Did you know that Pride month is over? Yeah, neither did we. Because in South Jersey, we don’t need a calendar to tell us when to celebrate our fabulous selves and our awesome neighbors. We do it all year long! Whether it’s by joining a local LGBTQ+ group, attending a drag show, or just rocking a rainbow flag, we know how to show our pride and love for our community. And we don’t let anyone tell us otherwise. We are here, we are queer, and we are amazing. Happy Pride-every day of the year!
South Jersey Icons you didn’t know were LGBQT+
Walt Whitman
The poet Walt Whitman lived in Camden from 1884 until his death in 1892. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ writers in American literature. His house is now a museum and a National Historic Landmark. He never explicitly stated his orientation, although scholars of his work believe he was either bisexual or homosexual. Today, you can schedule a tour to visit his home in Camden County.
Alice Paul
The suffragist and activist was born in Mount Laurel in 1885. Paul was one of the leaders of the National Woman’s Party, which fought for women’s right to vote and equal rights under the law. Paul never married or had children, and some historians believe that she was a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Paul died in 1977 and is buried in Westfield Friends Cemetery in Cinnaminson.
Collingswood
Collingswood is a small town where love blossoms. It has 13,926 residents and 24.1 gay couples per 1,000 households, making it one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in New Jersey. The Philadelphia Inquirer noticed its rainbow pride back in 2004, and two years later, Mayor Jim Maley was ready to tie the knot for civil unions as soon as they became legal. Collingswood is also home to Garden State Equality, a group that fights for marriage equality and other rights. If you’re looking for a place where love is love, look no further.
Upcoming Events
New Jersey Gay Pride 2023
September 10 12pm- 6pm
South Jersey Gay Pride is coming! We invite all South Jersey’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and allies to come out among FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHILDREN, and UNITE. BRING YOUR BLANKETS, CHAIRS, AND TABLES. Southern New Jersey LGBTQ+ Pride 15th Annual OUT in the Park Pride Festival. Free street parking. No parking on the grass.
HT PRIDE 2023
October 5th & 6th
Welcome to HT Pride, where love and unity take center stage! Our theme for 2023: “Educate + Celebrate!” We are committed to normalizing LGBTQIA+ families, combating stereotypes, recognizing history, and celebrating progress in LGBTQIA+ rights. Our goal is to build confidence in our LGBTQIA+ youth and support businesses as they create more inclusive organizations for their employees and customers. To achieve these goals, we have created a variety of events to create connection, show support, and share resources
Drag Etiquette
Make it rain, honey: Tip the drag performers. generously. They are freelance artists and often depend on tips to make a living. Have some cash ready before you get to the show.
Don’t be creepy– Consent is important: Drag entertainers are human beings. Never act in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Respect the drag performers, and always ask for permission before touching them or taking a photo.
Be supportive: Even if you don’t like a drag performer’s act, don’t boo them. Drag performers spend a lot of time preparing their looks and routines, and booing anyone ruins the vibe. Drag is not easy, and it takes a lot of talent and courage to perform. Show some love and appreciation for their work. Support your local queens. Drag is not just RuPaul’s Drag Race. There are amazing performers in your own backyard who need your support. Think about going to local shows to support the performers from your area, as well as bigger events by famous drag performers.
Have fun: Drag is not meant to be serious. Drag is all about having fun and being yourself. Drag queens want you to enjoy the show as much as they do. So let loose, laugh, dance, and party with your friends. :
Drag Shows
Brunch is A Drag
July 16 11AM
Join us for Brunch is a Drag – Summer Splash! We’ve paired the Tri-State Area’s top Drag Queens with the DELICIOUS brunch menu at the Tortilla Press Cantina to bring you this One of a Kind Monthly Treat! This month, you’re in store for an over-the-top Summer Brunch Bananza that will help keep you cool for the summer! Get ready for an afternoon jam-packed with hilarious skits, high energy performances and absolute ridiculousness with some of Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey’s Top Drag Queens! Each month, we have new Games, Themes, Queens and Performances! If you’ve never been to a Drag Show in the past, Brunch is a Drag at The Tortilla Press Cantina is the PERFECT place to experience it!
Drag Me To Landmark – 2023 Summer Beach Bash
July 21 8PM
Get cool for the summer and cool off with a cocktail at this month’s Drag Me to Landmark and get lei’d by the Queens! Drag Me To Landmark is FILLED with over the top entertainment from some of the top Drag Performers from New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey featuring ALL NEW Performances, Themed Audience Games and Give-Aways!
Drag Me To Landmark – 2023 Summer Beach Bash
July 22 6PM- 9PM
WHO LIVES IN A PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEA?! Sponge-DRAG QUEEN-pants! Join us Saturday, July 22nd for “Drag Me To Landmark – Bikini Bottom Bash!” A Spongebob themed Drag Show where you’ll get to dive down under to Bikini Bottom… Drag Queen Style! You’re in store for a night of Nautical Nonsense & Performances! Get ready to see Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy, Plankton, Gary, Karen the Computer Wife and MANY MORE come to life on stage right before your eyes! With ALL NEW Performances, Jellyfish Themed Audience Games and Give-Aways, “Bikini Bottom Bash” is gonna be “The Best Day Ever!” Spongebob Attire is Encouraged! Hosted by Astala Vista!
Drag Me To Landmark – 2023 Summer Beach Bash
Every Sat & Sun, August 18th – October 27th TIMES VARY
Drag Me to Landmark is South Jersey’s longest running monthly Drag Show held at Landmark Americana in Glassboro, NJ! You’re in store for a night full of hilarious skits, side-splitting performances and absolute ridiculousness with some of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey’s Top Drag Performers! Whether it’s your first Drag Show or your 100th, Drag Me to Landmark is a guaranteed great time for everyone! Featuring a Fabulous Cast of NJ/NY/PA’s Fiercest Queens!
Resources & Groups
- Rowan College at Burlington County LGBTQ+ Center
- The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386. GLBT
- National Hotline: 1 (888) 843-4564.
- Kaleidoscope LGBTQ Youth Support Hotline: 1 (800) 255-4213
- Transgender & Non-Binary Support Group: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 6-7 pm Jefferson Health Haddonfield primary and speciality care, an lgbtq+ affirming practice.
- LGBTQ+ Aging with Pride: 2nd Thursdays 1:00PM- 2:30PM Katz JCC, a welcoming and supportive community for LGBTQ+ seniors.