ABOUT US

The Denville LGBTQ+ Alliance, formed in April 2021, developed out of a shared interest in making Denville a town that is VISIBLY and LOUDLY a place of welcoming, acceptance, respect, and love for members of the LGBTQ+ Community. 

The Alliance promotes LGBTQ-inclusive messages and awareness through community activities and social media. We strive to form genuine collaborations with community partners to share in work that is meaningful and beneficial to us all. 

In our first year we organized activities within Denville’s downtown to create a climate celebrating PRIDE Month through public art (rainbow yarn bombing) and supportive rainbow ribbons on downtown trees. We hosted interactive information tables at the June 2021 Denville After Dark and at the Denville Farmers Market. We also held our first fundraiser to benefit EDGE NJ, an established non-profit organization that is investing in Denville by moving its primary operations to our town in early 2022.  

Our first-year efforts were met with highly positive reviews, yet we believe more needs to be done to visibly support Denville’s LGBTQ+ Community. We have a great responsibility and opportunity for Denville to shine in Morris County, alongside Boonton and Parsippany, as a place known for welcoming and supporting the LGBTQ Community, especially our youth. 

In 2022 the Denville LGBTQ+ Alliance will foster more community conversations aligned with our mission. Our priorities are to work with the schools, community members, and businesses to create inclusive environments where all feel welcome. 

Our current and emerging partnerships include: EDGE NJ, Denville Area LGBTQ+ Facebook Group, Denville Community Church, Denville Public Library, the LGBTQ+ Clubs at Morris County School of Technology and Morris Knolls High School, neighboring local Pride Organizations (e.g. Boonton Pride, Morris County Pride), local businesses (e.g., Pure Barre), and Dickerson’s Corner.

The Denville LGBTQ+ Alliance builds on the model of LGBTQ+ Pride Month that is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) Americans.