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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 13/01/2026

Today, #SCOTUS is hearing arguments in 2 cases confirming what we’ve always known: sports, like #trans people’s rights, are more than a game. Sports teach us when we work together, we win. That’s why these cases, and fighting for the T in our Team, is so important today. #NJ #LGBTQ #NewJersey

Sports, especially for young people, have always been an avenue to be part of something bigger. Whether it’s through school, local leagues, or pickup games with friends, sports are one of the simplest, most accessible ways for all of us to find community, to be part of a team.

And, they teach us from a young age that when we work hard and work together, we win. That’s why these cases, and fighting for the T in our Team, is so important today.

While the issues in these cases are focused on the right of trans girls to play sports with their friends, the court risks further empowering a national and coordinated effort to push trans and gender diverse people out of public life altogether and, in the process, potentially undermining civil rights protections for all LGBTQ+ people.

And as we know, extremist politicians never stop at stripping lived and legal equality away from one group. The laws at issue limit the freedom of everyone to be ourselves. They’ve already led to the harassment of non-trans and intersex athletes, particularly Black women and girls, and normalize that kind of unacceptable treatment off the field.

No matter our backgrounds, we’re all on the same team, and when we fight as a team, we win as one, too.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 09/01/2026

WIN: Today, @govmurphy.bsky.social signed into law our bill making the HIV medications PrEP and PEP more accessible in New Jersey. This is important because more people will be able to get these critical prevention measures who wouldn’t have otherwise. #HIV #NewJersey #PrEP

WIN: Today, Gov. Murphy signed into law our bill making the HIV medications PrEP and PEP more accessible in New Jersey.

The law allows pharmacists to dispense PrEP and PEP directly to those who need them and mandates prescription benefits coverage of both medications.

This is important because more people will be able to get these critical prevention measures who wouldn’t have otherwise.

This legislation, aligned with the Governor’s Strategic Plan to End HIV, is a critical step in significantly reducing HIV new-transmission rates in our state, which still reaches about 1,000 new cases per year.

This law is the result of intensive and coordinated collaboration with people who take or have taken PrEP and PEP, pharmacists, and policy experts from our partners at Hyacinth, Equality Federation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, New Jersey Pharmacy Association, and many others.

With these partners, and our legislative sponsors Sen. Gopal and Asw. Peterpaul, we‘ve brought to life an innovative bill that will get New Jerseyans’ convenient access to pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis while also ensuring our providers and pharmacies are reimbursed for their product, expertise, and labor.

By bringing together such a diverse array of stakeholders, we’re confident the legislation will succeed in its additional aim of overcoming some of the challenges that other states have seen in passing and implementing similar measures.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 13/11/2025

New Jerseyans are clear: they will fight back against authoritarianism and want elected officials who will do the same. Tell your lawmakers to pass the People’s Agenda this lame duck session. Take action now: action.aclu.org/send-message... #United4Justice #PeoplesAgenda #LameDuck

Over a purple background with rubber duckies: "People's Lame Duck Agenda"

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 16/07/2025

Join us for the first part of our Truthtelling webinar series, which digs into the misinformation shaping how trans and queer people experience health and healthcare. Our first session will cover the myths surrounding detransition. Sign up at gse.lgbt/truthtelling!

Text reads, "Truthtelling Webinar Series: Queer Health. July 31, 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Debunking myths about detransition." The background is a blue, purple, and pink gradient, with a rainbow stripe across the top. Next to the event name is a photograph of two people lying on a trans flag in the grass.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 08/07/2025

GOOD NEWS: After last month's court order in Orr v. Trump, the State Department is now required to issue passports to nonbinary and trans people with correct gender markers, and has finally issued guidance on how to do so. Read our full July passport update at gse.lgbt/passports.

