JERSEY CITY – Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, members of the Municipal Council, and the Division of Cultural Affairs will raise the Rainbow Flag in celebration of the 12th Annual LGBT Hudson Pride Festival at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at City Hall, 280 Grove Street.

The LGBT Hudson Pride Festival will take place from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Exchange Place (Montgomery Street between Hudson Street and Washington Blvd.)

“The Hudson Pride Connections Center continues to have a positive influence in our city, while adding to the vibrancy of our city’s rich tapestry,” said Mayor Healy. “This organization sends a positive message of hope, filled with the endless possibilities that change can unite our community while inspiring everyone to make positive difference. As the LGBT community continues to be influential and proactive, their efforts enable our great city to prosper and flourish.”

The annual festival is sponsored by the Hudson Pride Connections Center, whose mission is to bridge the social gap, encourage acceptance of equal human rights, and create love and understanding between the general society and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender (LGBT) people, as well as all those who are HIV positive in New Jersey with an emphasis in the Hudson County area.

This year’s theme, “PRIDE365,” recognizes that pride is something that the LGBT community wears every day of every year, and the influential role of the LGBT community in encouraging others to be proud of their heritage, while being strong and visible contributors to the community and society at large.

For more information about the LGBT Pride Festival, call the Division of Cultural Affairs at (201)547-6921 or visit jerseycitynj.gov

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699.///