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
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.
BERKELEY PRIDE FACEBOOK GROUP
An inclusive group for individuals who identify as LGBTQ or are allies of the LGBTQ community in Berkeley Heights, NJ.
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
- American Psychological Association: Understanding Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
- The Family Acceptance Project
The Family Acceptance Project is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for LGBT children and youth. - Parental Influence on Health of LGBTQ Teens
- Stop Bullying: Information for Parents