HT PRIDE 2025: CHOOSE JOY
CELEBRATING LGBTQIA+ PRIDE IN HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ
HT Pride returns in 2025 with a simple but powerful theme: Choose Joy.
Joy is more than a feeling—it’s a declaration. A celebration. It's defiant. A way to connect with others.
This year, we celebrate the strength of our community, the love that binds us, and the resilience that carries us forward. Join us in Haddon Township as we come together once again to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, honor those who paved the way, and create a future rooted in inclusion, advocacy, and celebration. Whether you're here to march, dance, learn, or simply connect, there's a place for you at HT Pride 2025.
Save the Date: Parade - Thursday, June 5th & Community Night - Friday, June 6th
Location: Haddon Square - 51 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Join us as we paint the town rainbow and show the spirit of HT Pride in 2025. Show your support and excitement on social media with #HTPride and tag us @haddontownshipequityinitiative.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025
A Celebration of Joy – Events dedicated to community, love, and visibility.
Live Music & Performances – Featuring artists, musicians, drag performers, and local talent.
Parade & Festival – A vibrant march with thousands of participants followed by a massive celebration.
Community & Advocacy – Opportunities to connect, learn, and take action.
More details will be announced soon—stay connected for updates.
Additionally, we plan to host a Drag Queen Story Hour at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in Haddon Township on Saturday, June 7th, with more details to follow. This event also serves as the alternative date for the Pride Parade, should inclement weather or environmental conditions arise.
Highlights from our 2024 events
HT Pride 2024 Photo Album
HT Pride 2024 Highlight Short
In 2024, there were over...
7,500
attendees at the Parade;
3,159
participants in the Parade;
128
Community, business, and nonprofit groups who walked in the Parade;
120
volunteers who supported all of the events;
775
attendees at the Pride + Progress Community Night;
41
Community and nonprofit organizations at the Pride + Progress Community Night;
and 86
Sponsors for the Pride events!
Want to sponsor HT Pride 2025?
HT PRIDE PARADE + AFTER PARTY
THURSDAY JUNE 5TH @ 6PM
Mark your calendars for the HT PRIDE PARADE + AFTER PARTY, taking place on Thursday, June 6th, from 6-10 p.m. along Haddon Avenue (RSVP via Facebook). This year's parade promises to be a vibrant showcase of LGBTQ+ and ally performers, organizations, and community volunteers, coming together to create an unforgettable parade experience. Starting at the corner of Crystal Lake and Haddon Avenues, the parade will culminate in a festive after-party at Haddon Square, featuring music, entertainment, dancing, food, and drinks.
HT PRIDE + PROGRESS COMMUNITY NIGHT
FRIDAY JUNE 6TH @ 5:30PM
Continue the celebration with us on Friday, June 6th, for the HT PRIDE + PROGRESS COMMUNITY NIGHT from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Haddon Square (RSVP via Facebook). This event is an open invitation to the community and beyond to embrace and celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in all its forms. It's an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of LGBTQ+ pioneers and immerse yourself in LGBTQ+ history, all while enjoying the company of local LGBTQ+-friendly vendors and allies. The evening will be enriched with educational and celebratory resources, Pride Quizzo, performances, and the much-loved Drag Queen Lip Sync Battles.
Testimonials
River Ziener, Restaurant Manager, HT Pride Volunteer
“All of you created a space where I, and many others, could be myself, where I could be open, where my pronouns were not just respected but celebrated. At the beginning of the year, before the planning of pride started, I was researching cities with a strong queer community so I could move. I thought it would be easier to show up in a new city... Everything I was looking for is all around me. I never imagined such a strong allyship is so close to home. I am incredibly proud of who I am and to be a part of this community. I no longer want to move away and would like to help give the community the love and acceptance it’s given to me because of all of you.”
Isis Williams, Executive Director, Event Planner, and President of HTEI
“They say small towns are where change happens and we believe that Haddon Township has created positive momentum for not only our LGBTQIA+ community, but the community as a whole. While there is much more work to be done to combat stereotypes and fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, it’s critical that we simply show up for our LGBTQIA+ community members - literally and figuratively. In doing so, we are affirming humanity and saving lives.”
Anthony Fitzpatrick, Former Principal, Haddon Township School District
“The impact of Haddon Township Pride was profound. Our small town has shown that the result of community togetherness and support is a simple word . . . JOY! People from all over and of all ages came out to support the LGBTQA+ community through celebration, conversation, and learning. Having grown up in Haddon Township, this event was unthinkable just a few short years ago. The efforts of this town and the organizers and sponsors proves that inclusive change can happen; and everyone can share in the joy and love. It was so powerful!”
Michele Messer, School Psychologist at the School District of Philadelphia, Former HTEI Board Member
“Allowing our youth to unfold in a community that gives them space to do so, without judgment and shame was my hope. As a parent of a gay teen, I watched my child stand in a place of power and agency. It gives me hope to know that our youth sees that we can work from a place of love and create the world in which we want to live.”
