New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group held a special ceremony in celebration of their new statewide headquarters in Asbury Park. Garden State Equality also marked the event with a plaque dedication.

The organization says the new building will help the group boost its mission of creating a safe and affirming place for the LGBTQ+ community.

"So let this home, let this building, let this place, let this staff, let this community stand up as a beacon of hope - despite the doom and gloom, because we refuse to go back. We have planted our seeds, and we will be here for another 20 years,” says deputy director Brielle Winslow-Majette.

The ceremony included a native indigenous blessing because the new headquarters sits on indigenous land. The blessing was performed by Felipe Rose, one of the original members of The Village People.