Text reads, "July 2025 Passport Update," followed by the contents of the caption. The background is an image of a U.S. passport partially tucked into the pocket of a bag, colorized in pale blue. The top and bottom borders of the graphic feature the colors of the progress pride flag.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 30/06/2025

Great news: A bill that would improve access to PrEP and PEP passed out of the NJ Senate Budget Committee last week!⁠ ⁠ Now we need it to move in the Assembly—help make that happen by using our simple tool to send a message to your legislators.⁠ 📨 gse.lgbt/prep

A dark blue graphic with white and light blue text. The central image features rows of PrEP pills in shades of blue.Text reads: "2-minute action / link in bio. Tell your legislators: expand access to PrEP & PEP! A bill that would improve access to HIV prophylaxis is headed to the NJ Senate floor—now we need it to move in the Assembly! Send a message to your legislators asking them to SUPPORT S2019/A3089."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 18/06/2025

#ProudAndFree: #UnitedForTransPower In response to #Skrmetti, we’re gathering in #AsburyPark this Saturday, 6/21 to show up for trans people and say: trans rights are not up for debate! RSVP and more info >> gse.lgbt/skrmetti #ProudAndFreeRally #TransRights #SCOTUS #NJ #NewJersey #JerseyShore

Proud and Free: United for Trans Power.

Saturday, June 21. 10:30am. Asbury Park Post Office, 801 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.

Garden State Equality. https://gse.lgbt/skrmetti

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 18/06/2025

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States failed trans youth by upholding Tennessee’s cruel and discriminatory ban on transition-related healthcare for youth.⁠ ⁠ ❗ Important: right now, New Jersey is still a sanctuary for trans healthcare.⁠

The Supreme Court failed trans youth today. But right now, New Jersey is still a sanctuary for trans healthcare. Let's keep it that way. Jersey for Trans Healthcare

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 13/06/2025

Statement from Garden State Equality on the Newark Detention Center Disturbance:

At the heart of every injustice like today’s are real people — stripped of dignity, trapped by a system that punishes them for who they are, where they’re from, and the circumstances they face.

We cannot and will not sit by without speaking out against the vulgar injustice that happened in Newark today. The United States justice system is supposed to guarantee due process, yet instead we are watching people detained without hearings, denied the right to present their case, and shipped to other countries without ever seeing a courtroom.

The Trump administration is weaponizing the system to carry out mass detentions and deportations that violate both U.S. and international law. It is grotesque to demand obedience to laws that are being broken by those in power themselves.

This is the same system the Trump administration is using to persecute and erase transgender and gender diverse people. The struggle for immigrant and human rights is the same for LGBTQ+ rights.

We recognize the desperation and humanity of the four individuals who escaped — and we refuse to let this moment pass without demanding accountability for the inhumane conditions that led to this crisis. This is not justice. This is cruelty disguised as policy.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 28/05/2025

It's the moment we've all been waiting for: the Equality Ball is THIS WEEK! Now's your last chance to buy tickets, so don't wait—get your tickets now at gse.lgbt/ball25 💃

A blurred photo of the stage at Asbury Lanes, the event venue, overlaid by a pink and purple gradient. From the top, text reads: "This week! The Equality Ball. Friday, May 30, 2025. Asbury Lanes. Last chance to buy tickets!"

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 23/05/2025

How better to kick off Pride Month than joining us, drag queens Honey Davenport and Crystal Envy, and singer Tiger James at the Equality Ball next Friday, May 30? There's only one week left to buy tickets, so don't wait: gse.lgbt/ball25

A graphic with a pink and purple gradient over a blurred image of Asbury Lanes, the event venue. White text reads: "Don't miss these fabulous entertainers at The Equality Ball: Honey Davenport, Crystal Envy, Tiger James. Friday, May 30, 2025, Asbury Lanes." In the middle of the graphic are circular photos of the listed performers.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 21/05/2025

Join honoree @govmurphy.bsky.social and special guest Dominique Jackson in celebrating our work at the Equality Ball on Friday, May 30! There are only 9️⃣ days left to purchase tickets for our largest annual fundraiser, so don't wait! Buy tickets now: gse.lgbt/ball25

