2022 North Jersey Pride Guide by North Jersey Pride

3 NJ Offices: Highland Park Jersey City Freehold

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contents

EDITOR’S NOTE

THANK YOU 2022 SPONSORS

GUIDE TO PRIDE MONTH EVENTS

ENTERTAINERS

AWARD WINNERS

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on the cover

nj pride magazine DESIGNER Matt Kersey COVER ART Jesse Reyes PHOTOGRAPHY Hollingsworth Digital Artistry Studios NJ PRIDE STRATEGIC COMMIT TEE Tara Benigno (Operations Master) Robyn Brody-Kaplan (Teen Whisperer) Jason Clark (Vendor Czar) Mel Comerchero (Pride Run Honcho) Deborah Goldstein (Kids Zone Suzerain) Dillon Fernandes (Volunteer Wrangler) Jill Holtzman (Sharon’s B*tch) Matt Kersey (Governor of Graphics) Sharon Michaels (Stage Mistress)

Collage artist Jesse Reyes’s cover art pays homage to North Jersey Pride’s 10th Anniversary while also protesting the “Don’t Say Gay” movement cropping up across the country. At our Pride celebration, we will say (nay, shout!) all the words—gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (and every other word we can think of)—that represent our uniqueness, both individually and collectively as a community.

Dan Niland (Captain of PNO) Terence Noonan (Gala CEO) C.J. Prince (Empress of Minutiae) Demetri Sparks (Voice of Reason) Keldrick Wright (Sunshine on Cloudy Day) STAY CONNECTED! NORTHJERSEYPRIDE.ORG

/NorthJerseyPride

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/PrideInNJ @prideinnj

Atlantic Health System is proud to support the North Jersey Pride Festival Happy 10-Year Anniversary and thank you for being an advocate and voice for the LGBTQ community!

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editor’s note

FINALLY...WE ARE BACK! AFTER TWO YEARS of postponements, cancelations and tentative gatherings, we are back, loud and proud, live and in color, to celebrate the 10th Annual North Jersey Pride Festival! As some may remember, we began as a picnic in the park for some 100 LGBTQ+ individuals and families seeking a family-friendly way to celebrate Pride. Since then, we’ve grown exponentially year over year, and today we welcome thousands of attendees from all over the tri-state to our day-long celebration of equality, diversity and love. Since becoming a 501(c)3 in 2013, North Jersey Pride has added programming for LGBTQ+ youth: 1) our RAD Family support network for transgender, nonbinary and gender-fluid children (ages 5-11) and teens (12-17) offers monthly meetings for youth as well as for parents, who benefit from the wisdom and experience of others who have guided their children through transition; and 2) the Teen Club for LGBTQ+ and ally youth (ages 13-17), which resumed in-person gatherings with a self-defense workshop in May and will continue to produce events throughout the year. (On the previous page, you’ll see a QR code where you can donate to our nonprofit groups via Venmo— thank you in advance!) This is a challenging time for our collective community. “Don’t Say Gay” laws similar to the anti-LGBTQ legislation passed in Florida have been cropping up around the country. Even in our relatively friendly state of New Jersey, our young people are under attack from the far right: N.J. state Sen. Edward Durr Jr. introduced a bill that would bar teachers from addressing sexual orientation or gender identity in their classrooms. We hope that this Pride season will inspire you to lend your voice, and your 8

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financial support, to the N.J.-based organizations who are fighting for our freedom and our security, including Garden State Equality, ACLU-NJ, GLSEN and others. We also hope, by the end of this Pride Month, you’ll get a sense of the intersectionality in our community, and why there is so much strength in individual marginalized groups banding together. The LGBTQ+ Pride Festival is perhaps the best locus for that cross-section: we are the only minority whose members, in the main, are not born into a community of others like us. We exist in every other minority group, in every community, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, language, etc. Indeed, many of us hold dual minority status— sometimes more—and we understand the challenges of straddling two worlds as we strive to find balance and wholeness. Let’s join in both celebration and protest to remind our adversaries that we will not back down from any attack on our families nor any challenge to the safety of our youth. We will continue to stand up for ourselves, and for each other, so that we might show the most vulnerable among us that they are not alone. We are so much stronger together. Happy Pride! —C.J. PRINCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NORTH JERSEY PRIDE

The very first pride stage in Maplewood, June 2011.

Orange Lawn is excited to be a part of North Jersey Pride’s LGBTQ + Pride Month events!

305 N Ridgewood Road South Orange, NJ • 07079 973.762.0928 orangelawn.com @orangelawntc N O RT H J E R S E Y P R I D E 2 0 2 2

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thank you!

