The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that its free virtual series for the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, returns on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom for a lively and educational discussion about adoption in the LGBTQ community.
To participate in the discussion, please register at ucnj.org/lgbtq
To honor the unofficial LGBTQ+ Family Day this August, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is collaborating with the Union County Surrogate’s Office for this special edition of Empowerment Hour, focused on building families and protecting their legacies.
“Our LGBTQ Empowerment Hour sessions have become a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect, support, and educate one another. Each session is filled with engaging topics, valuable resources, and relatable stories from community members,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you want to quietly listen and take the information in, or join in on the discussion and share your story, all are welcome to tune in this August for yet another powerful episode.”
According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, same-sex couples are four times more likely to adopt children than heterosexual couples.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs have partnered with the Union County Surrogate’s Office to discuss this important topic on the latest Empowerment Hour, live on Zoom. The event will showcase the adoption services offered by the Union County Surrogate’s Office and provide guidance on how to safeguard valuable family assets through estate planning.
“The LGBTQ couple’s journey to parenthood is uniquely different and comes with challenges, and we hope that what we’ll discuss in this episode will better prepare you to embrace this next chapter with confidence,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “This isn’t only about creating a family, but also about sharing your love and commitment, and building a lasting legacy with your partner. We want to encourage you to embrace every step of this adventure, knowing you have the resources and tools in place to build a successful future together.”
The LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour will be live-streamed on the County of Union Facebook Page. Questions will be taken via Zoom and within the comments section on Facebook. To participate in the discussion, please register at ucnj.org/lgbtq.
“The Surrogate’s Office is happy to collaborate with the Office of LGBTQ Affairs on passing along vital information to our LGBTQ couples and community,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “When it comes to matters of adoption, it is important that you and your partner are as informed and well-prepared as can be, and I look forward to sharing with you how the Surrogate’s office can serve you during this exciting and life-changing moment.” For more information, please contact Robert Charkowsky, from the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, call (908)-527-4273 or email LGBTQ@ucnj.org.