Courthouse ‘Pride Brunch’ celebrates all things LGBTQ+
‘The fight for justice and equality is ongoing and remains our respective responsibility’
From left: Hon. Pamela Patton-Fynes, Hon. Jill Epstein, Hon. Juliet Howard, Dawn Hill-Kearse, Hon. Norma Jennings, and Hon. Carmen Pacheco. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
DOWNTOWN — LGBTQ+ pride was on full display within the Civil and Housing Court communities as the first annual “Pride Brunch” took place the afternoon of June 11 in the jury room at 141 Livingston Street, drawing a sizable crowd.
Hon. Carmen Pacheco, left, and Dawn Hill-Kearse. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
The event, hosted by Hon. Juliet Howard, Hon. Jill Epstein and Court Attorney Rebecca Ditchek and co-sponsored by the Kings County Subcommittee of the Equal Justice Implementation Committee, included speakers Hon. Norma Jennings, Hon. Juliet Howard, Hon. Carmen Pacheco, Penina Gold, Esq. and Deputy Chief Clerk Dawn Hill-Kearse.
Helping advance equality
“I was determined to have a Pride event this year,” Howard, who is co-chair of the Equal Justice Implementation Committee, told the Brooklyn Eagle, adding that it’s something she envisioned a year ago, but the stars just did not align.
“As a Black, lesbian judge, I wanted to make sure that we were represented and that we represented the LGBTQ+ community,” Howard said. “I want people to be able to see that the court is a diverse place, and I think it’s important to be able to engage in this sort of positivity.”
Howard, who has been in the court system for decades, pointed out that this type of event was not even thought about when she began her career.
“It wasn’t even something that we would even consider having,” she said. “I’m proud to have been able to go forward with this idea and to have it here. It’s particularly significant.”
Pacheco, who spoke next, discussed significant contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals “who have contributed to the world’s rich history and helped advance equality in various fields.”
“Celebrating Pride month within the court provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the past — to honor the struggles and achievements of LGBTQ+ people: fearless lawyers, exemplary judges and community activists — and to recognize their resilience and strength, which gifted our society,” Pacheco said.
Pacheco underscored that the stories of triumph celebrated this month continue to resonate today, “reminding us that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing and remains our respective responsibility,” she said.
Jennings pointed out that while she never felt “out of place” in the Unified Court System and “was always out, never in the closet,” she explained that there are many people who are in the closet but assured them that the courthouse is a place that is inviting.
“This is a family,” Jennings said. “Coming to work and being accepted — having people around you who you can confide and talk to if you have an issue is so essential.”
Jennings also addressed the interns in the crowd, telling them that “one way you’re really going to make changes and a difference in this world is to work in the court system.”
Pride Month, celebrated annually in June, is a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, their history, culture and ongoing struggle for equality. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in New York City in June 1969 and are considered a catalyst for the gay liberation movement. Pride Month is a month-long celebration marked by events like parades, festivals and educational programs.
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