2022 SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

PREMIER SPONSOR

LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

UNITY SPONSORS

EQUALITY SPONSORS

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2022 north jersey

GUIDE TO PRIDE There's something for everyone this June. Check out the listings below and find more info at northjerseypride.org.

FILM SERIES: THE WAY HE LOOKS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 . 7:00 PM Kick off Pride Month at the movies with the first in a new monthly LGBTQ+ film series. Rainbow Youth Alliance, Cinema Lab and North Jersey Pride present The Way He Looks, a fun and tender story about friendship and the complications of young love. Tickets free, but limited. 1 SOPAC WAY, SOUTH ORANGE

THE SAY GAY SOIRÉE! FRIDAY, JUNE 3 . 7:00 - 11:00 PM Join us at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club for a festive evening of dining, dancing and debauchery as we celebrate all things queer and raise funds for RAD Family and NJP’s Teen Club. Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations, full open bar, specialty drinks, and more. It’s the most fun you’ll have giving to charity! 315 N. RIDGEWOOD RD, SOUTH ORANGE

THE NORTH JERSEY PRIDE RUN SUNDAY, JUNE 5 . 9:00 AM Run/walk for equality, respect, and acceptance for all! Pride Month kicks off with our annual 5K, a certified course that takes runners through the shady streets of Montrose. Families, dogs, and walkers welcome! Kids’ Races start at 10am. Then join us for brunch at Miti Miti where you can trade your bib for booze! GROVE RD & S. ORANGE AVE, SOUTH ORANGE . $25 / $5

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2022 north jersey

GUIDE TO PRIDE There's something for everyone this June. Check out the listings below and find more info at northjerseypride.org.

MAPSO EQUALITY MARCH SUNDAY, JUNE 5 . 12:00 PM The march begins at RICALTON SQUARE and continues to MAPLEWOOD TOWN HALL, where a rally will be held with special guests. All are welcome! Sponsored by the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture.

MAPSO YOUTH PICNIC SUNDAY, JUNE 5 . 1:30 PM An event created by youth for youth! Performances, entertainment, games and activities. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch. All are welcome! Sponsored by the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture. SPRINGFIELD AVE. GAZEBO, MAPLEWOOD . FREE

PRIDE NIGHT OUT! TUESDAY, JUNE 7 . 7:00 - 11:00 PM Join us for this special Pride edition of our monthly gathering at Fox & Falcon, with DJ Richie and happy hour drink prices. Dress festive and bring a friend! 19 VALLEY ST, SOUTH ORANGE . FREE

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Respect. Inclusion. Compassion. Valley is Proud to be an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader Valley Health System is honored to be a designated LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This recognition is a reflection of Valley’s efforts to implement policies and practices in LGBTQ+ care – from compassionate providers to services that meet our patients’ individual needs. At Valley, it is our priority and our privilege to offer world-class care in a supportive healing environment that is open to all. We are proud to respectfully care for everyone in our community.

To make an appointment or for a second opinion, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391).

Care Like No Other

ValleyHealth.com/LGBTQ N O RT H J E R S E Y P R I D E 2 0 2 2

2022 north jersey

GUIDE TO PRIDE There's something for everyone this June. Check out the listings below and find more info at northjerseypride.org.

LET'S TALK ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 . 6:00 - 8:00 PM Join us for a special panel discussion at Columbia High School about gender identity and learn how to better support transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid youth. Learn from experts, hear from parents, ask your questions. 17 PARKER AVE, MAPLEWOOD . FREE

THE BIG QUEER PROM FRIDAY, JUNE 10 . 7:00 PM Maplewood Arts and Culture, in partnership with Rainbow Youth Alliance and North Jersey Pride, present the Big Queer Prom, a free, public party at The Woodland for LGBTQ+ folks and their allies. An evening of food, music and community. RSVP to dac@twp.maplewood.nj.us. 60 WOODLAND AVE, MAPLEWOOD . FREE

THE 1OTH ANNUAL NORTH JERSEY PRIDE FESTIVAL SUNDAY, JUNE 12 . 12:00 - 6:00 PM Fabulous live stage showcasing incredible national and local talent, 100+ vendors and fab food court, plus a huge Rainbow Kids Zone with inflatables, games and a live interaction kids stage! MEMORIAL PARK , DUNNELL RD & OAKVIEW AVE, MAPLEWOOD . FREE

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2022 north jersey

GUIDE TO PRIDE There's something for everyone this June. Check out the listings below and find more info at northjerseypride.org.

