Statement :: Recent Federal Events

Website Admin • February 4, 2025

PCNJ Statement on Recent Federal Events

We are stronger as a community when we stand together with resilience and support for one another.

 

In spite of the numerous challenges facing us today, the Pride Center of New Jersey remains committed to providing and protecting queer spaces for all NJ residents. We know that many of you are feeling increased stress and anxiety in your daily lives right now but rest assured that you are not alone.

 

Although there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding many of the recent federal changes, this message serves to provide clarification, reassurance, and resources for our local community members.

 

Clarity on the Executive Orders

 

Following his January 20th inauguration, President Trump signed a flurry of executive orders (EOs) on a broad range of issues (the National Council of Nonprofits maintains an overview of these EOs here). Many of these raise concerns but are consistent with what we anticipated. While this is alarming, it's important to remember that EOs do not create new laws without congressional approval and can be revoked or challenged in court. In fact, many of these EOs are actively being challenged throughout the court system today. That being said, we recognize that these executive orders hold wide reaching implications regarding our community’s future. We at the Pride Center of New Jersey will do our best to share relevant updates as we are able but unfortunately do not have the expertise or capacity to provide a high frequency of consistent support or guidance on these developing orders, memorandums, and proclamations. Instead, we highly encourage you to subscribe to updates from Garden State Equality, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and Lambda Legal as well.

 

How will this impact the Pride Center of New Jersey?


We are proud to function as a 100% volunteer run organization which relies heavily on local community support and donations. At this time, we do not anticipate a negative impact to our organization’s funding and offered services. We will continue hosting a variety of peer-based support, social groups, and youth programs at the Center. We will continue to provide opportunities throughout the year to educate and celebrate the community. And we will continue to share information and resources that will help you all live your most authentic lives.

 

Will we see any changes at the Pride Center of New Jersey?


Our goal is now and has always been to create a safe and welcoming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In light of everything, we are evaluating our systems and processes to ensure we are doing our part in maintaining every individual’s privacy and safety. With that in mind, you may notice we have already implemented a few changes to improve the security of our staff and spaces:

  • Personally identifiable information of volunteers (including the leadership team) has been removed from the website
  • Tighter security and processes regarding joining some of our virtual spaces (webinars, social media, etc)
  • Updated locking systems for our physical location

There may be more in the short/long term, but we will do our best to communicate any future changes in a timely and transparent manner. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at president@pridecenter.org.

 

How will this immediately affect people who live in NJ?


PCNJ has been in contact with the offices of our local representatives, including Congressman Frank Pallone and Senator Cory Booker. We are encouraged by and appreciate the attentive concern our local representatives are taking with these issues. The Pride Center will continue to seek guidance and share clarifications on ongoing legislative changes. Some immediate things to bring to your attention: 

  • State-Issued Identification: As per our most recent communications with local representatives, at this time, New Jersey residents are still able to apply for name and/or gender marker change to their NJ state-issued identification (such as birth certificates and driver's licenses including Real IDs).
  • Federal Issued Identification: Unfortunately, it is not recommended that you attempt new applications for name and/or gender marker change on government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards at this time. Applications for passport renewals with both amended and already-changed gender markers are additionally not recommended at this time. All such applications are currently on hold at this time. Please see Garden State Equality’s January 28th Press Release for more information.


We know. This is a lot to take in. The next few days/months/years are going to be challenging for us all, emotionally, personally, and professionally. Below you will find some resources and reminders that may help (many of which you can find directly on our website as well). We just want to remind you again that you are not alone. Your friends and family at the Pride Center of New Jersey are committed to realizing a future where every member of the Rainbow Community is able to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. It may take a little longer, but we’ll get there. 

 

Reminders for Taking Care of Ourselves and Our Community


  • Take Care of Yourself: Practice self-care. Eat, hydrate, and rest. Seek mental health support as you need through licensed therapists and counselors. Find ways to relieve stress such as journaling, meditation, exercise, connecting with friends and family, or unplugging from technology.
  • Stay Informed but Step Back as You Need: Be intentional as you keep up to date and use reliable sources. While at times a useful tool for forming online communities, social media can quickly become a breeding ground for potentially misleading information that may leave us feeling quickly fatigued. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and limit overexposure.
  • Stay Connected with Your Community: Schedule time with your support system, be that friends, family, therapists, or community groups such as the ones offered by the Pride Center. Lean on each other. Join local in person and online community groups where you feel safe expressing yourself in authentic ways.
  • Advocate Together: Think of what your capacity allows. If you are able to extend time or monetary support to collaborate with and empower local community groups, the Pride Center offers numerous opportunities to get involved. Looking to learn more about ways you can volunteer to serve the local LGBTQIA+ community? Contact volunteer@pridecenter.org


Mental Health, Legal, and General Support Resources:


Hotlines/Warmlines:


LGBTQ+ Community


BIPOC Communities



General Support


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