Talk: Election Aftermath and the LGBTQ+ Community

Where New Jersey Stands Now

Staff from HiTOPS discuss what the outcome of the election means for LGBTQ+ folks and allies in New Jersey.

This event will be livestreamed via the library's YouTube page at THIS LINK. 

In this 90-minute informational session, the “lay of the land” for LGBTQ+ residents in New Jersey will be reviewed through an overview of existing policies and discussion of what to expect given the outcome of the election. The talk will include a look at current policy work and activism around the state. The speakers will identify helpful resources, healthy coping mechanisms and effective strategies for self-care and collective care.

Refreshments will be served. 

About the Speakers:

  AJ Fresco (they/he) is a social worker, educator, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ justice. Currently, they work to uplift and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth at HiTOPS, a nonprofit organization, where they run several support groups for queer and transgender youth and their families, provide affirming mental health care and referrals, and create a welcoming and supportive environment for youth of all identities. AJ also offers educational training and consulting centered on affirming queer and trans people for professionals, schools, and individuals through their small business, Rainbow Connected. They are a Rutgers University professor of Sexual and Gender Diversity and a doctoral candidate in social work, conducting research focused on improving support for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents, making mental health care more accessible and affirming, and increasing education around gender-affirming healthcare.

  Thomas Foley (he/him) is a counselor, educator, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ justice. Currently, he works as the Senior Education Manager at HiTOPS, providing professional development in schools, businesses, and community-based organizations on how to best affirm LGBTQ+ folks. Thomas facilitates two of HiTOPS' support groups—Banner, for middle schoolers, and TransParenthood, for caregivers of trans and non-binary youth. He is a PhD student in Counselor Education and Supervision, and adjuncts as a graduate school professor at Georgian Court University and Rider University. His current research is focused on LGBTQ+-related education legislation and its impact on LGBTQ+ youth mental health. 

Presented in partnership with HiTOPS, a non-profit organization that fosters strong and healthy young people of all identities by providing inclusive and youth-informed sex education and LGBTQ+ support for young people throughout New Jersey.

Community Room Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Assistive listening system compatible with personal T-coil-enabled devices (compatible headphones also available for use during programs)
• English-language subtitles for films (when available)
• If there is an accommodation that you need or would like so that you can fully enjoy library programs, please visit our Accommodations Request Form.

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