SUPPORT GROUPS

Youth Connect

Hudson Pride Center’s YouthConnect Program offers LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 13 and 24 weekly programming that supports the healthy building of community, peer-to-peer connections and collective/individual wellness and empowerment. Through this program, Queer youth have access to events, workshops & support groups that build on: community care, self-love, uplifting & honoring individual/collective strengths, mental health awareness/support, learning leadership skills, embracing & appreciating diverse racial/cultural/intersectional identities, exploration of gender & sexuality beyond the binary, inclusive safe sex education and self/community empowerment through creative art, writing and self-expression!

YouthConnect also provides direct 1:1 virtual support to assist Hudson County youth with accessing LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services, emotional/mental/physical wellness resources, substance-use treatment & care referrals, legal support resources for the advocacy & protection of undocumented youth, linkages to suicide prevention/crisis support resources and linkages to HIV/STD testing and PrEP Services/Counseling through Hudson Pride Center. Trans Support Services are also provided for youth in need of access to HRT, letters of support, referrals for gender affirming surgeries and support with legal name/gender marker changes.

Connect with our virtual YouthConnect Community on Instagram (link here) for the latest updates on our upcoming events, workshops and resources!

For more information on our YouthConnect Programming, please email us at info@hudsonpride.org 

BEYOND THE BINARY

Beyond the Binary is a distinct space for trans, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary folks to receive healthy practices and peer support. We offer facilitation around trauma-sensitive mindfulness techniques and a safe space for conversation and resource sharing as well as workshops and events. Beyond the Binary can provide linkage to gender affirming healthcare navigation, counseling, and other unique supportive resources.

The Beyond the Binary Facebook Group is a closed group for trans/nonbinary/gender non-conforming folks. To request to join please click here.

LEZFEST

Lezfest is a social platform designed to connect Queer Women throughout New Jersey and to provide beneficial resources that will champion in equality for Queer Women. The platform is built on the foundation of empowerment, advocacy, health, and activism. We support eradicating social injustices, enhancing queer women representation, and celebrating our diverse community. Through activities like open mics, mixers, and dating events members are provided opportunities to connect with peers and establish life-long relationships. To learn more about free membership, contact us at Lezfest@hudsonpride.org or follow us on our social media platforms: LezFest FB and @Lezfest_ on Instagram.

WOMEN UNIFIED

Women Unified’s mission is to reduce stigma around HIV. We advocate for the needs of women living with HIV or that can benefit from prevention. This is done through community education, promoting HIV testing and linking women living with HIV to medical care, medical case management, housing, food, clothing and counseling services. All services provided are free of charge and are confidential.

Rainbow Elders of New Jersey

Rainbow Elders of New Jersey is a contact, information and support group whose mission is to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. We are in partnership with two organizations— The Hudson Pride Center in Jersey City and SAGE: A national LGBTQ+ organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Rainbow Elders of New Jersey currently meets virtually on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 and on Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:30. We are hoping to also offer in-person meetings in the New Year. Although our prime audience is LGBTQ+ adults 50 and older, we welcome people of all ages to join us. Often we have guided group discussions on topics either brought up by the group or selected from a list. Speakers also present at our meetings on topics relevant to the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.

In addition, we discuss SAGE materials and talk about SAGE– its mission and programs. Participants are made aware of resources, especially those included in SAGE’s National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. The group also receives valuable information from a variety of local sources about resources available to them as residents of Jersey City, Hudson County, and the State of NJ.

For more information contact Gordon Sauer at gordon@hudsonpride.org.