Photo from the Asbury Park Sun: “A crowd dances on the beach during a “Sandblast” weekend event, a collection of parties and events held in Asbury Park geared toward the LGBT community.”

Ocean Grove, Main Avenue. Blogfinger photo.  ©

Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

In an article from  the Asbury Park Sun, Jill Bartlett reports the result of rankings by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) which surveys cities across the country. OG came in second along with New Brunswick. Jersey City was first out  of the eight cities that were ranked in New Jersey.

Asbury  Park ranked low.

To see the details, click on this link:   APS link

Ocean Grove has a substantial gay population, and many of them live full time in the Grove.  Some of them own businesses here.  Except for a few notable clashes with the Camp Meeting Association, most gays in town like living here. Some of them are active and have leadership positions  in local organizations.  Ocean Grove United has participated in town meetings with the OGCMA and other groups to form a united front in seeking aid for our demolished boardwalk.

I recently asked a gay Grover what the difference is between the gays in the Grove and those who live in Asbury Park.  His reply was, “In Asbury they’re younger and have better parties.”  But he didn’t say that he wanted to live there.

The OG gay community and Ocean Grove received some national publicity in relation to the Pavilion controversy in 2007.  Last week the subject came up in a national magazine regarding FEMA’s denial of OG for disaster funds.

It’s good now to get some positive publicity about a relationship that is positive in a town that takes pride in its diversity.

AL JOLSON:

Read Full Post »