“If I let myself get afraid over this kind of nonsense, I’d never get anything done.”

We could not agree with county Commissioner candidate Damaris Lira more. Living in Sussex County, attacks from extremist republicans are a reality for anyone who isn’t a straight white man. For years, Sussex GOP officials and strategists have attempted to intimidate local candidates and activists by counter protesting events, using photos of people’s children for memes, and going as far as posting people’s home addresses online. Even before January 6th, before the Proud Boys, Sons of Liberty, and III% groups were widely known, we knew they were here in Sussex County, working hand in hand with the Republican Party.

“It’s no surprise Damaris and Cami’s event is being targeted. The right is simply triggered that something isn’t about them.” said Zoe Heath, chair of the Sussex County LGBTQ+ Democrats. “I encourage anyone who is comfortable and available to attend on Saturday. Queer joy in the faces of those who would take it away is resistance, and resilience.”

Fem Fest is this Saturday, November 5th, from 2-8pm at Muckraker Brewery in Franklin Borough, NJ. We are joined by NJ DSC LGBTQ+ Caucus in this statement.