Last Thursday at their bi-weekely meeting, the Nutley Board of Commissioners proclaimed June “Pride Month” in the Township. 

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci read the proclamation into the record. “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.” 

Commissioner Thomas J. Evans continued, “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 the township.” 

Commissioner Evans also spoke of how the proclamation affected him personally. “I would like to just add a few comments for myself. This resolution is important to me. I balance 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. Therefore, I gladly read the proclamation. I will also add that my nephew Finn has just been accepted at Tufts and is starting his new gender. We as a family are extremely proud of him and fully support him.” 

Nutley Pride’s Executive Director, Angelica Midolo, stepped to the podium to share some comments on Nutley Pride and the Proclamation. “I would like to take the time to thank the commissioners. It is the allyship you provide Nutley Pride that gives us the opportunity to continue to positively impact the very much vibrant and incredible queer community of Nutley.  

“I have been a resident of Nutley for 25 years,” Midolo continued.  “From the unforgettable Strawberry Festivals at Spring Garden school to the buzzing hallways and the first day of school jitters at John H. Walker Middle School. I am also an accomplished Nutley Raider, winning multiple varsity softball accolades and a county championship. I consider myself a tried-and-true resident of Nutley.  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. 

“I would like to leave you with these few words from a quote that younger me who had so many questions about life when coming out clung on to: ‘Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.’ Thank you for your time today. To all who celebrate, I wish you a safe and happy Pride Month.”