Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs

Upcoming Events

2026 Pride Color Run

Registration required

Register Online Now

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invite all residents to the third annual Union County LGBTQ+ Pride 5K and Color Run on Saturday, June 6th at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. Registration will begin at 8:00am, and the 5K and Color Run kick off at 9:00am.

“Our 5K and Color Run event continues to grow in size each year, bringing together more residents from across Union County to celebrate Pride in a fun, meaningful, and visible way,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “It’s incredible to see the sense of community and support expand with every race.”

Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to walk, run, stroll or roll in celebration of Pride Month.

Registration for both the 5K and Fun Run is $25 per person before the event, and $30 the morning of the event. All registrants will receive a Pride 5K t-shirt while supplies last.

The 5K race is certified and professionally timed by Split Second Racing, while the just-for-fun Color Run features eco-friendly colored powder thrown along the course. Participants can still take part in the Color Run or 5K while opting out of the colored powder. The event will also feature resource tables, activities for families and giveaways for participants. 

In addition to the 5K and Color Run, Union County will also celebrate Pride Month with a flag raising on Monday, June 1st at 12:30pm on the steps of the Union County Courthouse.

“Pride Month in Union County is about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “From the 5K to community gatherings, these events reflect our commitment to unity across every part of the county.”

“Union County is proud to support and uplift our LGBTQ+ community not just during Pride Month, but throughout the entire year. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where all residents feel valued and celebrated,” said Commissioner Al Mirabella, liaison to the Board of Commissioners’ LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

2026 Pride Flag Raising

No registration required

More details coming soon

June 1, 2026 12:30 pm

Union County Courthouse

2 Broad Street in Elizabeth

flag raising flyer
Municipal Events

Last updated 4-23-2026

Submit yours events to rcharkowsky@ucnj.org

  • Elizabeth – Wednesday, June 10, 3:00 pm at 50 Winfield Scott Plaza
  • Roselle Park – Tuesday, June 2nd, June 2, 2026, 12 PM - 1 pm at the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library
  • Scotch Plains – Wednesday, June 3rd at 5pm at their municipal hall. Rain date is the following day.
  • Summit – Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Village Green, 356 Broad Street
  • Union Twp – Saturday, June 6th – Music, fun and unity
    • Flag Raising Ceremony: 4:30 PM in front of Town Hall, 1976 Morris Ave
    • Live Performance by Frenchie Davis: 6 PM inside the Union Arts Center, 1980 Morris Ave.
Other Events
flag raising bergen county
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Welcome!

About the Office

🏳️‍🌈 Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Commissioner Board in 2018 and is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey — 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 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.

Contact Us

If you are in a crisis or need someone to talk to, please review our Support Hotline section.

Robert Charkowsky, Office Coordinator

908 527-4742

lgbtq@ucnj.org

County of Union Administration Building
Economic Development
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207

Organizationally under the Department of Economic Development

Contact Form

Past Community and Special Events

2025
Various LGBTQ Events around the County
2025 Flag Raising

Union County hosted its annual LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse.

This symbolic event featured powerful speeches from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, including:

  • Amanda Girardi, owner of Sweet n Fancy Emporium in Cranford, who received national attention and overwhelming support after facing boycotts for proudly displaying a Pride flag.
  • Ferlie Almonte, international speaker, author, and 2023 Ms. NJ Senior America, known for her workshops on resilience, reinvention, and empowerment.
  • Dave D’Amico, Chief Investigator with the Middlesex County Department of Corrections and co-chair of the NJ LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaison Program, a nationally recognized advocate and educator on bias crimes and LGBTQ+ inclusion in law enforcement.
2025 Color Run

On Saturday, June 7th, Union County held the second annual LGBTQ+ Pride 5K and Fun Color Run at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Participants of all ages and backgrounds were invited to walk, run, or roll in this vibrant celebration of Pride.

The 5K was professionally timed and certified, while the Fun Color Run offered a playful experience where participants were doused with eco-friendly colored powder throughout the course. An opt-out option was available during registration for those who preferred to skip the color.

Resource tables, family-friendly activities, and giveaways were available at the 5K.

