The City of Perth Amboy held its first Pride Flag raising on June 28 2021. The event was attended by Mayor Caba, Councilman Torres, Councilwoman Morales, Assemblywoman Lopez, Assemblyman Caughlin, Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra, City Department Heads, staff, community leaders, students and residents. The event was organized by Louis Contreras, Chair LGBT Caucus, Middlesex County Democratic Organization, who thanked the city for taking this step forward, “Thank you everyone for coming out today, on this first ever flag raising event to commemorate LGBT Pride in Perth Amboy. I want to thank the City Council and Mayor Caba for agreeing that this is an important step of visibility for all of our brothers and sisters who identify in the spectrum. With this flag raising ceremony, we are steps closer to equality. We are removed from the shadows, and we are able to join our community as a whole. We are here, in support of LGBT Pride month to make sure every constituent in Perth Amboy understands we are fighting for you, for your right to be who you are and love who you want. We are american. We are taxpayers. But most of all, we could be members of your family. Scared to come out. Scared to live freely. Today we celebrate you.”

Mayor Caba presented Louis Contreras with a proclamation declaring June 2021 Pride Month in Perth Amboy. Councilman Torres spoke and said “I am honored to be part of the first Pride Flag raising in Perth Amboy.”

Residents noted this important day in Perth Amboy. Angie Perez said “Perth Amboy will always be my hometown, where I was raised. This is really a groundbreaking moment that’s been long overdue. Thank God times have changed. Until no one has to live in fear, work still needs to be done. Good step in the right direction Perth Amboy!”