Gay Pride Festival in Jersey City draws politicians
By Molly Bloom, The Jersey Journal (nj.com) from the Web, August 30, 2004
Jersey City, NJ -- Walt Boraczek kicked off the Jersey City Fourth Annual Gay Pride Festival Saturday at Exchange Place with a simple declaration:
"I am a gay American."
Boraczek's send-up of Gov. James E. McGreevey's coming-out speech two weeks ago was met with applause and laughter.
The crowd that gathered at Exchange Place with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop was largely supportive of the governor's decision to come out of the closet, if not of his political actions.
"I'm glad he's found the truth for himself," said David Casson, 38, a 10-year resident of Jersey City.
"But I'm upset with him for hiring Golan Cipel."
"He has nothing to be ashamed of," said Charlie Hollenstein, 57, a retired salesman from the Heights, his single rainbow-beaded earring swinging as he shook his head.
"Nothing at all."
Andre Coklyat, 23, a Jersey City chef bedecked in strands of rainbow beads and feather boas, took a more pragmatic view.
"Big deal," he said, "He's gay. If he can run a state, he's okay."
"I feel bad for him, but it's great that he came out because it will get more people to talk about it," said Wei Hung Lei, 37, a Jersey City businessman.
"It's sad that he had to resign."
No one expected the governor to turn up at Exchange Place, though. "I don't think he's ready for this," Casson said with a smile.
One gay politician who was ready for the event was Hudson County Freeholder Ray Velazquez, who publicly announced his sexual orientation last week.
He said most people have been supportive.
"People respect us. They want to work with us," he said. "However, there are those who don't want us -- and they're lining up for my seat next November."
Several local politicians also made personal appearances: Mayoral candidate Louis Manzo stopped by to shake hands.
Ronald Buonocore, Jersey City police chief and mayoral candidate, was unable to attend the festival because of a family obligation.
Mayor L. Harvey Smith took the stage in the late afternoon. "I want you to know that this is your city," he told the growing crowd.
"Jersey City can't be a first-class city if we cannot respect everybody in Jersey City."
A group of Jersey City police officers showed their support for the gay and lesbian community by taking turns being photographed with Stephanie Adams, the first Playboy centerfold to come out as a lesbian.
And there were enough rainbows for everyone to take home his or her own personal pot of gold, as well as T-shirts reading "WWJD" (for "What Would Joan Do") and baby rompers proclaiming "I love my mommies" and "My daddies rock."
Food stands selling rice and beans, Italian sausage, cheese steaks, and shish kabobs lined three blocks on the Waterfront.
Public service groups and vendors selling anything and everything for the rainbow lifestyle stretched down to the stage where comedians, bands, singers, and Cheer New York (a "straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender volunteer cheerleading squad") complete with oversized plush animal mascot) performed.
"Today means just a celebration of being oneself," said Casson as he baby-sat his partner's niece and nephew.
"It's all love and positive energy here . We are part of the community.
We are part of the fabric that makes Jersey City what it is."
Barbara Casbar, 61, a former Jersey City resident, said the growing gay and lesbian community in Hudson County has reason to celebrate.
"It's almost ironic that the regrowth of Jersey City was tied in with the influx of the gay population," Casbar said.
"The gay and lesbian community is growing. They're responsible. They pay taxes.
They should be listened to. (But) if you had asked me about gays and lesbians in Jersey City 10, 15 years ago, before I found myself and my gender, it would have been another answer."
Amanda Farrell, 26, of Eatontown, staffed a booth on behalf of American Veterans for Equal Rights, a support and advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans.
"I'm proud of who I am and I'm not going to hide it," she said. "I've been hiding too long."
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