Hoboken Pride Advisory Committee Created To Address LGBTQIA+ Policies

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla signed an executive order creating the Hoboken Pride Advisory Committee, the city said Thursday.

The committee "will be dedicated to raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ community issues, fostering a culture of acceptance, enhancing the pride community within the city, and promoting inclusiveness for all individuals," the city said.

The city's release follows, as well as a link to apply for an appointment on the committee.

City Release

“In our city, diversity is our strength, and inclusivity is our priority,” said Bhalla. “That is why today I signed an executive order creating the city’s Pride Advisory Committee which will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that embrace the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that Hoboken is a city where everyone is not only accepted but celebrated. Together, we will raise awareness, promote understanding, and ensure that Hoboken continues to be a fair and welcoming community where love knows no boundaries.”

“As Hoboken continues to evolve, it has become a vibrant hub for a diverse range of individuals, including a growing LGBTQIA+ community,” said LGBTQIA Liaison Laura Knittel. “As our city expands, so does our commitment to enhancing representation in our Pride events and programs. Our ongoing dedication to fostering inclusivity, respect, equality, and intersectionality remains unwavering. A heartfelt thank you extends to all our friends and allies whose support makes these efforts possible. I look forward to working with more of you in the days ahead.”

The committee will include a City Council representative appointed by the mayor, two council appointees, a municipal employee, two Hoboken business owners, two mayoral appointees, a Public Safety Department appointee, an educational appointee, an appointee from the local faith community, and the City’s LGBTQIA+ liaison.

Committee members will serve for the term of the mayor.

Hoboken community members interested in being considered for the committee — or other city boards and committees — can apply online by clicking here.

The city recently received a perfect 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index’s (MEI), annual examination of more than 500 municipalities across the United States relating to LGBTQ+ laws and policies. 2023 marks the sixth year in a row in which the city received the prestigious score. Hoboken is one of five municipalities in New Jersey to earn the distinction.

Under Bhalla’s leadership, the city has created an LGBTQ+ community liaison for the city and Hoboken Police Department, mandated that all single occupancy restrooms be gender neutral, and adopted an executive order preventing discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other minority groups for city contractors.

To see the full score card, go to https://www.hrc.org/resources/municipalities/hoboken-nj.