TRENTON, NJ — On July 21, two bills designed to protect the rights of transgender persons became law. Legislation sponsored by state senators M. Teresa Ruiz and Joseph Vitale requiring the commissioner of education to develop guidelines for school districts to protect transgender students was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie. “We must ensure […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Green Hill recently signed the Garden State Equality Pledge and Protect Sign-On to affirm its support to protect LGBT older adults from discrimination in housing and health care. Green Hill agrees that seniors have a right to use the facilities that match their gender identity and expression, according to a press […]
NEWARK, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and the Essex County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Advisory Board hosted the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration on Tuesday, June 20. During the ceremony, DiVincenzo presented Pride of Essex County Awards to Czezre Tyrell Adams, an officer with the Newark Police Department; Reginald […]
MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ —The 14th annual Artists Studio Tour expanded to a full weekend this year, spanning June 3 and 4. This community-supported event provides visitors a unique look at the vibrant and dynamic art scene in the two towns. With more than 70 emerging, mid-career and established artists — 20 percent of […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Albert Appouh very easily could have given up on his dreams of a higher education. The Maplewood resident has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and temporarily had to halt his college education twice in order to seek help for his illness. But Appouh never quit completely. Instead, upon starting […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Several residents spoke out against West Orange Board of Education Vice President Irv Schwarzbaum during the board’s May 8 meeting after he voted against a policy that, in part, allows transgender students to use whichever bathroom or locker room corresponds to their gender identity. The policy in question, which was passed […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Green Hill has earned SAGECare Platinum certification from SAGE USA for completing a comprehensive provider training program for LGBT older adults and their caregivers, and cultural competency training on subjects related to LGBT people. Green Hill is the only residential senior care provider in the New York City metro area certified […]
SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — At the Feb. 27 South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting, board members voted to affirm the South Orange-Maplewood School District’s commitment to educating all children. The board passed Resolution No. 3536, which states the district’s goal to education all children, regardless of ethnicity or immigration status. “The School District […]
Proponents, opponents sound off on recent BSA ruling
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The 9-year-old transgender boy who was asked to leave his Secaucus Cub Scout pack last year due to his gender identity is now a member of Maplewood’s Pack 20, following the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to enact a policy allowing transgender boys to join. Joe Maldonado became the first openly transgender […]
Town’s Scouts open arms to boy booted from his pack
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A Maplewood Cub Scout pack has offered to take in an 8-year-old transgender boy who made international headlines after being asked to leave his Secaucus pack due to his gender identity. Cub Scout Pack 20 leader Kyle Hackler said he sent an invitation to Joe Maldonado and his family through the journalist […]