The mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs is a further reminder of the how scary and isolating the world can be for LGBTQ+teens. To add to the trauma, people around the country are also banning books that affirm the existence of the LGBTQ+community. Recent antisemitic comments by celebrities highlights an overall rise in antisemitism in the United States that have many Jewish people fearing for their safety. We have learned over the past two years the importance of standing up and supporting those in marginalized communities who are experiencing primary or second-hand trauma because of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexuality. Below are some resources in New York that Jewish and LGBTQ+communities can contact during these difficult times. However, any persons experiencing any discrimination or harassment should reach out to New York City’s Commission of Human Rights (https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/help/i-need-help.page).
Support LGBTQ+for Teens and Families
The Center--The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center: The Center provides a place to connect and engage, find camaraderie and support, and celebrate the vibrancy and growth of the LGBTQ community. https://gaycenter.org/calendar/
NYC Children--LGBTQ Resources: The LGBTQ Office has compiled an extensive database of LGBTQ-affirming resources. They range from housing programs to mental health providers to places of worship. https://www.nyc.gov/site/acs/about/lgbtq-resources.page
NYC Unity Project: List programs that offer peer-to-peer support groups, professional services, and legal support—all of which can help LGBTQ youth live more freely, openly, and confidently. https://growingupnyc.cityofnewyork.us/generationnyc/topics/lgbtq/
PFLAG NYC Helpline: PFLAG NYC offers one-on-one support to help parents and families. Phone or Text – Call or text the helpline at 212-463-0629. Leave your name and number and the support team will reach out to you. Email – Send an email to help@pflagnyc.org and our support team will get back to you. https://www.pflagnyc.org/families/helpline/
Q Center: The mission of Q Center is to celebrate and take pride in LGBT identities, care for individuals and groups in need, educate the public about those individuals and groups, address health disparities, build community, and empower all. https://lgbtnetwork.org/our-organizations-1/queens-lgbt-center/
Queens Center for Gay Seniors: Offers a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. LGBTQ youth find care, support and acceptance through our Generation Q program, while LGBTQ older adults gather at our warm and welcoming Queens Center for Gay Seniors. These programs are just two examples of how we work to help marginalized individuals or groups feel accepted and included in the greater community. https://www.qchnyc.org/qcgs
Jewish New Yorkers Belong Here
The Commission’s Community Relations Bureau (CRB) partners with sister City agencies, community organizations, faith leaders, and elected officials to raise awareness about issues facing Jewish New Yorkers. Bias Response Team, call (212) 416-0197. https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/media/jewish-new-yorkers.page
Support for Hate Crime Survivors: https://www.nyc.gov/site/stophate/resources/victim-support.page
How to be a Better Ally:
- GLAAD's 10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend: https://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/2
- ADL's 6 Ways to Be An Ally: https://bit.ly/3OuKaeK
- Safe Horizon's Six Ways to be an Ally to the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community: https://bit.ly/3tXlX7a
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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