Mercer County To Host Inaugural Equality Gala Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Community

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County will be hosting its first-ever Mercer County Equality Gala, a landmark event celebrating visibility, progress, and the power of community.

Hosted by County Executive Dan Benson and the Mercer County Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, the gala will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Social Profit Center, located at 1 N. Johnston Avenue, Hamilton.

Themed ‘Joy as Resistance,’ this celebration marks a major milestone for Mercer County’s LGBTQIA+ community. The event will support the mission of the recently established Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, which was launched to ensure inclusive government services, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster a more supportive environment for all residents.

“This Equality Gala isn’t just a celebration,” Benson said. “It’s a statement, and a call to action. As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, we also commit to the work ahead through visibility, solidarity, and collective pride.”

The honoree of the evening will be Jeannine Frisby LaRue, a legendary trailblazer whose leadership and advocacy have left a profound mark on Mercer County and New Jersey. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit outreach, education, and community programming designed to protect and uplift the LGBTQIA+ residents across Mercer.

Guests can enjoy an atmosphere that blends elegance with activism, with unforgettable entertainment from drag hostess Lady Celestina and music by the celebrated DJ Tee Boogie.

Tickets are available at https://tiny.cc/MercerPride or by contacting LGBTQIA@mercercounty.org.

Tickets are $95, with a discount for attendees under twenty-one years. Supporters can also purchase tables and sponsorships.

Residents with questions about the event or about the office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs can reach out to LGBTQIA@mercercounty.org for additional information.

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