Attacks on the LGBTQ community have only risen since 2016 and are reaching new heights now. In the darkness behind the inflammatory rhetoric coming from Republicans, there are the silent fears that LGBTQ people live behind, as halves of themselves, when danger feels like it’s everywhere. During these times we need to find community with each other and stand together. Here are some New Jersey groups to know about:
Atlantic County Queer Alliance: Nonprofit looking to build connections within the LGBTQ NJ community and other established local groups to connect, protect, and uplift the local queer community. WebsiteEventsInstagram
NJ Dems LGBTQ Caucus: Group helping organize and elect NJ Democrats of the LGBTQ community. Find candidates to support, organize, and show up at events for. They post their events through their Instagram page. Instagram
Barnegat Pride: Localized LGBTQIA+ community building allyship pursuing “equality, acceptance, and progress through positivity and pride.” (Filling the gap for Stafford, Little Egg Harbor, Forked River residents) Instagram
South Jersey Queer Connections: A greater South Jersey community that attracts a lot of the other groups for events. Third Thursday events every Third Thursday to “celebrate diversity, and provide a safe space for all to explore and celebrate their most authentic selves.” WebsiteInstagram
Equality Cape May: Intimate community keeping the LGBTQIA+ members informed in the most southern part of our state. Great for residents of Cape May County, NJ, and for all who want to support the community down there on your travels. For those looking to connect, their listed email: equalitycapemay@gmail.comInstagram
Sussex County Pride: The LGBTQ+ organization in Sussex County, NJ. Pride, Advocacy, Action. Sussex County Pride group hosts pride parades and advocacy events. WebsiteInstagram
Toms River Pride: Organizes the Toms River Pride festival with vendors and nonprofit resources with other events. Facebook
Hudson Pride Center of New Jersey: Offers a range of services to help the community worth checking out. Website
Newark LGBTQ Community Center: Host various events throughout the year for the benefit of the LGBTQ community. Instagram
Garden State Equality: Resource center for LGBTQ advocacy and education. They host and promote events throughout the year. WebsiteInstagram
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Alexander Casillas, a gay Puerto Rican author, publisher, and writing coach near the beach between Philadelphia and Manhattan, explores the experiences of gay characters in literary fiction and young adult fantasy through his short stories and novels. He holds degrees in literature, creative writing, and philosophy and religion from Stockton University. Buy his BookThe Immortal Philosophers Series at Amazon & Bookstores.
Jersey Shore gay, Puerto Rican writer, editor, publisher. I run Writing Workshops through Four Elements Press and am author of The Immortal Philosophers "Sunset in the Valley of Now and Then" & "Lost Between the Lands of Here and There." For inquiry of services, reach out to us at Contact@fourelementspress.com
