Office of LGBTQ+ Services Opens In Bergen County

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — An Office of LGBTQ+ Services has been created under the Bergen County Department of Human Services, county officials said this week.

The Office of LGBTQ+ Services will "create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, while working to ensure visibility and acceptance within the Bergen County community," said a release from County Executive James J. Tedesco III, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen County Department of Human Services.

Here is the county's press release from this week with more details:

The Office will promote awareness, education, and training to effect systemic change that guarantees safe and equitable services, and by creating inclusive and supportive environments for all LGBTQ+ residents.

One of the primary objectives is to build relationships with LGBTQ+ allies in the community while partnering with the County’s Department of Human Service.

“Having an Office of LGBTQ+ Services where our residents can access culturally competent, inclusive resources is incredibly important for our LGBTQ+ residents and allies. It promotes awareness and visibility, and it lets the community know that we have their backs. The County of Bergen will always push for inclusive policies and services for our LGBTQ+ residents,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III.

"As the second in the state to form an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and the first to host an LGBTQ+ Youth Summit, Bergen County continues to ensure that our LGBTQ+ residents have their needs met," said Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. "This office will strengthen the connectivity among our residents and our partner organizations and continue to foster an inclusive environment for all."

The centralized Office of LGBTQ+ Services will allow Bergen County’s LGBTQ+ residents streamlined access to the various local LGBTQ+ resources the County has to offer, including: the LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Center at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the Bergen County Prosecutors Bias Crime Unit, the Bergen County LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, the Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance (BCLA), Buddies of NJ, and The Trevor Project (NYC).

The Office of LGBTQ+ Services can be reached by phone at (201) 336-6008 or by email at lgbtqservices@co.bergen.nj.us. Operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.