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER THURSDAY, JUNE 16 . 8:00 PM Bring a blanket or beach chair and cozy up to watch the film classic, But I’m a Cheerleader, starring Natasha Lyonne, Clea Duvall and RuPaul. Concessions will be available. Cosponsored by South Orange Village. WATERLANDS PARK , 30 W. 3RD ST, SOUTH ORANGE . FREE

PRIDE NIGHT AT CITI FIELD FRIDAY, JUNE 17 . 7:00 PM The Mets are hosting Pride Night and we’ve got a block of discounted tickets together on the third baseline—plus special rainbow Mets caps for all! Advance ticket purchase only. 41 SEAVER WAY, QUEENS, NY

MAPLEWOOD DRAG DANCE PARTY FRIDAY, JUNE 24 . 7:00 - 9:00 PM Let’s close out Pride Month in style! Don your best drag attire and join us for a big block party in the streets of downtown Maplewood. Hosted by Harmonica Sunbeam and presented by Maplewood Arts & Culture and North Jersey Pride. Prizes for the best drag! DOWNTOWN MAPLEWOOD . FREE

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guide to pride month

ENTERTAINERS

MARTHA WASH’s new album, Love & Conflict, promises to take fans in a fascinating and perhaps unexpected new direction. Released by Ms. Wash’s label, Purple Rose Records, this eclectic collection of mesmerizing blues-rock and adult contemporary songs is a stylistically adventurous journey for the legendary vocalist, entrepreneur and producer, whose spectacular achievements in the music industry are nothing short of staggering. But breaking new ground is something that shouldn’t surprise anyone who is familiar with Martha’s amazing past including her 14 Number 1 hits! Martha’s been doing it from the very beginning. The two-time Grammy-nominated singer, who began her musical career at the age of two in her parents’ church in San Francisco, has been lifting the spirits of audiences for decades. Initially at the forefront of the ’70s disco movement, performing powerful background vocals for the iconic, flamboyant star Sylvester of “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” fame, Martha went on to storm the ’80s as one half of The Weather Girls with their mega-hit “It’s Raining Men.” The ’90s moved Martha’s 20

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already prolific career into high gear with her awe-inspiring recording of “Sweat (Everybody Dance Now),” the highlight of C&C Music Factory’s career, which sold 10.5 million copies worldwide. With the creation of her own recording label Purple Rose Records, and working closely with manager James Washington, the twenty-first century has seen Martha continue to evolve in exciting ways in music and beyond. In music, Martha released the critically acclaimed Something Good in 2013. Beyond music, Martha’s popular entertainment/talk television show, 10 Minutes with Martha Wash is now entering its second season. She’s also created a digital publication, FLOD Spotlight Magazine, and continues to support charitable organizations, such as “QSAC,” a non-profit organization providing comprehensive services to individuals with autism and their families. A longtime LGBTQ+ ally, Martha has also worked tirelessly for people affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States. Where Martha goes from here is anyone’s guess, but there’s no question it’s going to be a thrilling ride! She is excited to make it RAIN PRIDE in Maplewood!

We are so grateful to have found this community in which to raise our son.

Thank you,

NORTH JERSEY PRIDE for 10 years of caring for our youth and our families. We are proud to support you.

Fran Lichtman 646-734-3718 · Randy Rabney 646-734-9077 Office 973-913-5055

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guide to pride month

ENTERTAINERS

Before the pandemic, ALI CALDWELL enjoyed the perks of being on tour with Christina Aguilera as a featured supporting vocalist during Christina Aguilera’s Vegas residency entitled “The Xperience” and her international tour entitled “The X Tour”. Ali was also featured on BET Centric TV’s Black Music Month series back in February as one of four Independent Black Women in Music to Watch. Ali Caldwell is well on her way to establishing herself as one of the voices of our time. You’ve seen her wow audiences & judges on two hit television shows, The Voice on NBC (Season 11) and The Four with P. Diddy on Fox (Season 2). She headlined six international European tours encompassing seven countries as an independent artist, and most recently, performed & killed SXSW 2022 in Austin, TX at the impressive Wisdome in conjunction with Breaking Hits. Ali Caldwell now has her sights set on going back home for a much needed visit— back home to New Jersey. Ready to bring energy, the vocals, the band & her stunning presence to the North Jersey Pride Festival 2022. Get ready for the Red Queen! 22

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ALPHONSO HORNE & THE GOTHAM KINGS is a high-energy, immersive jazz experience! Two-time Grammy nominated trumpeter Alphonso Horne has put together a band that weaves the sound of New Orleans into a rich musical fabric that demonstrates the history of the trumpet and the story of jazz. Inspired by the music of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Gotham Kings uses the virtuosity of the young Louis Armstrong and innovative genius of King Oliver to take you on a journey of sound that encompasses rags, stomps, shouts and funk! The band has played in venues including Caramoor Jazz Festival, Louis Armstrong House Museum, Jazz at Lincoln Center and many more! Individually, members of the Gotham Kings have compiled a diverse resume of collaborations with top artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, The Colbert Show and more!

