LGBTQ Resources Draft

Healthcare

  • Garden State Equality – Affirming Healthcare Directory: New Jersey’s statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, which also provides an online directory of LGBTQIA+-friendly doctors and medical providers. Phone: 973-509-5428. Website: gardenstateequality.org
  • North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI): Offers comprehensive health services including primary care, infectious disease treatment, HIV care, and gender-affirming hormone therapy in Newark, NJ. Phone: 973-483-3444. Website: njcri.org
  • RWJBarnabas Health PROUD Gender Center: A comprehensive center (New Brunswick, NJ) providing specialized healthcare services for the transgender and non-binary community (e.g. hormone therapy, primary care). Phone: 1-833-247-7683 (1-833-BH-PROUD). Website: rwjbh.org/PROUD
  • Mpox Vaccine Clinic (Union County): Dedicated clinic for mpox (monkeypox) vaccination and information, LGBTQ+ inclusive. Phone: 908-613-7829. Info: ucnj.org/monkeypox
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s free national helpline for treatment referrals (LGBTQ-inclusive). Phone: 1-877-726-4727 (1-877-SAMHSA-7). Website: samhsa.gov

Mental Health

For 24/7 crisis intervention resources (suicide prevention, etc.), see the “Hotlines & Crisis Lines” section below.

  • PerformCare – NJ Children’s System of Care: 24/7 access line for youth up to age 21 to obtain mental health services, behavioral support, and referrals (inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth needs). Phone: 1-877-652-7624. Website: performcarenj.org
  • High Focus Centers (Cranford): Intensive outpatient program with services for adolescents and adults, offering LGBTQ-affirming treatment for mental health and substance use. Call for screening. Phone: 1-800-877-3628 (Admissions). Address: 16 Commerce Drive, Cranford, NJ 07016. Website: highfocuscenters.com
  • Family and Children’s Services (Elizabeth): Provides an ongoing support group for LGBTQ+ youth (approximately ages 13–18) in collaboration with EDGE NJ. This facilitated group offers a safe space for teens to share and receive support. Contact for current schedule. Phone: 908-352-7474
  • NAMI NJ – LGBTQ+ Support Group (Online): Peer-led recovery support group for LGBTQ+ adults (18+) dealing with mental health conditions. Meets virtually (e.g., last Sunday of each month, 7:00–8:30 PM). For info and to register, visit naminj.org and search “LGBTQ+ Connection”.

Legal Aid & Advocacy

  • Garden State Equality: New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy and civil rights organization. Provides legal/policy advocacy, youth and school programs, and community education (e.g. anti-bullying initiatives, name-change assistance). Phone: 973-509-5428. Email: info@gardenstateequality.org. Website: gardenstateequality.org
  • ACLU of New Jersey: State affiliate of the ACLU, defending LGBTQ+ rights through legal action and advocacy. Assists with discrimination cases, student rights, and more. Phone: 973-642-2084. Website: aclu-nj.org
  • Lambda Legal (NY Headquarters): National legal organization dedicated to achieving full civil rights for LGBTQ+ people and those with HIV through impact litigation and education. Legal Help Desk: 212-809-8585. Website: lambdalegal.org
  • NJ Division on Civil Rights (DCR): New Jersey’s civil rights agency that investigates complaints of discrimination (including sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination under NJ Law Against Discrimination). Northern NJ Office: 973-648-2700; Central NJ: 609-292-4605. Website: nj.gov/oag/dcr
  • Transgender Legal Resources: (Information) For guidance on legal name or gender marker changes and know-your-rights materials for transgender individuals, see resources like the TLDEF Name Change Project or Lambda Legal’s “Transgender Rights Toolkit” (available on their websites).

