A couple snaps from today's LGBT Pride Fest downtown

An absolutely great event and so much fun every year.

Good on us: Jersey City ranked #8 in the nation as a LGBT-friendly city

Jersey City has been named the #8 LGBT-friendly city in America by Nerdwallet. New York City nor Philadelphia made the list.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop was quick to praise the poll:

“We are excited to have such a diverse community in Jersey City that is recognized nationally. As we prepare to celebrate LGBT Pride Month, it is a great honor to see Jersey City ranked alongside such large cities as San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago.”

So just what is it that helped Cool City rank so highly? A very low percentage of hate crimes against the LGBT community and a perfect equality score. So good on us Jersey City. A #8 ranking is a good place to start, it might even get us into a LGBT bowl game but we can always do better. Let's see that we do. Hopefully NYC and Philly can learn from Jersey City's example.

Human Rights Campaign: Jersey City is the bestest place in NJ for the LGBT community

Jersey City was cited at the best place for a member of the LGBT community to live in New Jersey according to a new study by gay rights group Human Rights Campaign. Cool City topped Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and Lambertville in the study. So how did Jersey City become so darned LGBT friendly? Easy, the city offers transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits, openly gay city leaders and active engagement with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

We're gonna give the Jersey City Desk last word to Mayor Steve Fulop:

"We also have one of the largest LGBT communities in the state and I have long advocated for equality for our LGBT community, including marriage equality. It was an honor last month to play a small part of history as we celebrated the first same-sex marriages in our state's history and we will continue to advocate for the equal treatment of all of our citizens."

The annual Hudson Pride LGBT Festival and parade wil be held today here in Jersey City

The Hudson Pride LGBT Festival and parade will be held today starting at 11 am in front of City Hall on Grove St. The event is being held today because it was originally planned to be held the weekend Hurricane Irene hit back in August. The parade will head down Montgomery and finish at 1 Exchange Place.

This year's theme is a celebration of the fact that "Don't ask, Don't tell" has been repealed and gays and lesbians and bisexual peoples can openly serve in the US military.

Hey if they're brave and motivated enough to pick up a gun and protect Johnny's lazy rear-end more power to 'em!