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guide to pride month

ENTERTAINERS Performing as a trio, ANTIGONE RISING always puts on a great show, and their excellent musicianship, songwriting and soaring three-part harmonies have kept them a favorite in clubs and festivals. At North Jersey Pride on June 12th, they will reunite on stage with drummer Dena Tauriello! Founding sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson have always had the same philosophy, play better than the boys and make sure the fans feel like part of the family. That philosophy plus writing undeniably catchy songs has allowed this self-sustained group to maintain their independence and leave an indelible mark on an industry best known for leaving girl (bands) behind. Antigone Rising continues to play a major part in LGBTQ advocacy. They are currently working on a new CD and launched Girls Rising, (www.girlsrising.org) a nonprofit organization that inspires young women to harness their potential, follow their dreams, and pursue non-traditional career paths.

AUTUMN JONES is a singer-songwriter from Maplewood, New Jersey, and a recent graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. The soulful R&B she creates is an expression of her life experiences as told through her stories and in each of her songs, which are available on all major platforms. She has had success performing in the Boston area at venues such as City Winery, Ryles Jazz Club, Midway Cafe and Hard Rock Cafe. She's also had recent success in New York City, New Jersey and Spain with her performances at Silvana in Harlem, Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan, Radio City in Valencia and the annual Maplewoodstock festival in NJ. Autumn has also had the amazing opportunity to open for R&B Artists Vivian Green and Jon B. at the acclaimed South Orange Performing Art Center. Her single "Bittersweet" has won a Tracks Music Award for Best R&B Song and another for Best Studio Sound in 2021. This past February, her most recent feel good jam, "Money Honey Manifest", was featured in a nation-wide Pantene commercial making this Autumn’s first successful sync.

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Family is Who You Choose. Home is Where You Choose To Live. Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Robert Shaffron | Sales Associate (o) 973-378-8300 (m) 201-665-0864 Coldwell Banker Maplewood, NJ 145 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood NJ shaffronsellshomes.cbintouch.com

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guide to pride month

ENTERTAINERS Recent Tony Award-winner Britton Smith uses his funk liberation band BRITTON & THE STING to spread the gospel of authenticity and inclusion as the bridge to radical liberation. Britton self identifies as a Black Gay Mega Pastor, set on this earth to dismantle the systems and ideas of oppression that keep us from living our most authentic lives. "Let’s Get Drunk And Go to Church"—the band’s anthem— speak volumes about their mission and identity. The talented pack of musicians lead their congregation with an electric passion for funk, gospel, soul, and testimony. Their shows feel like church in all the best ways. Their last Joe’s Pub show was a sold-out, roaring experience, so get ready for some fun! Recently featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Fault Magazine, and The New Yorker, Britton & The Sting was also featured in Paper Magazine’s “Bops Only: 10 Songs You Need to Start Your Weekend Right'' list, as well as a featured 2020 NPR Tiny Desk Submission Top Pick.

HARMONICA SUNBEAM, the Queen of Comedy, has been delighting audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad for over 27 years. Her live appearances have gained her a cult following of all ages, races and backgrounds. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, her film credits include Honey with Jessica Alba, Uptown Girls with Brittany Murphy and the Oliver Stone drama, World Trade Center. She has also worked alongside noted musical artists such as Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Holiday, and Katy Perry. Miss Sunbeam’s latest project is showcasing her unique ability to uplift, encourage and engage children. As a host of DragQueen Story Hour, she reads to kids of all ages at libraries, bookstores, festivals and other events. DragQueen Story Hour encourages children to relate to both gender neutrality and non-conformity, while promoting positive LGBTQ+ role models.

