Saddle Brook, NJ – July 3, 2023 - Greater Bergen REALTORS® (GBR), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee hosted Pride Month Celebration: Lifting LGBTQIA+ Voices In Real Estate at GBR headquarters in Saddle Brook last week, on June 28. The event was an opportunity for members to hear from keynote speakers Robert White, Immediate Past President of New Jersey REALTORS® (NJR), and Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality.

The DEI Committee has a mission to increase awareness and appreciation of the multi-cultural diversity of our community as well as eliminate discriminatory practices in housing. The Pride Month Celebration took place on National Pride Day 2023, during National Homeownership Month.

After an introduction from DEI 2023 Chair, Dora Omana and 2023 Vice Chair, Andre Porter, Robert White, also one of the founding members of the national LGBTQ Real Estate Alliance, provided the audience with an overview of the Alliance's third annual homeownership report, "The LGBTQ+ Journey to Homeownership". With his years of experience in leadership in real estate and community involvement, White's heartfelt message to GBR members was to continue to learn and strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion. "It's a tough road, but it's up to us to continue educating," said White, "We work with every American in this business day in and day out. Sometimes we don't understand everyone, but it's up to us to learn."

Christian Fuscarino, the Executive Director of state organization, Garden State Equality, opened with a background on the importance of June 28 during Pride Month, which was the 54th Anniversary commemorating the Stonewall Riots. Fuscarino then gave insight into the important work of Garden State Equality, including their activism, advocacy, education, and resources they provide to the LGBTQIA+ community statewide. In an enlightening question and answer with the member audience, Fuscarino provided advice on working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and how best to serve in a way that creates a successful transaction for each party. "What is it like for an LGBTQ client, or couple, to go into the home buying process? You are stewards for this experience," encouraged Fuscarino.

Event sponsors, Certified Financial Services representatives, Carmine Fusaro and Andrew Gilliland, provided information on their business to best serve GBR REALTOR® members. Gilliland also shared with the audience his next business endeavor, a financial services branch for members of the LGBTIA+ community that will launch in 2024.

For all upcoming association events, visit our website www.greaterbergenrealtors.com