The Mercer County Office of LGBTQIA+ recently hosted its first-ever Equality Gala, celebrating community, raising funds, and honoring trailblazing advocates while helping sustain the office’s programming for the year ahead.
The event marked a milestone for the office, which was established in County Executive Dan Benson’s first budget as part of a broader effort to increase access and visibility for LGBTQIA+ residents across Mercer County. The office provides outreach through public events and helps individuals navigate County services that have not always been easily accessible to marginalized communities.
“With many County departments facing flat funding in the current budget cycle, the Office of LGBTQIA+ launched the gala to engage the broader community and local businesses in supporting and expanding its mission,” organizers said.
“When I ran for County Executive, establishing this office was one of my top priorities because government can often feel inaccessible,” said Benson. “By opening this office, we’ve taken another step in breaking down barriers. I’m proud of our staff and volunteers for putting together such a successful event, helping to further reach residents where they are, and ensuring access to critical County support.”
Terry West, Director of the Office of LGBTQIA+, emceed the event and reflected on the office’s mission and growth.
“From day one, the County Executive made it clear that no group should be left without a voice in County Government,” said West. “It’s a tremendous honor to serve my community in this role—helping make County Government more accessible and educating people about the many services available to them. The support we’ve received for the gala has been overwhelming, coming from across the community and beyond.”
Honoring a Trailblazer
The evening’s 2025 “Joy as Resistance” Award was presented to Jeannine Frisby LaRue, a longtime New Jersey advocate, lobbyist, and civic leader who has spent decades pushing for equity and justice across government, education, and nonprofit spaces.
A survivor of rape and domestic violence, LaRue has transformed lived experience into advocacy through public service, strategic activism, and philanthropic work. She has spoken out against discrimination affecting LGBTQIA+ communities, people of color, and other historically marginalized groups.
LaRue has served on numerous boards and commissions and worked on transition teams for five New Jersey governors. Appointed to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, she helped launch the first statewide NJ Women’s Summit—later known as the Governor’s Conference for Women. She also served as chief of staff to former Governor Jon Corzine.
Her career has spanned:
- Chief lobbyist for the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)
- Executive roles at RWJBarnabas
- Senior Vice President at Rutgers University
- Co-founder and partner in the lobbying firm Noize Strategies
- Host of the LaRuelist Café podcast
- Board member at Greater Mt. Zion AME’s Community Development Board
Recognized by over 70 civic, corporate, and nonprofit organizations, she is widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s most influential Black leaders. She is also a mother of two, grandmother of five, and proud dog mom to her Yorkie, Jaxson.
A Night of Celebration
The program also featured opening remarks by Deputy County Administrator Taruan Tice McKnight and Commissioner Nina Melker, who joined McKnight in presenting the evening’s award. The event included a video message from County Executive Benson and a musical performance by TeeBoogie, with entertainment from drag queen and hostess Lady Celestina.
The success of the gala underscored the growing importance of public-private partnerships in building inclusive, community-driven government initiatives—and marked a joyful, defiant step forward for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in Mercer County.
