Nutley Has ‘Vibrant, Incredible Queer Community’: Pride Month 2024

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley Pride executive director Angelica Midolo has lived in town for a quarter of a century. And over the course of two decades, she’s gotten to know her neighbors well.

“I am just like every other resident in the town of Nutley,” Midolo says – and that’s why the month of June is so important.

Last week, the Nutley commissioner board offered a proclamation in honor of Pride Month at their meeting (read it and watch video footage below).

Midolo, who was asked to provide some comments on the proclamation, thanked the board for providing allyship that makes a positive impact on the “vibrant and incredible queer community of Nutley.”

“I have been a resident of Nutley for 25 years,” Midolo continued, citing her memories of unforgettable Strawberry Festivals at Spring Garden school and the buzzing hallways and the first day of school jitters at John H. Walker Middle School as proof.

Midolo is also an accomplished Nutley Raider she’s quick to point out, and has won multiple varsity softball accolades and a county championship.

“I consider myself a tried-and-true resident of Nutley,” Midolo said. “Amongst all those things I am also a lesbian. I am an out and proud member of society who was simply born this way. I am the person who holds the door open for you at Pete's Deli. I am the neighbor who smiles at you politely while walking through Yanticaw Park. I am just like every other resident in the town of Nutley.”

Commissioner Thomas Evans – who read a part of the proclamation aloud at the meeting – said that it held a personal spot in his heart – despite “balancing this against my upbringing and my religion.”

“But I value the fact that the importance and the sanctity of a human life is something that can never, ever be diminished,” Evans said, adding that a relative is starting their life as a new gender – in addition to being accepted at a major university – and he is “extremely proud” and supportive along with the rest of his family.

The resolution reads:

“Whereas the Township of Nutley is a friendly and welcoming community that celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion, and

“Whereas the Township of Nutley recognizes the importance of equality and freedom for all of our residents, and the progress we have made as a nation in the fight for justice, inclusion, and equity, and

“Whereas the Township of Nutley recognizes that our nation was founded upon the principles that all people are created equal, and that everyone has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and

“Whereas the Township of Nutley is dedicated to fostering acceptance of all of its residents, and preventing discrimination and mistreatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and we reaffirm our commitment to do more to support LGBTQI+ rights in our town, and

“Whereas the Township of Nutley is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of ethnic, cultural, racial, gender, and sexual identities of its residents, all of which make up our vibrant character, and

“Whereas the Township of Nutley recognizes the importance and contributions of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community, and

“Whereas the Township of Nutley acknowledges that members of this community, especially people of color and trans people, continue to face discrimination and cruel, persistent efforts to undermine their basic human rights and it is specifically difficult for the LGBTQI+ youth, 45% of whom seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year.

“Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Nutley, we hereby proclaim and recognize the month of June as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex Pride Month, and we urge all residents to actively promote the principles of equality and liberty, and we remind the LGBTQI+ community that they are loved and cherished and seen for who they are, and are deserving of dignity, respect, and support throughout our township.”

• See Related: Nutley Library Collecting Donations For Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth

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