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.
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.
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.
Neuroqueer Pride 2026
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.
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
• 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 neurodivergent affirming and neuroqueer books
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Field games materials like badminton and cornhole
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Crafting/art materials like watercolors and clay
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Picnic blankets and chairs to relax in the shade
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.
Shred Co. is a Fairfield N.J. based skateboard community offering accessible skateboarding classes and clinics for adults and kids- including through the South Mountain YMCA. Shred Co. Founder and Director Evan Dittig creates embraces accessibility challenges and takes inclusion seriously- seeking to create meaningful skateboarding experiences for all.
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
Marbling with The Art Barn
3:00pm - 4:30pm
For questions or feedback, please email community@togetherwebloom.org