ASBURY PARK, NJ – On Monday, October 19th, community leaders and supporters gathered in Asbury Park for "Jersey Loves Malcolm," a fundraiser in support of Pennsylvania State Representative and Democratic Party Leader Malcolm Kenyatta. The event, hosted at the home of Matt Berman, Jim Mumma, and Owen Mumma-Berman, served as a powerful show of solidarity and resilience following recent homophobic remarks directed at Rep. Kenyatta by a Republican colleague.

Earlier this month, Pennsylvania State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R) was accused of launching into a homophobic tirade at a Harrisburg bar, where he reportedly called Rep. Kenyatta an anti-gay slur and falsely claimed he had AIDS. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for resignation, ultimately leading to Bernstine stepping down from his House committee assignments—a move Kenyatta described as "an important first step in accountability".

Kenyatta, who made history as the first out gay, Black man in the Pennsylvania legislature, has continued to focus on his work serving the people of Pennsylvania despite the attacks.

In the face of this hateful rhetoric, the Asbury Park fundraiser highlighted the unwavering strength of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The Host Committee—featuring prominent New Jersey advocates and leaders including Christian Fuscarino, Bob Zuckerman, Shakee Merritt, David D’Amico, Bishop Kevin Taylor, Dean Dafis, and Lee Rosenfield—successfully rallied a diverse coalition to champion Kenyatta’s ongoing leadership and political vision.

The enclosed photographs from the event capture the overwhelming warmth, joy, and unity of the evening.

"Jersey Loves Malcolm" not only provided critical support for Rep. Kenyatta's political endeavors but also sent a clear message that hate and bigotry have no place in politics.