In celebration of Pride Month in June, we are highlighting some amazing people of the LGBTQ+ community based in Montclair. The people make the place, and these people are definitely a group to watch for. Keep reading for a list of locals in the LGBTQ+ community to watch in Montclair this June and beyond.

Kathy Ahearn-O’Brien | Co-chair of the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Board + the Executive Director of Hyacinth

Photo Credit: LinkedIn

Kathy Ahearn-O’Brien is the Co-chair of the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Board and the Executive Director of Hyacinth. Hyacinth has been New Jersey’s largest and first HIV service provider since it opened its doors in 1985. 

“We stand up for what we believe- and our most fervent belief is that it is beyond time to end this epidemic. To do so, it will take all of us working together to fight the systems that contribute to the spread of HIV – racism, homophobia, transphobia, and poverty.” She shared via the website.

Read More: Where to Celebrate Pride Month 2025 in Montclair + Northern New Jersey

William Courson | Secretary + Co-Founder of Out Montclair

Photo Credit: Out Montclair

William (Bill) Courson is the Secretary and also Co-Founder of Out Montclair. He is a retired health educator, having moved to Montclair in 1978. Since high school, Bill has been an active member of the movement for LGBTQ+ equality. He helped found gay and lesbian student organizations at Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University in the 1970s and was also involved in movements promoting racial and women’s equality as well as the anti-war movement. He is also a member of Garden State Equality’s Older Adults Council and is actively involved in a variety of professional, philanthropic, and civic organizations.

Jodie Dawson + Kristine Petrik | Co-owners of Java Love Coffee Roasting Co.

Photo credit: @doyoujavalove

The owners of Java Love Coffee Roasting Co., Jodie and Kristine, brew a great cup of coffee and are longtime Montclair business owners. With the mission to find a good cup of coffee and a passion to connect with the community, Jodie and Kristine opened Java Love in 2011. The couple bought Hudson Valley Coffee Roasters, Inc., from the previous owners and created Java Love, which now has several locations and an online store. Locals know and love the Montclair location for its excellent coffee and its warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Madeline Gale | Co-Founder of Out Montclair

Photo Credit: Out Montclair

Madeline Gale is a Board Member and Co-Founder of Out Montclair. She is also a New Jersey Performing Arts Center LGBTQ+ Advisory Council Co-Chair, and is on the Newark LGBTQ+ Film Festival Committee and the Garden State Equality Older Adults Council. She is a Montclair Civil Rights Commissioner and is a Board Member of the Montclair NAACP Executive Committee and Montclair Mutual Aid. Madeline was also on the planning committee for several marches, like the 1993 and 2000 LGBTQ Marches on Washington, and for the 1992 and 1995 National Organization for Women’s marches in DC. Madeline is married to Reubena Spence, an early childhood and special education teacher and a reading specialist, and she has been for most of her career. 

Joann McEniry | Chief Executive Officer Designee of EDGE New Jersey

Photo Credit: LinkedIn

Joann McEniry, MSW, LSW, is the Chief Executive Officer Designee of EDGE New Jersey. EDGE is an organization that aims to respond compassionately and responsibly to the HIV+ and LGBTQ+ community. The group helps to provide supportive services, housing opportunities, prevention strategies, and education to enhance the community 

 

Reubena Spence | Chairperson + Co-Founder of Out Montclair

Photo Credit: Out Montclair

Reubena Spence is the Chairperson and Co-Founder of Out Montclair, a nonprofit created to raise awareness and provide support for the LGBTQIA+ community of Montclair and in surrounding areas. In addition to Out Montclair, Reubena also serves as the co-chair of NJPAC LGBTQ+ Advisory Council for Community Engagement alongside her wife, Madeline Gale. Reubena is also a Montclair Civil Rights Commissioner, board member of Montclair Mutual Aid, and an integral part of the first-ever Newark LGBTQ+ BiPOC Film Festival.

Brandie E. Waid | 

Photo Credit: LinkedIn

Brandie E. Waid is the owner of an online business based in Montclair, The Queer Mathematics Teacher. QMT’s mission is to support teachers in creating/re-humanizing mathematics experiences for LGBTQ+ students. The business offers coaching services and workshops, and readers can sign up for its newsletter here.

Genevieve Wrenn | Owner of Genevieve’s Exclusive Vintage Collection + Director of Events for Out Montclair

Photo Credit: Out Montclair

Genevieve Wren is a community leader and the owner of Genevieve’s Exclusive Vintage Collection, a local boutique. She is also a Board Member and Director of Events for Out Montclair. In addition, Genevieve is a social media influencer and TV personality for QVC, where she shares her passion for style and storytelling. Genevieve has hosted events in her store, including an LGBTQ+ author’s book reading.

See More: Pride Month 2025 Events in Hoboken + Jersey City

Kristen Zachares | Owner of The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Photo Credit: The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Kristen Zachares is the owner of The Eclectic Chic Boutique in Montclair. The boutique is LGBTQ+-owned, offering a safe space where everyone is welcome. 

“The Eclectic Chic Boutique believes that communication and creativity help to bring everyone together. In addition, we have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of gender, race, identity, ability, orientation, or creed.  And we pride ourselves on having a welcoming space for those of all walks of life, this includes respecting pronouns, identities, and choices.” via the store’s website.