend a marginalized community."
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The event spotlighted a segment of the LGBTQ population that is seldom acknowledged: gay business owners.
Augusto Peñaranda, executive director of the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce, was there to deliver remarks, and later, at a meeting of the Township Council, members of the local nonprofit thanked officials for backing the cause.
Giovanni Navarrete, a DJ and owner of GBE Events, an entertainment company on Route 23 south, was among the grateful.
"It wasn't easy growing up," he said in an impromptu speech. "I wasn't comfortable with myself."
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But that LGBTQ youth will now be more loved and supported, Navarrete said, is a comforting thought.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Pride flag raised in Wayne NJ at first-ever ceremony
