Increasing Accessibility to Pride Since 2023!
There is a strong overlap between neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ identities, yet many neurodivergent people experience traditional Pride spaces as overwhelming, inaccessible, or difficult to fully participate in. Neuroqueer Pride was created to help change that.
Neuroqueer Pride is a sensory-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming celebration of Pride produced by Together We Bloom as part of the North Jersey Pride Festival.
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Inclusion is only possible with accessibility. Neuroqueer Pride offers areas for both quieter gathering and joyful noise. Sensory supports, social communication badges, low-pressure engagement opportunities, and activities designed to support a wide range of sensory and social needs are all available as a part of the celebration.
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At Neuroqueer Pride, participants are asked to comes as they are and participate in ways that feel authentic and comfortable to them — whether that means connecting socially, participating in creative activities, decompressing in quieter spaces, or simply existing without pressure to mask neurodivergent traits.
Additional Pride Festival Accessibility
For more about accessibility at the North Jersey Pride festival including physical accessibility information, free social stories, and Pride communication boards, see our accessibility page with the button below:
Neuroqueer Pride 2026
Sunday, June 14th, 2026
12:00 pm - 6:00pm
Maplewood Memorial Park
Accessibility
• Quiet Zone & Party Zone for different sensory needs
• Shaded, lower-stimulation areas away from crowds
• Social communication badges for interaction preferences
• Sensory Accessibility Kits with sensory tools to borrow
• South Orange Sensory Vehicle with regulation supports
• Solo, parallel, and group participation options
• Accessible creative and movement-based activities
Open Activities
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Sign up for skateboarding lessons with Shred Co.​
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Sign up for marbling lessons with The Art Barn
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Borrow neuroqueer affirming books from Maplewood Library onsite
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Play lawn games like badminton and cornhole
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Create with art materials like watercolors and clay
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Relax on picnic blankets and chairs in the shade​​
This year, Neuroqueer Pride is partnering with local organizations actively creating affirming, accessibility-oriented spaces for the neurodivergent LGBTQ+ community. These collaborations highlight organizations committed to meaningful inclusive engagement grounded in accessibility, flexibility, and community care.
Neuroqueer Pride 2026
Shred Co. and The Art Barn bring their affirming & accessible activities straight to the neuroqueer community.
Skateboarding with Shred Co.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Whether you’re interested in trying out skateboarding for the first time or are looking to improve your previous skills, Shred.Co offers 1:1 tutorials that will meet you where you are!
*Bring Your Helmet, they will bring the skateboards.
Marbling with The Art Barn
3:00p-3:30p for kids 7+
3:45p-4:15p: for adults/older teens
Learn the basics of marbling technique and create marbled prints on wooden beads. The workshop will include instruction, demonstration and hands-on practice.
* Wear clothes to get messy, these dyes stain!
Neuroqueer Books to Borrow from the Maplewood Memorial Library
1:30-3:30 but no sign-up necessary to come borrow books, just bring your library card.
Also be sure to visit Senior Librarian for Teen Services Ayoola White will be making neuroqueer and neurodiversity affirming books available to borrow from the Maplewood Memorial Library.
The Art Barn
Shred.Co
The Art Barn is a local art studio offering a wide variety of art classes, camps, and events for both kids and adults. South Orange resident and owner of The Art Barn Christine Lewellyn Ohemeng is committed to taking every opportunity to connect with an eye towards teaching technique, giving space to explore, and having fun with art in accessible ways.
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https://www.christinejoydesign.com/
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