National Coming Out Day To Be Honored In Morris County: The Area's First

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Law enforcement will host the first Morris County National Coming Out Day. The event is designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.

Morris County National Coming Out Day will take place from 12-4 p.m. Oct. 9 at 10 Court St., Morristown — between Morris County Superior Courthouse and the Administrative Building.

The event is a collaboration with LGBTQ+ liaisons from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morristown Police Department.

The event will feature light refreshments, food and music, as well as guest speakers and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

Annually observed on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day is intended to support LGBTQ+ individuals in "coming out." The foundational belief is that homophobia thrives in silence and ignorance, and that once people know they have loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community, they are less likely to maintain oppressive views.

The Morris County event is emblematic of law enforcement's efforts to bridge gaps with the LGBTQ+ community, especially in recent years.

Last June, then-Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal apologized for his office's systematic targeting of gay bars between 1933 and 1967. In the latter year, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the office's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control could not suspend a liquor license simply because the licensee allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to congregate at the premises.

Also last June, Gov. Phil Murphy appointed Andrew Bruck — the first openly gay attorney general in state history.

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