Empowerment Hour – August – Honoring LGBTQ+ Family Day

A discussion about adoption in the LGBTQ community, co-hosted with the Union County Surrogate’s Office

Community Events

Check back for photos and video

🏳️‍🌈2024

Community Event Photos Coming soon

2024 Flag Raising

Special thanks to our keynote speakers, Adaryll Moore and Bernie Wagenblast, as well as our performers, Natalia Ocampo and Stefano Cotugno.

In honor of Pride month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to their annual Pride Month flag raising on Monday, June 3rd at 12:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“Union County is proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I am honored to celebrate Pride Month with the raising of this flag, reminding us all that everyone deserves respect, love, and equal rights. Together, we can build a community where everyone is valued and celebrated for who they are.”

Keynote speakers include Adaryll Moore, an LGBTQ advocate and award-winning published author, and Bernie Wagenblast, a Cranford native and transportation journalist who voices announcements for various transportation facilities, including the voice on the New York City Subway. The National Anthem will be performed by Natalia Ocampo from the Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth, and the program will conclude with Stefano Cotugno performing “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman as the flag is raised.

2024 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference

“This conference reflects Union County’s dedication to educating healthcare providers about the critical issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Union County stands firm in its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that everyone receives the support they deserve.”

The conference is dedicated to educating healthcare providers on current issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community featuring keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities and will include the topics of grief, intimate partner violence, and financial abuse within the LGBTQ+ community.

“By bringing together healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders, we are creating an environment of learning, collaboration, and empowerment,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “This conference will also serve as a platform to honor those who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting visibility and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ health and rights.”

Clinical topics like advancing health equity and HIV are also included.  Additionally, it will honor individuals who have made significant positive contributions to the community. These honorees have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in advancing visibility and inclusivity.

The honorees for the 2024 Rise Up LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference are:

  • Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, County of Union – Recipient of the Singer Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Dr. Christopher Awwad, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center – Recipient of the Taylor-Ponterotto Prism of Inclusivity Healthcare Award
  • Robert Charkowsky, County of Union – Recipient of the Sauer Service Award
  • Sabrina Dias, Season 21 of The Voice – Recipient of the Rase Courage and Visibility Award
  • Jamie Farley, PA-C, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Recipient of the Oullette Excellence in Education Award

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to improving the dignity and respect for LGBTQ+ patients and the community,” said Sherri Rase, Director of Marketing and Communications at Bridge to Visibility, an organization created to educate healthcare providers on the needs of underrepresented groups like the LGBTQ+ community.

The conference is proudly sponsored by Atlantic Health System and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

To learn more about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please contact Robert Charkowsky at 908-527-4897, rcharkowsky@ucnj.org or visit our website at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

2024 Color Run
  • April 17, 2024 – Healing with Equality – LGBTQ+ Accessible and Affirming Healthcare
  • May 8, 2024 – Passing the Torch – LGBTQ+ Elders Reflect on the Past & Guide the Next Generation
  • March 13, 2024 – Unveiling Hidden Narratives – Celebrating the Trials & Triumphs of Women in History – Part 1
  • April 3, 2024 – Unveiling Hidden Narratives – Celebrating the Trials & Triumphs of Women in History – Special Part 2
  • February 21, 2024 – Amplifying Black LGBTQ+ Voices – Honoring & Celebrating Heritage, Contributions & Resilience
🏳️‍🌈2023

Community Event Photos Coming soon

🏳️‍🌈2022
🏳️‍🌈2021
🏳️‍🌈2019
  • The “+” in LGBTQ+ | Learn more about different identities
  • Mental Health | Mental health professionals discuss LGBTQ+ issues
  • The History of PRIDE | How Pride came to be & where we are now)
  • Love Makes a Family | Hear from people all of different family structures)
  • LGBTQ+ Elders | Get to know the experiences from multiple generations
  • Faith & LGBTQ+ | inclusion throughout different houses of worship
  • Coming Out | Celebrate coming out & share experiences
  • Trans Youth | Learn how to be an ally to transgender & nonbinary youth
  • Sex Ed | Healthcare & STI prevention/awareness
  • Being a Supportive Parent to a Queer Person
  • Pioneers and Activists
  • Transgender Identity and Inclusion
  • Being Queer in the Military
  • Ally Talk – Hear from Straight Friends and Advocates
  • Faith and LGBTQ Panel
🏳️‍🌈 2018 – Our founding year!
2018 Flag Raising
Making a difference in Union County: On Tuesday, Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle.