A graphic with a pink and purple gradient over a blurred image of Asbury Lanes, the event venue. White text reads: "Join Gov. Phil Murphy and Dominique Jackson at the Equality Ball. Friday, May 30, 2025, Asbury Lanes." Staggered in the center of the image are circular photos of Gov. Murphy and Dominique Jackson.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 26/03/2025

We're excited to announce our keynote panel for Equality at Work, our annual inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility symposium on 4/11! Our headliners are 6 Black & Brown queer & allied women working to advance inclusion across industries. Register for Equality at Work ➡ gse.lgbt/work25

A pale blue background depicting an office building. Text at the top reads, "Equality at Work Symposium Keynote Panel." The text is followed by a grid of six photos of the panelists, followed by their names and the registration link.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 22/03/2025

Are YOU ready for #TDOV? We’re excited to share programming for our Trans Day of Visibility event this Friday 3/28 at Montclair State University. 📋 Register at gse.lgbt/tdov25 ✂ Sign up for haircuts at gse.lgbt/haircut25

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 20/03/2025

Join us on Tuesday, April 8 for Joining Together in Right Relationship: A Healing Space for Empowered Women. We will imagine how all women can build diverse communities to powerfully face the challenges of these times and create flourishing futures for all. Learn more and RSVP at gse.lgbt/joining ✨

Dark blue text on a pale blue-tinted background depicting a field of flowers. Text reads: "Joining Together in Right Relationship: A Healing Space for Empowered Women. Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 pm. Virtual. RSVP at gse.lgbt/joining."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 05/03/2025

Looking for information about legally changing your name and gender marker in #NewJersey? Join us at one of our upcoming name change info sessions!⁠ Saturday, 3/8 @ 11am : gse.lgbt/nameinfo1 Saturday, 4/5 @ 11am: gse.lgbt/nameinfo2 #trans #transgender #nonbinary #NJ

Over a light blue background:

"Upcoming Name Change Info Sessions:

Saturday, March 8, 2025 • 11am
Register @ gse.lgbt/nameinfo1

Saturday, April 5, 2025 • 11am
Register @ gse.lgbt/nameinfo2

Learn about legally changing your name and state identification documents in New Jersey with William Chanes Martinez, Esq.

transresiliency @ gardenstateequality.org."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 05/03/2025

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 PRIDE SEASON IS LESS THAN TWO AND A HALF MONTHS AWAY!⁠ 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ⁠ Last year, we were able to attend 60+ #Pride celebrations in every part of #NewJersey — but only thanks to the help of everyone who told us about events!⁠ ⁠ Help us attend even more this year >> gse.lgbt/prideevents25 #NJ #LGBTQ

Over a navy background: "We want to celebrate Pride with YOU! Submit your events at gse.lgbt/prideevents25." Along the bottom is a halftone photo of two people holding hands and waving flags during the 2024 Asbury Park Pride Parade.]

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 05/03/2025

We’re fighting to protect gender-affirming care in #NewJersey for people like Michelle. You can help.⁠ Learn more and get involved at jerseytrans.care #NJ #trans #LGBTQ #transgender #nonbinary

Over a dark blue background in white, light blue, and pink text:⁠
⁠
"Because of my untreated gender dysphoria, I felt depressed and devoid of a personality.⁠
⁠
I finally came out in 2021 and sought gender-affirming care, leading me to become far happier.⁠
⁠
Gender-affirming care is medically necessary and must be covered by all health insurance providers so that transgender people like me can afford to receive the care that we need.⁠
⁠
— Michelle, Monmouth County."⁠

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 05/03/2025

We want to thank @booker.senate.gov and @kim.senate.gov for supporting #trans youth AGAIN earlier this week by voting "NO" on Senate Bill 9. This bill would've banned transgender girls and women from being able to play on the correct sports teams. #NJ #NewJersey

Over a navy background in white and light blue text: "Thank you for supporting trans youth AGAIN!" Inset are portraits of Sen. Booker and Sen. Kim.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 27/02/2025

Coming up next month on 3/17 is our Lobby Day! Will you join us to advocate for gender-affirming care, bodily autonomy, HIV medication, and more? ⁠ This is YOUR opportunity to show our lawmakers what we need them to do to protect queer & trans people in #NewJersey! gse.lgbt/lobbyday

Flyer for the event. Over an off-white background on the left side: "2025 LGBTQ+ Lobby Day. Monday, March 17, 9am-2pm. New Jersey Statehouse Annex, 131 West State Street, Trenton, NJ." It then includes the logos for the co-sponsoring organizations: Garden State Equality Action Fund, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, Hyacinth, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, and the Cherry Hill Women's Center. On the right is a stylized cutout of the NJ Statehouse dome over the trans flag.

