Are you looking for an open and welcoming community in which to live and/or raise a family? We are fortunate to live in an area that offers so much support and celebrates our differences. Did you know that in 2018, Maplewood painted rainbow crosswalks near town hall? And South Orange painted the gas lamps in rainbow colors downtown? This area also offers many social and support groups. North Jersey Pride hosts an annual Pride Festival in Memorial Park in Maplewood in June. The organization also has an ongoing social and educational program for gender fluid/creative and transgender youth called Rad Kids.
Similarly there are active groups that have held social events like picnics and/or pride marches in Bloomfield, West Orange, and Newark just to name a few. And Garden State Equality has its office in Montclair. You can find welcoming and affirming houses of worship in the area, some of which also have LGBTQ clergy members. Whatever your affiliation, you will likely find a religious community that feels like home in these towns.
Let us know what’s important to you. We can connect you via our resources, local knowledge and relationships.