FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2021

LGBTQ+ Advocates host ‘Pop Up Pride’

Somerville, NJ – This afternoon, community advocates came together for a ‘Pop Up Pride’ outside the office of former State Assemblyman and current gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. The event was held in response to recent harmful remarks about the LGBTQ+ community that Ciattarelli has made including signaling rolling back the New Jersey LGBTQ and persons with disabilities curriculum mandate. The teachable moment with the New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition was to raise attention to and highlight how words and actions matter.

The ‘Pop Up Pride’ rally community members carried pride flags and spoke about the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families as well as inclusive welcoming schools and communities.

According to a new 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Helath released from The Trevor Project, a national suicide prevention organization that 94% of LGBTQ youth reported that recent politics negatively impacted their mental health.

“I have learned all too personally about the value and importance of words – and I want youth to hear a counter conversation to those homophobic and transphobic comments repeated by the press in recent weeks as they reported on Mr. Caitarelli’s incorrect understanding about the new legislation.” said Jane Clementi.

“New Jersey has taken a giant step forward to end bullying behavior based on ignorance and fear by expanding educational curricula to include Diversity and Inclusion as well as LGBTQ and Disability Inclusive Lessons. Teaching LGBTQ inclusive lessons will reduce the rates of bullying in schools and will save lives.” responded Clementi.

‘“I am shocked and dismayed to learn Jack Ciattarelli is trying to win over votes on the backs of LGBT neighbors, parents, first responders, workers and students,” said Ed Potosnak. “His dishonest accounting of the school curriculum is aimed at striking fear into parents — and exemplifies the very need for LGBTQ+ curriculum,” Potosnak added.

In a 2019, GLSEN National School Climate Survey New Jersey students reported only a quarter of LGBTQ students (26%) were taught positive representations as part of an inclusive curriculum of LGBTQ people, history, or events in school.

“Students need to see themselves mirrored and reflected in what they read, across the curricula, in hallways, and classrooms, from the cafeteria to the playground and beyond – reflective of our diverse communities.” said Shannon Cuttle, New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition.

“Visibility matters. Representation matters. And as leaders, mentors and role models, we understand words and actions matter, it can save lives and it can change lives. We all have a shared responsibility, and an important role to play as caring adults, leaders and policymakers to mirror, reflect and represent our diverse student populations and communities in maintaining and building a safe, welcoming and affirming learning environment for all our students. Hate speech, bias and discrimination impact all students; that’s why we must call out hate speech and bias whenever we see it or hear it. – We must condemn all forms of hate speech and violence and denounce expressions of hate and bias in our classrooms and communities.To all the LGBTQ+ youth and families across New Jersey – You Matter. You are Loved. You are NOT Alone. You belong here.” Cuttle added.

Speakers included: Jane Clementi, Ed Potanask, Shannon Cuttle, Chris Cannella, Somerville Council President Fred Wied, Dan Peters and Fran Ehret.