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 27/02/2025

🏳️‍⚧️🏒🔊 ARE YOU READY FOR FULL VOLUME #PRIDE? 🔊🏒🏳️‍🌈⁠ ⁠ We're excited to partner with @pwhlsirens.bsky.social for their \Pride Game coming up on March 22! Get your tickets now! >> gse.lgbt/sirens #NJ #NewJersey #hockey

Over a blue-tinted photo of a fan cheering at a hockey game overlooking the ice is the following:

"NY Sirens x Garden State Equality. Pride Game. 20% discount + fundraiser! Saturday, March 22, 12pm. Prudential Center, Newark, NJ. Get your tickets now: gse.lgbt/sirens."]

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 25/02/2025

Equality is fundamental to economic progress, which is why we're grateful @govmurphy.bsky.social started his final budget address today by committing to defend the rights and freedoms of every New Jerseyan alongside fiscal security and opportunity. #NJ #NewJersey @stateofnewjersey.bsky.social

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 21/02/2025

Every day, people ask us what they can do to protect gender-affirming care in #NewJersey. Here's your chance. Help us and learn more about our campaign at jerseytrans.care.

Over a dark blue background in white, light blue, and pink text:
"Do you want to protect gender-affirming care in New Jersey? You can. Right now. What are you waiting for? Learn more and get involved at: jerseytrans . care."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 14/02/2025

Last night, news broke that the #NationalParkService has scrubbed any references to #transgender and #queer people and history from the website of the #Stonewall National Monument. The Marsha P. Johnson Family Foundation and Garden State Equality condemn this discriminatory and dangerous action.⁠

Over a black, dark pink, and dark blue background in white, light blue, and pink text:⁠

"'This is not just an erasure of words—it is an erasure of history. The Stonewall Uprising was led by trans and queer people of color, including my cousin, Marsha P. Johnson, alongside Sylvia Rivera and countless others whose courage sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Stripping trans and queer identities from the narrative of Stonewall is a deliberate and dangerous attempt to rewrite history.⁠
⁠
“Marsha fought for a world where no one had to live in fear because of who they are. Her legacy, and the legacy of the trans community, is inseparable from Stonewall.⁠
⁠
Our history will not be erased. Our community will not be silenced. And our fight, in honor of Marsha P. Johnson and so many others who came before, continues.' James Carey (he/him), President of the Marsha P. Johnson Family Foundation."⁠

"'The erasure of transgender and queer people from this pivotal moment in the fight for lived and legal equality is disgraceful. Shamelessly attempting to remove transgender and queer people from the historical narrative does not change the fact that they were there. It does not change the fact that transgender and queer people were often the leaders of the fight. And it does not change the fact that the rights and protections we enjoy today are the direct results of decades of activism by transgender and queer people — both those whose names we know, like New Jersey’s own Marsha P. Johnson, and the countless whose names we’ll never know but whose legacy we honor nonetheless.' aedy miller (they/she), Communications Manager, Garden State Equality."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 06/02/2025

Yesterday, #NewJersey AG Matthew Platkin, alongside 15 other attorneys general from around the country, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting access to gender affirming care. We thank AG Platkin and the entire coalition for making it clear they will protect access to this life-saving healthcare.

Over a very dark blue background with the seal of the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General:

"'As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people.

Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms.

Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.'

