Statewide COVID-19 prevention guidelines will be observed at this event.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proudly invites residents to attend a free outdoor, drive-up screening of the Freddie Mercury bio-pic Bohemian Rhapsody, hosted by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs in honor LGBTQ History Month. The screening will take place on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
In case of rain the event will be held on Sunday, October 18.
Bohemian Rhapsody traces the story of lead singer Freddie Mercury and the legendary British rock band Queen, leading up to a history-making performance at the Live Aid 1985 global fundraising event in 1985.
“Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the diversity that builds a strong, inclusive community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to honor icons like Freddie Mercury, who while privately battling an AIDS diagnosis played a key role in the fight to end the epidemic and increase LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.”
“The LGBTQ movement for equality stands on the shoulders of our early heroes and icons, and their bravery and visibility is inspiring leaders of today,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “LGBTQ visibility sheds light on important issues impacting the LGBTQ community. Bohemian Rhapsody is centered in the public health AIDS epidemic. Presenting the film while in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic draws attention to the increased challenges LGBTQ people face everyday accessing health care.”
Reservations are required to secure a spot for the free drive-up screening. The online reservation form is available at tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie. One registration is required per car (not per person). Due to space limitations, registration for Bohemian Rhapsody will be on a first come, first serve basis. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns (masks required for port-o-johns).
No chairs, stools or other seating outside of the vehicle is permitted.
This drive-up film screening is organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs in collaboration with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.
The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.
For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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