In Hoboken, it’s no doubt that #loveislove. And here at Hoboken Girl, we couldn’t be prouder of the fact that our town decided to commemorate Pride Month by painting rainbows at the crosswalks at 1st and Washington Streets back in 2019. In honor of that amazing demonstration of support, we thought we’d reshare some of the stories of the Hoboken + Jersey City LGBTQ+ community. Keep reading to find out all about somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), a series of Hoboken + Jersey City pride stories that we covered back in 2019:
Ashley + Geisha
Ashley and Geisha met two years ago through a mutual friend and the rest, as they say, is history.
“We met through a mutual friend, in which we became friends then began dating months later. We have been with each other for two years. We are both Hudson natives. Ashley is a hospitality management travel + tourism student. She was born and raised in Jersey City NJ. I’m a dog walker/trainer and I’m from Hoboken, NJ.
Growing up in Hoboken since I was a kid, it has always felt like a place of acceptance and equality,” says Geisha. “It was very touching to see a physical manifestation of that with this rainbow road.”
Favorite Date Spot: Taqueria in Downtown JC
Read More: This Hoboken Couple Got Engaged at Pier C
Migdalia + Lisa
Both natives to places along the Hudson River, Migdalia and Lisa were a match made in heaven.
“I was born and raised in Hoboken, and am a proud graduate of the Hoboken public schools. My wife, Lisa was raised an hour up the Hudson River in lower Putnam County, NY (as I like to say, ‘the country). It’s cheesy, but we think of the different worlds we are from, having the Hudson River as this uniting backdrop. Lisa and I were married in 2011 in Belgium, before marriage was legal or recognized in New Jersey, and have been proudly together ever since.
Thanks to Mayor Bhalla and the City, we had a commitment that for the first time, the crosswalk outside of City Hall would be painted in Pride colors. Lisa and I were determined to be a part of such a historic moment, and it was an emotional day. It took over eight hours starting at 6:00AM to paint, but it was well worth it. It was a surreal experience – we had friends (and strangers) come by to grab a paintbrush to help, answered the questions of children as to why we were painting a rainbow crosswalk, and were overwhelmed with support from so many people who were excited to celebrate Pride Month. As a couple, it was an act of love to work together and see the project through from start to finish.”
Favorite Date Spot: Grimaldi’s + Rosario’s.
Zach + Brian
Believe it or not, Zach and Brian had a Tinder love story for the books.
“We met on Tinder four and a half years ago here in Hoboken and have been together ever since! I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA and Brian is originally from Wilmington, DE. We have lived in Hoboken for about five years. We met a couple of months just after I moved to Hoboken from Brooklyn.
We both coincidentally work in Real Estate in Manhattan. Brian is the director of digital strategy for a residential real estate company and I am a construction project manager for a predominately Commercial real estate company.
We have to admit, after seeing [the crosswalk] first on Hoboken Girl, we were pretty shocked to hear that Hoboken installed the rainbow crosswalks, especially for the entire month of June! We ran down to check it out and noticed a ton of people taking pictures and everything we heard was really positive. It’s very encouraging to see everyone (businesses included!) embracing Pride— we love living in a community that supports equality, inclusion, and diversity. One of the many reasons we love Hoboken!”
Favorite Date Spot: Orale Mexican Kitchen
Beth + Lauren
Beth and Lauren are two “Tinderellas” who are watching their fairy tale unfold right here in Hoboken.
Elizabeth + Francheska
A swipe right that went right, Elizabeth and Francheska have been together for almost four years and have called Hudson County home ever since.
“We met online on a dating app of all places. In a sea of possibilities, we found each other, well more like Franny found Liz. Our first date was in Jersey City. Franny is originally from Clifton and I am from Princeton. We have been together for close to four years now and live in Hudson County. We are currently engaged and will be getting married in September!
The rainbow crosswalk represents more than just the LGBTQ+ colors. It represents strength, growth, and complete visibility. This crosswalk makes us feel included in every way and shows that Hoboken is a city that supports and stands with the queer community. Hoboken is actually the first city in Hudson County to have a rainbow crosswalk and we believe they are a great leader in our county.”
Favorite Date Spot: Liberty State Park.
Paul + John
Match.com made a match for the books when it brought Paul and John together back in 2011.