The workshop provided local senior service providers with an opportunity to learn about — and act on — issues affecting LGBTQ older adults.

The free workshop was presented by Garden State Equality in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services and the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

“Pledge and Protect is a good example of the difference County government can make, by helping non-profit organizations, businesses and other stakeholders connect in the common goal of ensuring that LGBTQ older adults have access to services that enable them to live with equal dignity and respect,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Mental Health Services from the Rain Foundation

Outpatient therapy/wellness groups and individual therapy sessions for individuals aged 18-30 at no cost.

Emergency shelter through RAIN for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18-26 who may be in crisis situations. 

Learn more about the Rain Foundation

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention

  • The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741 Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
  • The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564 Provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
  • The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743 Provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.

Youth Information

  • The National Runaway Safeline: 800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929) Provides advice and assistance to runaways, including resources, shelter, transportation, assistance in finding counseling, and transitioning back to home life. NRS frontline staff will also act as advocates and mediators if/as needed.
  • The True Colors Fund: (212) 461-4401 The True Colors Fund is working to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, creating a world in which all young people can be their true selves.
  • Self Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E) Addresses individuals coping with non-suicidal self-injury, including locally-based information, support and therapy referrals.

HIV/AIDS Information

  • AIDS in Prison Project Hotline: 718-378-7022 (English and Spanish) This hotline provides HIV and AIDS information for prisoners, and accepts collect calls.
  • National AIDS Hotline 800-342-AIDS / 800-344-7432 (Spanish) / 800-243-7889 (TDD)

LGBTQ 101

  • LGBTQ | How You See Me: People have been talking ABOUT the LGBTQ community, so we decided to talk with them to learn from their experiences.
  • LGBT 101: An Introduction to the Queer Community – This seven-minute informational video serves as a basic introduction to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.
  • An Ally’s Guide to Terminology – The words we use to discuss LGBT people and issues can have a powerful impact on our conversations. The right words help open people’s hearts and minds, while others can create distance or confusion. This guide serves as a resource for new allies who want to support LGBT Americans but aren’t sure how to begin those conversations.
  • Gender Pronouns, Get Them Right! | MTV Life – YouTube’s Jake Edwards breaks down the history of pronouns and offers a few solid points on why it’s so important to use a person’s correct pronouns.

Other Hotlines

  • U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (English and Spanish) 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) They also have an online chat feature available. Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Highly trained, experienced advocates offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information and referral services in over 170 languages.
  • Pride Institute: 800-547-7433 24/7 Chemical dependency/mental health referral and information hotline for the LGBTQ community.
  • Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE / 800-810-7440 (TTY) The nation’s largest organization fighting sexual violence, RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

Advocacy

  • True Colors Fund The True Colors Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, creating a world in which young people can be their true selves. 212-461-4401 Contact Website
Arts
  • Queer-Art QUEER|ART is a non-profit arts organization serving a diverse and vibrant community of LGBTQ artists across generations and disciplines. The mission of Queer-Art is to create a diverse and vibrant community through the support of LGBTQ art and artists across generations and disciplines. E-mail Website

Business Development

  • National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – NGLCC The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. 202-234-9181 E-mail Website
  • New Jersey LGBT Chamber 973-869-9567 E-mail Website
  • Union County Department of Economic Development 908-527-4802 Website
  • Union County Economic Development Corporation – UCEDC 908-527-1166 E-mail Website