Housing & Homelessness

  • Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Hotline: If you are homeless or at risk in Union County. Call 908-249-4815 for immediate assistance with emergency shelter and services. (Operated by Gateway YMCA for Union County Dept. of Human Services.)
  • Union County Homeless Services (CoC Office): County Continuum of Care office that coordinates housing programs. During weekdays, call 908-527-4861 or 908-527-4874 for information on emergency shelter, rental assistance, and other housing resources in Union County.
  • Union County Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter (CAU): Emergency shelter in Elizabeth, NJ for runaway and homeless youth (under 18). Provides safe housing, counseling, and case management to help reunite families or transition youth to stability. 24/7 Access Line: 908-413-4261. Office: 908-354-3040 x242 (or 908-354-3096). Runaway Hotline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). Website: caunj.org
  • National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). National crisis line for youth considering running away or experiencing homelessness. Provides crisis counseling, family message relays, and connections to local shelters. (Chat and text options at 1800runaway.org)
  • Covenant House NJ: Provides shelter and transitional housing for homeless youth (generally ages 18–22) with sites in Newark and Elizabeth. Services are LGBTQ+ friendly and include education, job training, and health care. Elizabeth Shelter: 908-354-4750. Newark Crisis Center: 973-621-8705. Website: nj.covenanthouse.org
  • RAIN Foundation (Essex County LGBTQ Shelter): A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing emergency shelter and housing to LGBTQ individuals (18+) in crisis (based in East Orange, serving NJ). Offers a safe space and support services to help residents get back on their feet. Phone: 973-675-6780. Website: essexlgbthousing.org
  • True Colors United: National organization implementing innovative solutions to youth homelessness, with a focus on LGBTQ youth. They offer training and advocacy; while not a direct service provider, their site can guide youth to inclusive programs. Phone: 212-461-4401. Website: truecolorsunited.org

Youth & Family

  • EDGE NJ: LGBTQ+ community center (based in Morris County) offering support services. Youth & Family Support Groups: free virtual groups for LGBTQ+ teens (13+) and a separate group for their parents/guardians, typically held Monday evenings. Contact EDGE for details and login info. Phone: 973-285-0006. Email: info@edgenj.org. Website: edgenj.org
  • HiTOPS: New Jersey nonprofit for LGBTQ+ youth. Offers several social support groups:
    • TConnect: for transgender and gender-expansive teens (14–18)
    • First & Third: bi-monthly social group for LGBTQ+ teens (14–18) to make friends and share experiences.Banner: weekly educational group for questioning youth (ages 11–13)
    All programs are free (currently virtual). To join, email dvecchio@hitops.org or visit hitops.org for more information.
  • Project WOW (NJCRI): A program at NJCRI in Newark engaging LGBTQ youth (13–24). Provides a safe drop-in space for youth to socialize, develop leadership skills, and access relevant health and education services (e.g. HIV testing, mental health counseling, substance use education). Phone: 973-483-3444. More info: njcri.org/programs (see “Project WOW”).
  • Kaleidoscope (Center for Family Services): A statewide LGBTQIA+ youth program offering monthly in-person meetings and virtual groups for teens (12–17) and young adults (18–24) in a welcoming atmosphere. Focuses on empowerment, leadership, and community-building. For meeting announcements, check their Facebook or call the 24/7 hotline 844-657-7476 (NJ PRISM). Website: centerffs.org – Kaleidoscope
  • Family & Children’s Services (Elizabeth) – LGBTQ Youth Group: In partnership with EDGE NJ, F&CS hosts a support group for LGBTQ teens (approx. ages 13–18) in Union County. The group is facilitated by professionals and provides a safe space to discuss topics like identity, coming out, and coping. Contact 908-352-7474 to learn more or enroll.
  • PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): Provides peer support and education for families and allies of LGBTQ+ people. Local PFLAG chapters (e.g., North Jersey, Jersey Shore, etc.) hold regular support meetings (often virtual/hybrid now) where parents and LGBTQ individuals can share experiences and resources. To find your nearest chapter in NJ: pflag.org/find-a-chapter
  • COLAGE: A national organization run by and for kids & adults who have LGBTQ parents or caregivers. Offers online communities, youth leadership programs, and resources that connect people with others who grew up in LGBTQ families. Website: colage.org
  • Family Equality: National advocacy organization for LGBTQ families. Provides resources on family-building (adoption, surrogacy, fertility), parenting in the LGBTQ community, and hosts family events. Their site includes a directory of LGBTQ-friendly family service providers. Website: familyequality.org
  • “LGBTQ College Guide” by Test Prep Insight: An extensive online guide to help LGBTQ+ students navigate college life – covering how to choose an LGBTQ-friendly campus, find scholarships, housing tips, health and counseling services, and understand your rights at school. Access it here: LGBTQ+ College Guide

