June 1 marked the beginning of Pride Month, a time for the LGBTQIA community and its allies to celebrate their identities and reflect on their history.
While big city events and parades in New York and Philadelphia may be on your agenda, don't forget to check out what's happening this month in your local community.
Pride Month events in South Jersey:
"Drag is Not a Crime" in Hammonton, June 4 to Sept. 29
This free exhibit at the Noyes Museum of Art at Stockton University Galleries at Kramer Hall highlights drag culture in the South Jersey area.
The artwork will feature fashion designs, photography, performance pieces and more to explore the history of drag and the common conceptions and misconceptions that surround it. Other parts of the exhibit also focus on LGBTQIA+ history and representation in Hammonton.
Address: 30 Front St., Hammonton, NJ 08037
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Flag raising in Moorestown, June 5
Moorestown Pride and other organizations will host a flag raising at the town's library on June 5 at 5 p.m.
Address: 111 W 2nd St., Moorestown, NJ.
Haddon Township Pride, June 6 and 7
Haddon Township will be hosting its fourth annual Pride Parade (and after party!) this year on Thursday June 6 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The parade will start at the corner of Crystal Lake and Haddon Avenues before ending in an after party at Haddon Square with music, dancing, food and drinks.
But the party doesn't stop there.
The following night, Haddon Square will be the scene of a Haddon Township Pride + Progress Community Night from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The evening will consist of educational resources, Pride Quizzo, performances and drag queen lip sync battles.
Both events can be found and RSVP'd to on Facebook.
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Pride Shabbat in Voorhees, June 7
Congregation Beth El Voorhees is inviting the community to participate in a Pride Month Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 7.
The event will include "snacks and schmooze" as well as Musical Kabbalat Shabbat services to follow, sponsored by Kavod (Respect): LGBTQI+ Friends, Families & Allies.
Address: 8000 Main St., Voorhees, NJ 08043.
3rd Annual Rainbow Ride & March for Equality in Atlantic City, June 8
Clear your summer schedule for a day full of pride by the shore.
At 10 a.m. the Rainbow Pride Ride starts at Newport and Boardwalk in Ventnor, and the first 75 participants received a free T-shirt and voucher for the Hardrock Hotel & Casino after party.
Meanwhile, marchers can join in at 11 a.m. at Boardwalk and Iowa at Tropicana.
At 11:30 a.m., the Rainbow Beach Ceremony will take place at Boardwalk and Park Place, and the first annual pride flag raising ceremony will start at 11:45 at the Hard Rock's Porte Cochere with guest speakers.
Still not enough? Stop by the after party at noon on the Hard Rock terrace, hosted by Anthony Wilkinson and head over to the Great Pride Day Festival in Brighton Park at 2:30 p.m.
Pride Party in Atco, June 8
The Waterford Township Public Library will be participating in Pride Month with a party on June 8 at 11 a.m.
Activities will include button making, gimp, coloring pages, friendship bracelets and an iced coffee bar. This event is open to all ages and does not require registration.
Address: 386 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ 08004.
Pride in Pitman, June 8
Join the PRIDE Alliance of Pitman from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day packed with pride.
At this fourth annual event, take part in live music, food, drag queen story time, a costume contest and fun run and so much more.
Address: 30 N Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08051
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Second Saturday Pride in Collingswood, June 8
Celebrate Pride at Second Saturday in Collingswood this month.
Join the Collingswood Pride Committee for food, non-alcoholic beverages, vendors and healthcare resources.
Address: Irvin Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
Pride Day in Mount Holly, June 15
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pride Day will take place in Mount Holly's Historic Mill Race Village.
Female tribute artist Carl Max will headline the event as shoppers are invited to stroll through the artisan and antique village.
Address: White and Charles Streets, Mount Holly, NJ.
Atlantic City Pride Mixer at Boardwalk Hall, June 18
At 5 p.m., join AC Pride at Boardwalk Hall for free food, a performance by Miss'd America Freeda Kulo and a cash bar. Then, stay for Silent Reflections, an LGBTQ+ silent film event at 7 p.m.
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Pride in the Park in Mays Landing, June 22
Head out to Memorial Park in Mays Landing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Pride in the Park with the Atlantic County Queer Alliance.
Address: 100 Blvd Rt. 50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Know of a pride event we missed? Let us know.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
