Who We Are & What We Do:
A Letter from our Founding Director

To our esteemed members:

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2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and best year yet.

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I would like to thank our Vice President, Robert Robinson and Secretary, Erin Melillo, for their commitment and service to our organization. I look forward to our January 2026 meeting where we will hold our swearing in ceremony for newly elected officers.

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Before we get into another year filled with growth and sustainability, I'd like to thank our board, our partners, our members, our allies, the Barnegat Police Department, Jean Broadbent & the Barnegat Township Recreation Center, all of our presenters who came out to educate and assist our group. And of course, to all of the local businesses in Barnegat and beyond who have sided with diversity and inclusion in a world where that seems to be fleeting vs. thriving.

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I encourage you to stay the course and continue the fight for full equality! 

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We must protect our LGBTQIA+2S community Now. 

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A recap from our year includes: a monthly group therapy gathering moderated by Rutgers alumni, Dr. Christine Chapais, PhD SW.  This is a free offering to the LGBTQIA+2S community. We ended the year with our all-inclusive holiday party and our Friendsgiving gathering was like no other. We also held 2 separate Drag Bingo nights, attended Pride Night at the BlueClaws, TR Pride and more! 

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Barnegat Pride's 1st Annual Pride Festival was a huge success-thanks to all of you! We had over 1000+ attendees, opening ceremony with an ASL interpreter, 73 vendors, 11 food trucks, free kids' zone, raffle and 50/50, beer/wine garden, and numerous entertainers that we are so grateful for.  2026 here we come!

 

Barnegat Pride has been dedicated to providing resources and fostering camaraderie in our community, living by our motto: "Unity in our Community." 

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In our first year, we have expanded our committees and enhanced our youth outreach program, now featuring a Senior Youth Coordinator to support and protect our most vulnerable children. We are proud to have formed partnerships with Barnegat School Districts GSA Club and their dedicated teacher moderators. Plus, we recently welcomed a passionate Social Media Coordinator who has jumped into their role with enthusiasm. We can't wait to celebrate!

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A little back story:

 

Barnegat Pride came about after living here for 17 years and not having any local outlets for the LGBTQIA+ community. If one wants camaraderie, they have to travel. Or, most importantly, when I think of the LGBTQIA+ children and teens of our community, I am heartbroken by the bullying and lack of protection offered someone under the age of 18.  I continually worry about what might happen to a student of the community who has no resources or community to go to for help.

 

It is this daily passion that a friend and ally, pushed me to start Barnegat Pride on March 29th, 2024, by donating the funds to start a legitimate non-profit. On April 9th, 2024, we proudly received our 501c3 non-profit status, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team that came together to get us where we are today. A growing group of board members, 1000+Facebook members, a regular monthly meeting group gathering, community events and involvement, a small, intimate support group beginning May 1, 2025 (every 1st Thursday of the month thereafter) and involvement in numerous upcoming events and inclusive activities and learning sessions.

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In our first few months since March 29th, we have attended Toms River Pride as an organization, held a meet and greet with award winning Author, Ashley T. Brundage, alongside partner member New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce. We have partnered with ACQA (Atlantic County Queer Alliance), became members of the Barnegat Rotarian Club and rely greatly on the resources and assistance from our most valued partner, Garden State Equality. We are in constant contact and hold seminars for and with Trans Equity Coalition, NJ Civil Rights Department, FBI Hate Crimes Unit and others.

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Lastly, but certainly not least, Barnegat Pride, in partnership and respect for our Police Department, are always ready, willing and able to assist in raising monetary funds, products and awareness for their fundraisers and dedication to service. We love working with them and we rely heavily on their support.  In turn, we gladly support them back.​

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I’m proud to have started a n organization and group where friendship, family and love for one another is paramount. 

​Unity in Our Community! Join us at our 3rd American Red Cross Blood Drive on July 19th from 9 am-2pm.

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Please keep coming back to see what’s new and to be a vital member of our community, you are always welcome here <3

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With Pride and Love,

Carrie Diona - President