Statement from Coalition of Attorneys General, including New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin, on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care (February 2025)."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 31/01/2025

We're just going to let this last one speak for itself: "We will continue our work to protect LGBTQIA+ New Jerseyans from discrimination, and we will not hesitate to hold violators of the law accountable." 3/ #NewJersey #NJ #LGBTQ #trans #transgender #queer #civilrights

Over a black and white photo of the Jersey City skyline: "We will continue our work to protect LGBTQIA+ New Jerseyans from discrimination, and we will not hesitate to hold violators of the law accountable."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 31/01/2025

To put it another way, they said in no uncertain terms: NO HATE IN THE GARDEN STATE. 2/ #NewJersey #NJ #LGBTQ #trans #transgender #queer #civilrights @stateofnewjersey.bsky.social

Over a blue-tinted photo of the Pine Barrens: "These protections apply to people working or living in New Jersey, as well as people attending schools, visiting health care facilities, accessing government services, interacting with police departments, and more. These protections mean that it is unlawful to discriminate against someone because they are transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming."

Over a purple tinted photo of the Steel Pier in Atlantic City: "Under the LAD, employers, housing providers, and places open to the public cannot treat people differently based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or other protected characteristics."

Over a pink-tinted photo of Liberty State Park: "The LAD also requires employers, housing providers, and places of public accommodation to proactively address and respond to harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other protected characteristics."

Over a light-blue tinted photo of New Brunswick: "And critically, the LAD prohibits schools from discriminating against students based on a protected characteristic; every student in New Jersey has a right to a learning environment free from discrimination, bias, and harassment."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 31/01/2025

The #NJ Division of #CivilRights just made it unequivocally clear: anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination is an affront to the Garden State's values and our Law Against Discrimination is in full force — no matter what the federal government has to say. 1/ #NewJersey #LGBTQ #trans #transgender #queer

Over a red-tinted photo of the statehouse in Trenton: "New Jersey will not waver in our commitment to enforcing our state’s civil rights laws and combating discrimination and bias-based harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. State on Protecting LGBTQIA+ New Jerseyans from Discrimination (January 2025), NJ Division on Civil Rights."

Over an orange-tinted photo of Convention Hall in Asbury Park: "Every New Jerseyan has the right to live free from discrimination and harassment. Discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community is an affront to our values, and it violates our state’s civil rights laws, plain and simple."

Over a yellow-tinted photo of Camden: "The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), our state’s landmark civil rights law, remains in full force regardless of the federal government’s actions."

Over a green-tinted photo of the Newark skyline: "The LAD expressly prohibits New Jersey employers, housing providers, and places of public accommodation—that is, places open to the public—from discriminating based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other protected characteristics."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 31/01/2025

Being #transgender DOES NOT conflict with the commitment to honor and sacrifice necessary to serve in the military. In response to Trump's ban on trans people serving in the #military, we uplifted the story of Army veteran, trans woman, and New Jerseyan Sgt. Maj. Jennifer Marie Long. 1/

"The issue of whether (trans people) negatively impact readiness has more than once been proven false; the draw to service and patriotism are the underlying reasons for nearly all who enlist.”

- Sergeant Major Jennifer Marie Long, Army Veteran and transgender woman from Kearny, New Jersey. (Inset is a photo of her.)

“Serving our country is a brave and selfless commitment. Any American willing to risk their life to defend our nation should be given the opportunity to do so, regardless of how they identify.”

- Governor Phil Murphy

“This ban is an affront to our fundamental American values — of equality, and the right to live a life free of discrimination. We should be grateful to every person who is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country and I will stand with transgender servicemembers against this hateful ban. This action only serves to vilify transgender people and sow deeper the political divide in our country. But it also makes America less safe by pushing talented, qualified individuals away from public service.”

- Senator Cory Booker

(Next to both quotes are inset photos of Gov. Murphy and Sen. Booker.)

“Denying transgender people the right to serve in the military undermines their dignity, disregards their capabilities, and goes against the values of equality and inclusion that our country stands for. Barring skilled and qualified individuals from serving simply because of their gender identity is both discriminatory and wasteful, sending a harmful message that authenticity and service are incompatible. A truly strong and effective military values diversity, and excluding transgender people only weakens its mission and integrity.”