Civil Rights

  • ACLU New Jersey The ACLU of New Jersey works to defend liberty throughout our state. We are involved in litigation and advocacy on behalf of individuals, and we lobby on scores of bills in the state legislature and local councils. In addition, the ACLU is active in many public education and community organizing projects. The ACLU of New Jersey is located in Newark. We implement legal, legislative, public education programs in conjunction with large numbers of volunteers to advance the ACLU’s goals of liberty and justice for all. 973-642-2084 Website
  • Lambda Legal (National Headquarters, New York City) Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. 212-809-8585 Contact Website
  • New Jersey Division on Civil Rights – DCR is a part of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General /Department of Law and Public Safety and is the agency responsible for investigating discrimination complaints and eradicating illegal discrimination in New Jersey. DCR is comprised of investigators, attorneys, and professional support staff.  We serve as a fair and impartial forum for addressing claims that the LAD or the Family Leave Act has been violated.  Our main focus is to investigate claims of discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation (e.g., schools, stores, parks). Central Regional Office 609-292-4605. Northern Regional Office 973-648-2700. E-mail Website
  • Human Rights Campaign: State Maps of Laws & Policies This resource provides an up-to-date national map of state laws and policies that affect the LGBTQ community. Website
  • ACLU Know Your Rights: HIV and Civil Rights in the Workplace United States law protects anyone with AIDS or HIV from job discrimination. This resource explains the legal rights of HIV-positive people in the workplace. Website
  • ACLU Know Your Rights: Transgender People and the Law This resource provides answers to 28 frequently asked questions about the legal rights of transgender Americans. Website
  • ACLU Know Your Rights: LGBT High School Students Under the U.S. Constitution, public schools have to address any harassment against LGBT students the same way they would address harassment against any other student. This resource goes over the Constitutional rights of LGBTQ students and offers suggestions for how to put them into action. Website

Criminal Justice

  • Moving Beyond Bias: How To Ensure Access to Justice for LGBT People This curriculum was created by Lambda Legal to provide a model for educating judges, attorneys and other legal professionals about sexual orientation, gender identity and the needs of LGBT people in the legal system. Website
  • ACLU’s Know Your Rights: Transgender Prisoners Each transgender person’s experience in prison and jail is different, in part because the conditions vary a great deal from one prison to another and change over time. However, the safety and health of every transgender prisoner in the United States is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution no matter where the prisoner is held. This resource explains the rights of transgender people in prison. Website
  • Unjust: How the Broken Criminal Justice System Fails LGBT People LGBT people are over-represented in the criminal justice system. This series of reports, videos, and info-graphics highlights personal stories of LGBT people impacted by the criminal justice system and spotlights innovative programs, initiatives and organizations from around the country. Website
  • Lambda Legal (National Headquarters, NYC) Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. 212-809-8585 Contact WebsiteEducation and School

Criminal Justice

  • Moving Beyond Bias: How To Ensure Access to Justice for LGBT People This curriculum was created by Lambda Legal to provide a model for educating judges, attorneys and other legal professionals about sexual orientation, gender identity and the needs of LGBT people in the legal system. Website
  • ACLU’s Know Your Rights: Transgender Prisoners Each transgender person’s experience in prison and jail is different, in part because the conditions vary a great deal from one prison to another and change over time. However, the safety and health of every transgender prisoner in the United States is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution no matter where the prisoner is held. This resource explains the rights of transgender people in prison. Website
  • Unjust: How the Broken Criminal Justice System Fails LGBT People LGBT people are over-represented in the criminal justice system. This series of reports, videos, and info-graphics highlights personal stories of LGBT people impacted by the criminal justice system and spotlights innovative programs, initiatives and organizations from around the country. Website
  • Lambda Legal (National Headquarters, NYC) Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. 212-809-8585 Contact Website

Employment

Family, Parenting, Adoption

Health

  • HIV-AIDS, STD Prevention – Hyacinth The mission of Hyacinth is to help people live with HIV, slow the spread of the epidemic, and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey. Plainfield 908-755-0021 Hotline 800-433-0254 Regional Office Website
  • HIV-AIDS – Iris House Iris House saves lives through comprehensive support, prevention and education services for women, families, and under served populations affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities in a safe, family-centered environment by passionate, professional and culturally competent staff. Plainfield 908-561-5057 E-mail Website
  • Mental Health / Suicide Prevention – The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 E-mail Website

