Exploring your sexual orientation and/or gender identity can bring up a lot of feelings and questions. The Coming Out Handbook helps individuals explore their identity, think about what it might be like to share their identity with others, and provide them with tools and guiding questions to help them think about what coming out means to them.

Healthcare

The brochure Do Ask, Do Tell: Talking to your healthcare provider about being LGBTQ is a great start for LGBTQ youth to feel empowered to talk to their healthcare provider. It also contains a list of helpful hotlines.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) provides a Find a Provider Directory to find a gay-friendly healthcare provider in your area. The nonprofit Garden State Equality also has a similar directory.

Advocates for Youth has a section on LGBTQ issues, including a section for Health Professionals.

Support

 The Pride Center of New Jersey provides a safe and welcoming space for all individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ to find support, educational tools, health and education resources, and social opportunities within a community of acceptance. Comprehensive programming in support of this mission includes lesbian, gay, trans and family resources, social groups and free HIV testing. 

Kaleidoscope is a community-based LGBTQIA+ program that offers monthly meetings and ongoing virtual platforms in a welcoming atmosphere where teens and young adults can find support, guidance, and a sense of community. Kaleidoscope provides a safe, supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ and allied teens and young adults to gather, socialize, organize, and help each other. 

The African American Office of Gay Concerns serves as a resource for the well-being of Gay men of color, inclusive of, but not limited to the gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning communities, through outreach, education and compassionate care.

The Trevor Project provides information & support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round.

NJ PRISM is a 24/7 statewide hotline providing information and referrals to the LGBTQIA+ community. Call 844.NJPRISM (657-7476) 

Shelter

The RAIN Foundation is a non-profit in East Orange that provides emergency shelter for LGBT individuals, ages 18 to 26, who are experiencing crisis leading to homelessness. 

The State of NJ's Transgender.nj.gov website provides legal information and other resources for transgender residents. 

Trans Lifeline  is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive. You can reach them by phone at (877) 565-8860.