The Role Homosexuals Have Played in Asbury Park

        In the 80’s the gay community started to flourish in Asbury Park.   With the Gay Pride Parade held every year, gay people have started to play a bigger role in the Asbury Park culture.  The first Gay Pride Parade was in New York on June 28, 1970, but came to Asbury Park in June of 1992.  The parade is held every June, in honor of Gay Pride month.  Many people from the community attend the Gay Pride Parade, including gay people, and their straight allies. People come from around the state to watch the parade.  Also in Asbury Park, there are many gay organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of New Jersey and various support groups for homosexuals. Gay individuals have and still are impacting Asbury Park in many ways.