“Paul and I met eight years ago (on April 29th, 2011) on match.com. The headline of my profile was ‘I just haven’t met you yet.’ Paul, having always been a huge Michael Bublé fan, clicked on my profile right away and we have been together ever since! We had our first date at PJ Clarks in Lincoln Center in NY. We got engaged on the uptown pier in Hoboken in 2012. We had our wedding celebration on June 29th, 2013 at The Fig Tree in Hoboken on 3rd and Park, which sadly closed its doors a few years ago.
Seeing Hoboken painting the crosswalk with the rainbow colors to celebrate pride month reminds us why we have made Hoboken our home. Hoboken’s emphasis on diversity and inclusivity makes it an incredible place to live!”
Favorite Date Spot: Johnny Pepperoni.
See More: LGBTQ-Owned Businesses to Support in Essex County
Ashley + Vanessa
Ashley and Vanessa met while play softball in Hoboken and, needless to say, the couple hit a home run that day.
“We met playing softball in Hoboken at the little league field. I am from jersey city and Vanessa is from Brooklyn. We have been together for three years and counting.
Brendan + Matt
They met six years ago in Pennsylvania and fast-forward a few years, the two are getting engaged in the City of Lights, Paris.
“We met at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove PA on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m originally from Chatham NJ and Matt grew up in Ho-Ho-Kus NJ. We’ve been together for six years, and last year we got engaged in Paris.
We were ecstatic when we found out about the rainbow road. Representation is so important and to some, it may seem like just a fun sidewalk but to us, it represents equality, acceptance, and understanding, which is something that does not come so easily for the members LGBT community.”
Favorite Date Spot: Tutta Pesca and Leo’s Grandevous.
Jeremy + Joe
This J-squared duo met 10 years ago and have been happily in love together ever since.
“Joe and I have been together for 10 years this past February. We met while I was living in Jersey City and he was in Hoboken. We both grew up in the suburbs of NJ. Joe has been living in Hoboken since 2005 and I was living in JC since 2006 until I moved to Hoboken with Joe in 2011.
It’s great to see the town celebrate diversity throughout the year which is what makes Hoboken a great place to live. The rainbow walk is a reflection of Hoboken’s diverse residents, community, and support people living their authentic selves and our town embracing that.”
Alicia + Pearl
From Tokyo to Canada to Connecticut, Alicia and Pearl’s romance has seen the globe and today calls Hoboken home.
“We met on Tinder in Tokyo! Alicia is from Nova Scotia, Canada. I’m from Trumbull, Connecticut. We’ve been together for three years, and recently got married (May 18th). We’ve been living in Hoboken for one full year now.
The rainbow crosswalk is such a beautiful surprise for Pride month. We didn’t notice any rainbow flags in Hoboken last year aside from the town hall and CarePoint hospital. It’s so nice that the Mile Square town is showing their support for the LGBTQ community in such a visible way given the current political climate.”
Favorite Date Spot: Tutta Pesca.
Madison + Kristine
Meeting back in college, Madison and Kristine’s relationship has withstood the test of time.
“We lived a few doors down from each other [during] our freshman year of college at Stevens. I’m originally from Roseville, CA and Kristine is from Concord, NH, so it really was fate that we met and clicked the way we did. We’ve been together for just over three years.
We really hope that Hoboken, both the city and local businesses, continue to work to make the area more accessible and welcoming to people in the LGBTQ+ community beyond Pride month. This is a step in the right direction, but rainbow capitalism and false allyship can be more harmful than helpful.”
Favorite Date Spot: La Isla, Jungle Juice, or Tosti.
Sophie + Laura
Their romance started in Hoboken and six months later, the couple is still going strong in the Mile Square.
“We met at City Bistro. Laura was my server! For about two to three years every time I’d go to Bistro with my friends she would serve us.” says Sophie. “In the beginning, I still had a boyfriend. Fast forward to last summer, I had a girlfriend and she saw me kiss her at the bar at her restaurant. She was intrigued by me and inquired about me through my friend. She told my friend to tell me she thought I was cute. Within a few months my girlfriend and I broke up and I went back for a few drinks with a friend. Laura was serving and she struck up a conversation with me. From there we connected on Instagram and the rest is history. We’ve been together for six months!
Local Love Stories: How These Hoboken + Jersey City Residents Met Their Partners
There’s plenty to love all year long in Hoboken + Jersey City. But when the icy days of February roll around, we figure it can’t hurt to put a little emphasis on something we see that warms our hearts every day: the abundance of local love. Whether you’ve spotted a waterfront engagement, seen cute couples enjoying a date night, or walked by a happy pair of residents, many of them have love stories rooted right here in Hoboken + Jersey City. And we’ll admit it… we love love! Read on for some local love stories in Hoboken and Jersey City, submitted by our readers.
