The Making of PACT JC

Intro:

The name of my group, People of All Colors Together Jersey City (PACT JC), was not a random decision or a clever marketing strategy. My entire life has been about inclusion and bringing people together in a way that is not obligatory, transactional, or performative.

In my youth, I was that gentle-spirited child who celebrated United Nations Day, owned the Kid Power lunchbox, and watched Free To Be You and Me, Big Blue Marble, and PBS (especially Mister Rogers' Neighborhood). As a teenager, my first structured entry into joining a group was Gay & Lesbian Youth of New York (GLYNY). On my first day, I joined the GLYNY Steering Committee, and the spark of being involved in something larger was ignited.

Throughout my adult years, I continued to seek out multicultural and international venues while maintaining meaningful friendships and affirming connections to colleagues and acquaintances. In 2003, I began serving on non-profit governing boards and holding leadership roles. 2025 marked the year I founded PACT JC, and in June of this year, I was selected to serve on Mayor Solomon’s LGBTQ+ Task Force. Next year the journey continues, with PACT JC on track to become an LLC or non-profit.

This blog is about me, but it’s also about how so many of you, knowingly and unknowingly, have collectively contributed to my experiences and ongoing evolution. The topics discussed in this blog will cross many avenues—some thought-provoking, some whimsical, some possibly visionary—but I hope all of them will resonate with you.

The Making of PACT JC:

My first blog entry will explore the topic of inclusion and acknowledge the challenges of authentically navigating a world where inclusion is too often viewed as a luxury to be aspired to as time permits, or as something that is no longer necessary in the 21st century. Surprisingly—or maybe not surprisingly to those who have known me for decades—neither of those viewpoints reflects my experiences or views.

I remain an advocate for inclusion regardless of whether I am in the demographic that is seeking inclusion. Having a purposefully exclusive, homogeneous group where there is definitively no variance (i.e., age, gender, race, ethnicity) can lead to the exclusion of valuable and important contributions and perspectives. Let me be clear: I am not disparaging anyone for deciding to be a part of a group or organization that exclusively reflects their identity and interests, but I prefer to be part of and advocate for groups and venues that embrace inclusion and diversity on a larger scale.

Beyond my identity as a human being, I am a husband, family member, colleague, friend, advocate, founder, philanthropist, and a gay male of color, to name a few. There is no single category that defines me; collectively, I am all of these things. Each aspect entails its unique challenges, privileges, and responsibilities. If asked to choose one category that summarizes me as a person, it would be impossible. I am a multidimensional person who seeks out and appreciates the nuances as well as the differences in others. Whether in a professional setting or in how I spend my personal time, I prefer diversity and inclusion not as a social construct or academic exercise, but as a reflection of my experiences and my preference to be in the company of others who can be their most authentic selves, regardless of who else may be present.

PACT JC was created out of my realization that I was not in reasonable proximity to groups reflecting my interests in LGBTQ+ issues without indicating a specific gender or ethnic affinity. In full transparency, there is a Jersey City umbrella group that strives diligently to represent all the local LGBTQ+ groups, but my experience thus far has been that despite Jersey City being one of the most diverse cities in the United States, this diversity was not measurably reflected in attendance or participation at available activities.

Since PACT JC's launch in 2025, I have intentionally and sincerely developed it to be genuinely reflective in title, ideology, practice, and visual representation of the larger mosaic of the LGBTQ+ communities and allies. I agree with the mindset that if you don’t see yourself reflected in a group professionally or recreationally, you are less likely to join or be actively engaged. I continue to seek out new approaches and new ideas, and I encourage others to passionately and respectfully voice their concerns. Yes, unanimous agreement and complete harmony may be theoretically ideal, but they should not be the outcome solely due to nominal diversity in the decision-making process.

I can speak truthfully and confidently on the topic of diversity and inclusion, as I have served comprehensively in the role of facilitator as well as participant in group settings. Regardless of my role, I remained cognizant that seeking out diverse perspectives led to greater participation, interest, and investment for most parties. Doing so also improved professional and social relationships by allowing participants to become aware of perspectives and insights they may not have been familiar with had they not engaged directly with a more diverse group.

Harking back to my youth, I was fortunate to navigate comfortably and authentically throughout multiple communities and demographics. In fairness, I have met some who felt that joining groups lacking greater specificity in their title or sought demographic might result in their individual perspectives and interests being less likely to be acknowledged or represented. The apprehension of feeling sidelined or not being properly represented is real and can understandably deter one from wanting to join a group.

I continue to take part in activities that intrinsically embrace diversity and inclusion. In the case of PACT JC, I decided to refrain from waiting for someone else to create that venue in Jersey City and created it myself. That initiative was one of the greatest gifts I gave to myself last year. I now have a venue in the city where I reside, and I have hopefully created something that empowers others who feel similarly to take part and feel acknowledged and appreciated sans purity tests or allegiance prerequisites.

Being present is the first step to making a difference and creating change. Actively seeking out groups and activities you may be less familiar with has the potential to form new experiences, friendships, and alliances. Hopefully, no one should feel they have to choose between diversity and uniformity. One can celebrate their heritage and most closely held identities while still exploring the heritages of other groups and participating in activities reflective of multicultural perspectives.

Taking part in activities or groups you are less familiar with need not be a daunting task or a Herculean endeavor. It is advised to explore on Google or reach out to groups you would like to know more about. It’s perfectly fine to discover that a group may not be right for you. It’s also fine to start a group that best represents your interests and passions. That’s what I did!

Founding PACT JC continues to be one of the most empowering decisions I’ve made in the past several years. Of course, with empowerment comes responsibility and accountability, so I remain cognizant and fully committed to ensuring this space continues to be inclusive, inviting, and empowering to others sharing their experiences, talents, and most authentic selves.

In the 21st century, inclusion and diversity remain important and applicable in the process of bringing larger perspectives into our professional and personal universes. It may arguably be easier or more convenient than ever to remain in silos and echo chambers, immersing oneself in sameness, homogeneity, and alikeness. But the opportunity to step out of one’s comfort zone and form new friendships and connections can be life-changing and affirming on multiple levels. Whether or not PACT JC is your starting point on your personal or professional journey, I encourage you to make the effort to reach out to at least one person you seemingly have little in common with. Conversely, if someone you may not have expected to do so reaches out to you, please consider giving them the benefit of the doubt and getting to know them better.

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