Woodbridge proclaims June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month, raises flag at ceremony

Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and led a flag-raising and brief ceremony at the start of the council meeting. McCormick said the township believes in "human rights, equality, respect, and inclusion for all citizens," and read a proclamation urging residents to "embrace the LGBTQ plus community and work together to foster a warm and hospitable community for all." The mayor also said Woodbridge held its first Pride flag-raising in New Jersey in 2019.

Anthony Wilkinson, director of the Avenel Performing Arts Center, told attendees the Pride flag stands for "visibility, dignity, and belonging." He said, "Pride is not about being better than anyone. It's not about division. It's about visibility, dignity, and belonging. It's a reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to love authentically, openly, and to walk through this world without fear of being rejected for who they are." Wilkinson asked the community to choose "compassion over judgment and understanding over fear."

Following the remarks, council members and attendees posed for a group photograph and raised the flag. The pledge of allegiance was recited and the council observed a moment of silence for recent graduates and others being recognized. No formal council action was required for the proclamation at the meeting beyond the ceremonial reading and observance.

The ceremony closed with applause and the mayor turning the meeting over to regular business.