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LGBTQ+ & Allies at BASF

We create chemistry with PRIDE At BASF, we take PRIDE in supporting ALLchemie, our LGBTQ and Allies Employee Resource Group, and serving as an annual supporter of North Jersey Pride. Find out how you can come create chemistry with us! www.basf.com/careers

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guide to pride month

ENTERTAINERS MUMU is an independent musician who was born and raised in Harlem, NYC. She hit the music scene in 2018 with her hit single, "Free the Nip", quickly gathering millions of views on YouTube and hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. She spent the next few years touring the country with her band and releasing her EP, Ladies First. When the lockdown began, she podded up with her band and they’ve spent the last year filming live sessions and releasing a new song every two weeks. In addition to her solo career, MuMu is also the head songwriter and co-star of Best Summer Ever, an original musical feature, which will have its world premiere at SXSW this March. The NEW JERSEY GAY MEN'S CHORUS is an inclusive volunteer chorus drawing from communities in New Jersey and surrounding areas. D uring NJGMC's 30-plus-year history, the group has worked in conjunction with the New Jersey Names Project and marched with the AIDS Memorial Quilt at Jersey Pride in Asbury Park; performed at World AIDS Day services throughout Central NJ; Pride Night sponsored by The Pride Center of New Jersey; the Princeton University Transgender Remembrance Service; and the Yom HaShoah Commemoration at the Jewish Community Center in Edison. We also had the thrilling experience of performing “Sing for the Cure,” a musical benefit for breast cancer education, at Carnegie Hall.Most recently, the NJGMC was invited to perform on stage with the extraordinarily talented Hugh Jackman at the New Jersey stop of his world tour, “The Man, The Music, The Show” at the Prudential Center. SCOTT NEVINS is best known for being one of the breakout stars and original cast members of Bravo TV’s series The People’s Couch, and truTV’s hit show truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest... Scott has appeared on national TV on NBC, FOX, Bravo, CNN International, HLN, truTV, The Style Network, Fuse TV and LOGO and has hosted several red carpet events for TV Land. He received high praise for his work as the cohost of The Ann Walker Show with Scott Nevins (UBN Radio), as a fill-in host on Sirius Satellite Radio and KNews Radio, and most recently as a political contributor for NewNowNext.com. Scott has has a special place in his heart for the North Jersey Pride Festival—which is why he has returned year after year to be our emcee—we love you, Scott! 28

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LGBTQ+ Jews belong here.

‫בצלם אלהים‬ “All people are made in God’s image.”

Celebrating Pride today and everyday!

The Reform Congregation in South Orange 432 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ 07079 | tsti.org

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SHUGA CAIN

MARTI GOULD CUMMINGS

PEACHEZ

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2022 award recipients THE BARBRA C. SIPERSTEIN TRAILBLAZER AWARD LESLIE FARBER, ESQ., is an attorney practicing in Montclair in the areas of personal injury, workers compensation, employment law, LGBT rights and small estate planning. Ms. Farber is a past-chair of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. A longtime friend and colleague of the late activist Barbra “Babs” Siperstein, Ms. Farber helped to pass what has now become known as “The Babs Siperstein Law,” which allows transgender individuals to change the gender marker on their birth certificates.

THE NJP VANGUARD AWARD GARY PAUL WRIGHT is the cofounder, with husband Peter Oates, of the AFRICAN AMERICAN OFFICE OF GAY CONCERNS (AAOGC), which has proudly served the greater Newark area for two decades by offering health programs and services to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Wright has been active in the fight against HIV/AIDS since the mid-‘80s, when he began as a “buddy” for Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City, and first noticed the disparity in the level of care provided to LGBTQ people of color. In his role of executive director of the AAOGC, he remains dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS prevention services for gay men and transgender women of color in the Newark area. The African American Office of Gay Concerns also serves as a resource for the wellbeing of gay men of color, as well as gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning communities in the area.

THE OUTSTANDING ALLY AWARD A Tony Award nominee, NAACP Image Award nominee and Independent Spirit Award winner, SHERYL LEE RALPH has become a staple in the entertainment industry. Sheryl can currently be seen starring on ABC’s hit comedy series, Abbott Elementary. Additional credits for Sheryl include starring in over 100 episodes of Moesha, a lead role in Nickelodeon’s Instant Mom, and in Ray Donovan for Showtime. In theatre, Sheryl originated the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical Dreamgirls, which earned her Best Actress nods for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. A longtime LGBTQ ally, Sheryl is also a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist. She is the founding director of the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed) Foundation 501(C)3, which she created in memory of the many friends she had lost to HIV/AIDS. She also created the critically acclaimed Divas Simply Singing!, an evening of song and entertainment that is the longest consecutive running musical AIDS benefit in the country. 32

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PROUD SUPPORTER OF ALL FAMILIES Championing full equality, inclusivity and representation for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Made for today, tomorrow and for what’s needed next

carewithpride.com

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