Ken + Matthew: From Pilates to Proposals
Photo Credit: Sarah Lynn Mead
Ken and Matthew's love story began when they kept running into each other at local events in Hoboken. They had an instant connection but wouldn't end up going on an official date until a year later after Matthew stopped in for one of Ken's fitness classes. As things started to fall into place, their relationship grew stronger with a shared love of entrepreneurship and collaboration. Matthew and Ken are also both part of the Royal House of LaBeija, and Matthew would design Ken's outfits for balls and runways. The two also hosted and organized several fitness events together and decided to open their first business together — Ken Pilates — on Grand Street in 2023. The couple recently got engaged this year on a New Year's cruise in the Caribbean and told The Hoboken Girl "We absolutely love the community we've built, and we’re proud to add LGBTQ+ culture to Hoboken while creating safer spaces for women, queer folks, and BIPOC communities."
Read More: Valentine’s Day Events + Dinners in Hoboken and Jersey City for 2025
Kaitlyn + Johnathan: Hoboken High School Sweethearts
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn + Johnathan
Kaitlyn and Johnathan go way back (we mean waaaay back to 2012). The two locals attended Hoboken High School together (and were even prom dates). They have been inseparable ever since. After graduating in 2015, the two kept their love strong and, in true Hoboken fashion, got engaged on Pier A in 2021. Kaitlyn and Johnathan officially tied the knot in September 2024 and continue to write their love story right here in Hoboken.
Lauren + Justin: Computer Science Turned Love
Photo Credit: @laurenmelendez99
Lauren and Justin’s six-year love story began at Stevens College, where the two studied Computer Science. Funny enough, they even went to the same High School in Howell, NJ without really knowing each other. During their first week of college, they found themselves crossing paths constantly during orientation activities and ended up spending a lot of time together. After graduating in 2022, the two decided to lay down roots in Hoboken and got their first place together — back where it all began.
Heather + Mike: Santacon Mystery Neighbors
Photo Credit: @annakrasnova_photographer + @vovachiphotography
Back in 2019, Heather was having a Santacon party at her apartment when one of her friends mistakenly wandered into another Santacon party down the hall. Once everyone realized what was going on, the neighbors decided to merge parties. Enter Mike, Heather’s unknown neighbor of three years. The two exchanged information but lost touch during the chaos of COVID-19 as they both returned home to be with their families. When all settled down, they both returned to Hoboken and began hanging out again until things developed into something more. Four years later, Heather and Mike are engaged and living together in the same building they met in, with a wedding coming in January 2026. Heather told HG: “I can't wait to tell my kids that their mom was the girl next door.”
Veronica + JP: Lucky in Love
Photo Credit: Veronica + JP
Veronica + JP met at Hoboken favorite Willie McBride's on St. Patrick’s Day in 2022. A week later, they went on their first official date, where JP cooked Veronica a homemade meal at his apartment in Hoboken. The couple has been together ever since, now living together in Hoboken, and got engaged in August of 2024 with a wedding coming in 2026.
Emma + Nick: Not-so-dullboy
Photo Credit: @emmalangsner + @nickpatriarca
Emma and Nick met for a first date at dullboy in Jersey City via Hinge back in September of 2021. The two hit it off instantly and began spending lots of time together. They love to cheer on RBNY, binge reality TV with their two cats (adopted from Jersey City Cats), and have even traveled to Hawaii, England, and Guatemala together. Emma and Nick are so happy to call Jersey City their home, and can be found each September celebrating their anniversary on the patio at dullboy, humming Earth, Wind + Fire.
See More: Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren’t Dinner
Kathryn + Max: Foodie Love
Photo Credit: Kathryn Haas
Kathryn and Max met a year ago at Dear Maud in Hoboken. The fateful meeting was a rare one, seeing Max lives in Tribeca. The two spent lots of time bouncing between each other's home bases and grew their love here in Hoboken with a go-to itinerary: O’Bagel for breakfast, Jersey Mike’s for lunch, and Sirenetta for dinner. Kathryn shared with HG, “For our first date anniversary, we went back to Dear Maud, sat in the same booth, and even had the same two drinks brought to us by the same waitress. Hoboken truly holds a special place in our hearts!”