General Community Resources

  • Pride Center of New Jersey: A community center in Highland Park offering drop-in hours, support and social groups (for youth, adults, and seniors), educational workshops, and special events for the LGBTQ+ community. Also offers a mentoring program and free rapid HIV testing. Phone: 732-846-2232. Email: info@pridecenter.org. Website: pridecenter.org
  • Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs: County government office serving as a resource hub and voice for LGBTQ residents. Organizes initiatives like the annual Union County Pride events and “Empowerment Hour” educational panels, and can connect individuals with local services. Contact for info or to get involved: 908-527-4742, lgbtq@ucnj.org. Website: ucnj.org/LGBTQ
  • NJ Gay Life: New Jersey’s official online resource to keep the LGBTQ community connected. Features a statewide event calendar (pride festivals, support meetings, etc.), directories of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, and forums. Website: NJGayLife.com
  • Out & Equal Workplace Advocates: National organization promoting LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace. Offers training for companies and maintains resources for employees facing discrimination or seeking ERG (Employee Resource Group) support. Website: outandequal.org
  • New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce: A network of LGBTQ-owned and ally businesses in NJ. Provides networking events, business resources, and mentorship for entrepreneurs. A great resource for job-seekers and professionals to find inclusive businesses. Phone: 973-869-9567. Website: njlgbtchamber.org

Older Adults

  • SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): National organization offering supportive services and advocacy for LGBTQ older adults. SAGE can connect seniors to local programs (like LGBTQ senior centers, meal programs, friendly visitor services) and also offers a 24/7 elder hotline (see Hotlines section). Main Office: 212-741-2247. Website: sageusa.org
  • Union County Division on Aging (ADRC): County office assisting seniors (60+) and caregivers, including LGBTQ elders. Contact ADRC for referrals to senior services such as home care, nutrition, transportation, or support groups. Phone: 908-527-4870 or toll-free 1-877-222-3737 (NJ Senior Help Line). Website: ucnj.org/aging
  • LGBT Senior Social Opportunities: *(Local resources may vary.)* Check with SAGE or the Pride Center of NJ for any LGBTQ-friendly senior meetup groups, social events, or community center programming specifically for older adults in the area.

Hotlines & Crisis Lines

All lines below are free, confidential, and available 24/7 (unless noted). Trained counselors or peers are ready to listen and help.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 (the national 24/7 suicide prevention hotline) if you are feeling suicidal, in crisis, or emotional distress. You will be connected to a crisis counselor in your area. (Veterans can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.)
  • 2nd Floor Youth Helpline: 1-888-222-2228. A confidential helpline for New Jersey youth (ages 10–24) to discuss any issue or problem. You can also text to the same number. It operates 24/7 and is staffed by caring professionals who can provide support or refer you to help locally.
  • The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386. The leading crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Available 24/7. You can also text “START” to 678-678 or use online chat at thetrevorproject.org to connect with a counselor.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741. This service provides free, 24/7 support via text message. You’ll be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor who can help you through any difficult moment, not only suicide-related (could be anxiety, depression, abuse, etc.).
  • GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564. Provides telephone peer support to callers of all ages about LGBTQ+ issues, coming out, relationships, and community resources. (Operates Monday-Friday 4pm-midnight ET, Saturday noon-5pm ET.) You can also email them at help@GLBThotline.org.
  • GLBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743. Peer support via phone specifically for LGBTQ youth and young adults up to age 25. (Hours mirror the National Hotline.) Great for youth who want to talk to another LGBTQ young person about concerns at home, school, or with friends. Email: youth@GLBThotline.org.
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860. A grassroots hotline offering emotional support and financial resource referrals run by transgender people, for transgender (and questioning) callers. No intake or third-party 911 calls unless requested, making it a safe space to talk about anything (identity, transition, mental health) confidentially.
  • NJ PRISM Helpline: 1-844-657-7476 (844-NNJ-PRISM). A 24/7 statewide information and referral line for the LGBTQIA+ community in New Jersey. Whether you need help finding local support groups, counseling, housing, or any LGBTQ-friendly service, trained staff will provide information and direct connections.
  • LGBTQ Elder Hotline (English & Spanish): For LGBTQ seniors seeking support or someone to talk to. English: 1-877-333-5884. Español: 1-888-971-2013. (Operated by SAGE’s partner network, available 24/7 with translation in 180+ languages.)
  • SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: 1-877-360-LGBT (1-877-360-5428). An alternative number to reach SAGE’s elder support hotline. Friendly responders can provide conversation, support, and resources for older LGBTQ adults and their caregivers at any time.
  • LGBT National Senior Hotline: 1-888-234-7243. A peer support hotline tailored for LGBTQ individuals ages 50 and up. Offers a safe, confidential space to discuss issues like isolation, family, grief, or health, and provides resources for senior services. (Staffed by the GLBT National Help Center; hours: M-F 4pm-12am ET, Sat 12-5pm ET.)