Homelessness

  • Runaway – National Runaway Safeline The National Runaway Safeline is there to listen if you are thinking of running away or already have. The Safeline, available by phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY, text at 66008, or instant message on their website, can help connect you to resources for runaway youth in your area. 1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929 Online Services Website
  • Youth Shelter – Community Access Unlimited Union County Shelter and Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter The Union County Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter has a vision to halt the cycle of homelessness by offering various programs that will enable youth to move forward to a safer, healthier, and more productive lifestyle within the community. 908-354-3040 Extension 242 Toll Free 908-354-3096 24 Hour Access 908-413-4261 Runaway Hotline: 1-800-RUNAWAY E-mail Website
  • Housing – Union County Department of Human Services Continuum of Care/Homeless Unit Union County offers a wide array of housing options and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including: emergency shelter, permanent housing and supportive services; street outreach, engagement and case management; and prevention strategies. This resources provides more information on how to access services. 908-527-4874 or 908-527-4861 E-mai
  • Youth Shelter – Covenant House Covenant House provides trauma-informed, resilience-focused housing and supportive services to youth facing homelessness – offering a safe shelter for LGBTQ and trafficked youth. Elizabeth 908-354-4750 Newark Crisis Center 973-621-8705 E-mail Website
  • TIP Sheet: Working with Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth If you are working with homeless youth, you are almost guaranteed to encounter a client that identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ). This resource explains some of the unique challenges homeless LGBTQ youth face and includes a list of additional resources.Information Coming soon
  • Youth Shelter – RAIN Foundation (Essex County) The RAIN Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit that provides emergency shelter services to address the emergent need of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals experiencing crisis leading to homelessness. Our programs promote self-sufficiency and independence to enhance our residents’ ability to function within their communities. Our programs aim to help adolescents lead healthy, productive and meaningful lives. 973-675-6780 Website
  • Monarch Housing Associates 29 Alden Street, Suite 1B Cranford, NJ 07016 908-272-5363

Older Adults

Youth

  • HMI: New Jersey – Hetrick-Martin Institute HMI: New Jersey provides free year-round programs and services for LGTBQ youth and allies ages 13-21 … HMI: New Jersey is located in Newark, New Jersey and serves youth from Essex, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties, and is the only LGBT organization contracted with the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency Department. 212-674-2400 Contact Website
  • Mental Health / Suicide Prevention – The Trevor Project A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. 1-866-488-7386 Contact Website

Know your Rights

  • Union County – Safe Space for LGBTQ Individual On October 11, 2018, the Union County Board of County Commissioners declared by resolution Union County a safe space for  LGBTQ individuals, further noting that the County of Union has had a longstanding policy against discrimination, and this policy is incorporated into the Administrative Code of Union County insofar as it relates to County employment, contracts, and other activities.
  • NJ Division of Civil Rights: Know the Law
  • NJ Law Against Discrimination (LAD) The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-12) (LAD) makes it unlawful to subject people to differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability, perceived disability, and AIDS and HIV status. The LAD prohibits unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, credit and business contracts.
  • Public Accommodation under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits an owner, manager, or employee of any place that offers goods, services and facilities to the general public, such as a restaurant, hotel, doctor’s office, camp, or theater, from directly or indirectly denying or withholding any accommodation, service, benefit, or privilege to an individual because of that individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability. Further, individuals accompanied by a guide or service dog are entitled to full and equal access to all places of public accommodation.
  • NJ Division of Civil Rights Sexual Orientation Fact Sheet The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on sexual or affectional orientation. Federal law does not extend protection in this area. This means that it is against the law for you to be treated differently or otherwise denied the rights and privileges extended to others on the basis of sexual orientation. The law also forbids discrimination on the basis of ‘perceived’ sexual orientation, meaning that the Law protects you if you are subjected to discrimination because someone makes an erroneous presumption about your sexual orientation.
  • Garden State Equality FAQ: Transgender Student Rights in NJ This resource provides answers to several frequently asked questions about the legal rights of transgender students in our schools.
  • ACLU Know Your Rights: LGBT High School Students Under the U.S. Constitution, public schools have to address any harassment against LGBT students the same way they would address harassment against any other student. This resource goes over the Constitutional rights of LGBTQ students and offers suggestions for how to put them into action.
  • ACLU Know Your Rights: Transgender People and the Law This resource provides answers to 28 frequently asked questions about the legal rights of transgender Americans.
  • ACLU Know Your Rights: HIV and Civil Rights in the Workplace United States law protects anyone with AIDS or HIV from job discrimination. This resource explains the legal rights of HIV-positive people in the workplace.
  • Human Rights Campaign: State Maps of Laws & Policies This resource provides an up-to-date national map of state laws and policies that affect the LGBTQ community.
  • Lambda Legal Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.