Produced in partnership with Greater Newark’s LGBTQ organizations and it’s allies, Newark LGBTQ Pride Festival is a regionally anticipated signature event with an itinerary of social, educational, political and cultural programs for youth, adults, families, and allies. Newark Pride Week was founded shortly after the horrific death of Sakia Gunn, a teenager who was targeted and murdered because of her sexual orientation in the heart of downtown Newark. Through grassroots organizing, Newark’s LGBTQ community advocated for safe spaces and programming. As a result, in 2005, Newark Pride, Inc. held its inaugural week-long LGBTQ Pride celebration. 16 years later, Newark Pride has evolved with the city’s changing landscape and has grown into a regionally anticipated event, drawing thousands of people to Newark’s Downtown Business District. From thriving cultural institutions like the NJPAC, Prudential Arena and The Newark Museum to a variety of new restaurants, hotels and luxury apartments that are transforming the downtown area - Newark is on the rise.