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Freeholder Board Declares Union County Safe Space for LGBTQ Individuals

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Rebecca Williams presented a resolution to Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp proclaiming October 11, 2018 as Coming Out Day throughout the County of Union and further declared Union County as a safe space for LGBTQ individuals. They were joined by Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator Danni Newbury. The presentation took place during the during the Freeholders’ mobile meeting in Plainfield. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed October 11, 2018 as National Coming Out Day throughout the County of Union and further declared Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals during the Freeholder Board mobile meeting in Plainfield on October 11, 2018.

The County observed National Coming Out Day on October 11 and participated in the one-day campaign that engages communities to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBTQ people by coming out in support of safe spaces where they “LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY.”

“The Freeholder Board has a proud history of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The patchwork nature of current LGBTQ protections across the country and the recent significant reversals of Federal LGBTQ protections amplifies the urgency for local governments to provide non-discrimination protections. I am a strong believer in equality and inclusion for all and will not stop working until that is realized by all within our communities.”

Through a resolution declaring Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals, the Freeholder Board emphasizes the extensive legal protections, outreach and advocacy efforts to create a safe space for LGBTQ people in Union County, and reiterates its determination for providing the LGBTQ community meaningful support and resources.

“As a Freeholder representing the interests of all Union County residents, I believe it is extremely important to lead our communities toward acceptance and respect for all people,” Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Services will continue to be persistent and determined in our work to counter the atrocious actions of the current administration in Washington with programs and services that help ensure the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals in Union County.”

Any individual, school, business or organization wishing to support to creating safer spaces for LGBTQ people can request a copy of the resolution for personal and professional display, by contacting the Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator at DNewbury@ucnj.org or 908-527-4742.

Established as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services 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.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

 

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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