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North Jersey Pride, Inc. is a  501(c)3 dedicated to supporting LGBTQ youth and families through programming and events in the Garden State. We aim to inspire our larger ally community to get involved in the struggle for full equality and to join us in building a world where all young people feel safe, loved and accepted for who they are. 

 

Supporting LGBTQ Youth

 

Winning marriage equality was a tremendous victory, but, while the climate has improved over the past decade, we still have a long way to go to make our young people feel safe:

  • LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted at school.

  • Close to half of all LGBTQ youth of color (44.7%) report being verbally harassed at school.

  • Nearly one-third of LGBTQ students drop out of high school to escape the violence, harassment, and isolation they face there — nearly three times the national average.

  • While only 10% of the general youth population is LGBTQ, they account for 20% of homeless youth.

  • Gay youth are four times as likely as their straight peers to attempt suicide.

Further, a national survey by GLSEN has found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school. Those who did not drop out altogether had significantly lower GPAs, were more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety, and were less likely to plan on continuing their education. 

 

North Jersey Pride's RAD Family program provides a safe space for transgender and gender-fluid children and their families to connect and support one another through monthly meetings and quarterly social outings.  

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We are currently working on developing a support/social network for LGBTQ teens. If you are a parent or teacher of LGBTQ teenagers, please get in touch with us. We would welcome your insights and input!

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