Facebook Instagram Youtube

LGBTQ Support and Resources

The Summit Area YMCA is an organization dedicated to providing safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all and work everyday to model our 4 core values of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect. At the Y, we provide LGBTQ youth and adults a safe space to be themselves, socialize, participate in clubs, activities, events, programs, services and more to learn, grow and thrive. We are a proud DIG Network YMCA committed to supporting the positive development of youth, promoting healthy living and encouraging a sense of social responsibility in helping our neighbors.

ANNUAL SUMMIT AREA YMCA PRIDE EVENT

LEARN MORE

UNION COUNTY OFFICE OF LGBTQ SERVICES

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, is one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community. Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs offers 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.

Union County provides a number of special events, a robust library of resources from understanding LGBTQ rights to understanding LGBTQ terminology; providing businesses and services aimed to help LGBTQ youth and adults; learning about the LGBTQ community and much more.

LEARN MORE

BERKELEY PRIDE FACEBOOK GROUP

An inclusive group for individuals who identify as LGBTQ or are allies of the LGBTQ community in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

JOIN

RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ TEENS AND ALLIES

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re gay, lesbian, or bisexual, you’re not alone. Many teens ask themselves this question, and here are ways to find some answers. For parents and caregivers, finding out your son or daughter identifies as LGBTQ can present challenges. Learn more about how to be supportive.

  • Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Student Action – How Students Can Drive Positive Change for LGBTQ Youth
  • Stomp Out Bullying: Making Schools Safe for LGBTQ Community
    Schools should be a young person’s primary center for learning, growing, and building a foundation for success in the world. High school can be challenging for any student, but LGBTQ youth face additional obstacles of harassment, abuse, and violence.
  • Q Card Project – The Q Card is a simple and easy-to-use communication tool designed to empower LGBTQ youth to become actively engaged in their health, and to support the people who provide their care.
  • Q Chat Space – Q Chat Space is a digital LGBTQ+ center where teens join live-chat, professionally facilitated, online support groups. Also available in Spanish (disponible en español).
  • Struggling with Gender Identity & Sexual orientation
  • How to Be an Ally to LGBTQ Friends
  • Trans LifelineTrans Lifeline provides a hotline — staffed by transgender people, for transgender people — to provide individual support for the needs of members of the community.
  • The Trevor Project
    The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. The also provide phone, instant messaging, and text services for LGBTQ individuals to communicate with a trained specialist; an online social networking space for youth and their friends and allies in the LGBTQ community; and an online resource center.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF LGBTQ YOUTH

YMCA NEWS

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men’s Christian Association, but today, we are The Y; an association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.

Please note that the section of Maple Street closest to the Summit YMCA will be closed from approximately 7 AM to 11 AM on Sunday, May 5, for our Mother’s Day 5K. Please use Cedar Street to access the public lot that is next to our building.