Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals
June is Pride Month! This means that there are plenty of pride events and celebrations planned throughout the month. But what about finding year-long support and events for LGBTQ+ youth? Here is a brief resource sheet detailing mental health help, social events, and ways to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy…
The Pride Center of New Jersey - Highland Park, NJ
The Pride Center of New Jersey is an inclusive space offering support groups, educational content, and social spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Most events are free to participate, but there is also a donation link for those that can afford to give back to the community. On the first and third Friday of every month, they offer an “After School Hangout” for teens age 13-17, providing a safe space for teens to meet up. Mental Health Q+A sessions are available every other Friday. They also offer a Non-Binary support group, a LGBTQ+ NA group, Yoga Sessions, Open Mic Nights, and more!
More details about their events and groups can be found on their website: http://www.pridecenter.org/
HiTops - Princeton, NJ
HiTops is an organization that “fosters strong and healthy young people of all identities by providing inclusive and youth-informed sex education and LGBTQ+ support for young people throughout New Jersey.” They offer tons of educational and social content and they host events for all individuals to take part in. Some spaces include a TransParenthood Support Group for parents and family members of trans individuals, ‘The Closet,’ which is a space for youth and young adults to find identity-affirming clothing, toiletries, and self-care items, and the HiTops Trans Youth Forum, which has been held virtually recently due to COVID-19.
More details about their events and groups can be found on their website: https://www.hitops.org/lgbtq/trans-youth-forum/
For more information on how to attend the Trans Youth Forum visit: https://www.njtyf.org/
PFLAG - throughout NJ (and nationwide)
PFLAG, or Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is a resource group advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. They are most commonly known for their support groups for members and family members of the LGBTQ+ community. They also offer scholarship programs and programs to make schools more inclusive for the community.
There are 8 chapters in New Jersey. To find a chapter near you, visit: https://pflag.org/find-a-chapter
The Trevor Project - virtual
The Trevor Project is a suicide prevention hotline and crisis intervention center specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. They have a hotline as well as chats for people in crisis (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/) , as well as an affirming social network (TrevorSpace) for young people age 13-24 to engage in. Their website also includes an extensive resource center to learn more about the community and various identities.
To learn more about the Trevor Project, visit: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Garden State Equality - Asbury Park, NJ
Garden State Equality is another education and advocacy center that is focused on helping the LGBTQ+ community. They organize annual fundraisers, such as the Equality Walk, to “ensure the communities we serve experience lived equality.” In addition, they offer resources to help the trans community with legal name and gender changes. Garden State Equality also was a reason that New Jersey was the first state in the nation to have a Transgender Equality Task Force. Volunteers on the task force study legal and societal challenges for the transgender community and help to make changes in our government.
To learn more about Garden State Equity, visit: https://www.gardenstateequality.org/
These are just a handful of helpful resources for those in the LGBTQ+ community and their families. If you identify as LGBTQ+ or you have a loved one who is part of the community, know that there is support available in-person and virtually, depending on your comfort level. Hopefully by using these organizations as a starting point, you can find the best safe space for you.