Damien Alan Lopez (he/they)
Director of Training and Trans Resiliency

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 31/01/2025

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE IS LGBTQ+ JUSTICE. Earlier today, we stood in solidarity with a coalition of Latine and immigrant justice organizations to condemn the heinous ICE raids ordered by the Trump administration that have taken place over the past week. #immigrants #NewJersey #NJ #immigrantjustice

"IMMIGRANT JUSTICE IS LGBTQ+ JUSTICE." repeated over and over again in shades of blue over a navy background.

Dwana Young, Self-Healing Communities Program Manager, speaks at a press conference. Over her over her is the following quote:

"Garden State Equality recognizes that our LGBTQ+ community has been be marginalized, misunderstood, and vilified; facing hate and violence simply for existing. Our immigrant family, especially those seeking asylum, has faced similar battles, and we also recognize the unique experience of our LGBTQ+ immigrants, living a doubly-difficult experience. Our communities deserve better than to be political pawns in the face of oppressive policies that seek to deny us our humanity.

Trump’s administration is, again but now with more vitriol, promoting a narrative that pits American communities against each other, sowing false division. We refuse to be divided, and we refuse to fall."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 30/01/2025

🏳️‍⚧️📢 I GUESS THEY DIDN'T HEAR US YESTERDAY. WHEN TRANS YOUTH ARE UNDER ATTACK, WHAT DO WE DO? 📢🏳️‍⚧️⁠ We'll have more info how you can help us fight all of the executive orders soon. Stay tuned for updates. #nj #newjersey #schools #youth #SafeSchoolsSaveLives #students #lgbt #trans

A thread post with the following text:⁠
⁠
"It’s not déjà vu: President Trump has issued another horrifying executive order targeting LGBTQ+ youth. Among a flurry of attacks on teaching about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the order suggests educators who affirm the identities of their trans students should be prosecuted in some capacity. The order also seeks to pull federal funding for any K-12 public school that supports its gender diverse students.⁠
⁠
This order does not take effect for 90 days, meaning we can still stop it. Stay tuned for updates on how you can help us fight this and the other attacks on LGBTQ+ people.⁠
⁠
# SafeSchoolsSaveLives."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 10/01/2025

We've got another FREE name change event coming up next week in #Newark. Register now at gse.lgbt/runamechange #newjersey #LGBTQ #transgender #trans #queer

Law students will assist adult residents of NJ with legally changing their name, including drafting name change petitions, giving information on changing other identity documents, and walking through what to expect in the courtroom. ⁠
⁠
WHEN: Friday, January 17 • 2-6pm⁠
WHERE: Rutgers Law School, 123 Washington St, Newark, NJ⁠
⁠
Questions? Message ru.newarknamechange @ gmail . com⁠
⁠
Presented in partnership with a coalition of Newark law students.⁠

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 12/12/2024

Youth advocate Bailey Asbury shared why the Freedom to Read Act is so important for young people, saying, "I would not have the confidence to speak out on LGBTQ+ and other social issues without books that affirmed my queer identity." #lgbt #lgbtq #newjersey #nj #library #libraries #books

Over a watercolor rainbow background is a speech bubble with a quote from youth advocate Bailey Asbury: "I would not have the confidence to speak out on LGBTQ+ and other social issues without books that affirmed my queer identity. Fictional characters teach us right from wrong and show us what it means to be human: vulnerable, brave, emotional, resilient. All of that means teaching us to respect ourselves and each other for who we are."

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Garden State Equality @gardenstateequality.org · 12/12/2024

This week, @govmurphy.bsky.social signed the #FreedomtoRead Act into law, protecting the rights of students, families, and communities to freely access age-appropriate books and learning materials! #lgbt #lgbtq #newjersey #nj #library #libraries #books @stateofnewjersey.bsky.social

The top half is text over a rainbow watercolor background: "New Jersey affirms the Freedom to Read!" The bottom is a blue-tinted photo of Gov. Murphy, bill sponsors, advocates, and community members at the signing of the bill. They are in a library.

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