Essex County Launches Office Of LGBTQ Affairs: ‘A Red-Letter Day’ – Montclair, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A newly launched “Essex County Office of LGBTQ Affairs” will support the local community and help local advocates to push for reform, its supporters say.

Essex County officials announced the creation of the agency last week, noting that it will be tasked with “supporting the LBGTQ community and providing a platform to address issues, advocate for reforms and raise awareness.”

Reginald Bledsoe, a Montclair State University alumni and Newark native, has been named as the office’s first director. Read More: Essex County Native Named Director Of LGBTQ Affairs Office

“This is indeed a red-letter day for Essex County and its LGBTQ community,” Bledsoe said.

“The creation of this office signals that LGBTQ+ individuals are full members of the Essex County community and that the county government will listen to our concerns, address our needs and respond to our desires,” Bledsoe added, thanking county officials and the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Board for their efforts.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. also said the advisory board was instrumental in the creation of the new office.

“I always say that the strength of Essex County lies in the diversity of our residents, and that includes the LGBTQ community,” DiVincenzo said. “For years, our LGBTQ Advisory Board has advised my administration, and when they recommended that more attention be given to issues affecting the LGBTQ community, I knew the creation of this office was needed.”

Several officials and community members lauded the announcement, as well as Bledsoe’s appointment.

Maplewood Mayor Dean Dafis, who also serves as co-chair of the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Board, said that creating the new office “sends a strong message.”

“Our equality, safety and happiness are intersectional,” Dafis said. “This office will be a place where the LGBTQ community can seek advocacy, support and services, which is truly important at this time.”

“This office is the next step toward lived equality and making sure the laws reach people they were intended for,” Garden State Equality Director Christian Fuscarino agreed.

The Essex County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is part of the Essex County Division of Community Action. For information, call 973-395-8350.

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