ASBURY PARK, NJ — Garden State Equality — New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and wellness organization — has spent the past 20 years building a Garden State where every LGBTQ+ person can thrive. The outcome of any election does not alter our mission. Whether it’s protecting LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring access to life-saving healthcare, creating safer workplaces, or defending the freedom to marry whom we love, we are unwavering. We will not rest until every New Jerseyan is guaranteed lived and legal equality — with no exceptions.
The last time Trump was in office, his administration repeatedly targeted LGBTQ+ rights and protections. Under his leadership, the federal government rolled back critical protections in healthcare, banned transgender individuals from serving in the military, and supported discriminatory policies in schools, workplaces, and housing. These harmful measures emboldened anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and threatened decades of progress. With his return, we face even greater risks — but Garden State Equality is ready to stand strong.
At Garden State Equality, we reject hatred, divisive rhetoric, homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of discrimination. We firmly oppose Donald Trump, his allies, and all those who seek to put marginalized communities in harm’s way. We are grateful for New Jersey’s powerful anti-discrimination laws, which help safeguard our communities and strengthen our resolve, and are committed to further bolstering New Jerseyans’ rights to bodily autonomy, safe schools, and equal opportunity.
In these challenging times, we are united. We will stand firm, resolute in our dedication to protecting our community and advancing justice for all.
“As a Black woman who has fought for equality my whole life, I know what it means to stand against powerful forces that try to push us back. Today’s election outcome is not just disappointing — it’s a call to action. This isn’t just about policies; it’s about the safety and dignity of our LGBTQ+ family, particularly those who are Black, Brown, and transgender, and who already face the harshest injustices,” said Jeannine Frisby LaRue (she/her), Garden State Equality Action Fund Chair. “We’ve been here before, and we know the road ahead won’t be easy. But I’ve seen what can happen when communities come together, when we demand our humanity be respected, and when we refuse to be erased. Garden State Equality will keep fighting — alongside every single one of us — because giving up has never been an option, and it won’t be now.”
“Last night America failed us. We failed to step up when freedom was on the ballot, but we will not go back! We must step into this pivotal moment to send a message — to women; to transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse people; to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities — that we will thrive,” said Brielle Winslow-Majette (she/her), Garden State Equality Deputy Director.
“Our existence is an act of resistance,” she continued. “We must remember that the election is not the only way to use our voices and our power. This is the moment to answer the call to organize; this is the moment to ensure no matter who is in the White House, Congress, the Governor’s Mansion, or the Legislature, we will continue the fight for lived and legal equality. Women, queer and trans people, Black and Brown communities, immigrants, disabled people, and everyone surviving on the margins have always been the heartbeat of progress, and we WILL persist in our fight for justice.”
Click here to learn about the events and programs we already have planned to respond to this moment.
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