Sherrill, Booker Host LGBTQ+ Town Hall at EDGE New Jersey/CAN Wellness Center

Statement

Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Senator Cory Booker (NJ) hosted a town hall with members of the LGBTQ+ community at EDGE New Jersey's new wellness center in Denville. The town hall participants consisted of EDGE NJ staff and members, as well as local LGBTQ+ community leaders and organizations including Garden State Equality, Morris County Pride, Morris County Prevention is Key, Hope One, African American Office of Gay Concerns, Out Montclair, Trans Affirming Alliance, Livingston Pride, Denville LGBTQ+ Alliance, SAGECare, GAAMC, and Essex County LGBTQ+ Affairs.

Rep. Sherrill and Senator Booker also sent a letter today to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting more vaccines for monkeypox as New Jersey is experiencing an outbreak.

"As a mom and as a member of the Equality Caucus, I believe it is especially important that children and young adults feel supported no matter who they love or how they identify. We are fortunate to have the organizations represented here today doing the important work on the ground to support LGBTQ+ residents throughout New Jersey. With recent rollbacks of freedoms, I wanted to hear from LGBTQ+ NJ-11 residents about the challenges they are facing and answer their questions about the supportive work Senator Booker and I are doing in Washington," said Rep. Sherrill. "I am so grateful to EDGE NJ for providing critical health, community, and social support to the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ community at this incredible wellness center and to Senator Booker for his leadership on these important issues."

"I was honored to participate in this town hall with members of the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey," said Sen. Booker. "Today's discussion touched on topics that are directly impacting LGBTQ+ people, from the effects of the disastrous Dobbs decision, to the public health emergency created by the monkeypox virus, to the ongoing prejudice and hate that LGBTQ+ Americans experience simply because of who they are and who they love. For our nation to live up to the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality that it professes, we must ensure that the rights, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ+ people are protected. I look forward to working together with our state's vibrant LGBTQ+ community on passing the Equality Act and on other critical legislative efforts."

"It was an honor for EDGE New Jersey to host such an important discussion with Representative Sherrill, Senator Booker, and members of the LGBTQ+ community," said Laurie Litt, CEO of EDGE NJ. "The recent rollback of freedoms in our country only gives strength to the voice of hate. Until the queer community no longer faces the stigma, discrimination, and inequality they do today, it is vital we continue these conversations. With 40% of LGBTQ+ youth considering self-harm, we must act to protect them and the rights of all queer people. EDGE NJ applauds the efforts of Representative Sherill and Senator Booker towards passing the Equality Act and looks forward to continuing to provide a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community at our center in Denville."

Throughout their respective times in elected office, Rep. Sherrill and Senator Booker have been fierce advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and both are co-sponsors of the Equality Act. Following the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade, right-wing extremists have set their sights on other rulings upholding basic rights and freedoms, including same-sex relationships (Lawrence v. Texas) and marriage equality (Obergefell v. Hodges). Rep. Sherrill voted to codify these rights last month.

The mission of EDGE New Jersey is to respond compassionately and responsibly to those living with HIV, those at risk, and the LGBTQ+ communities by providing supportive services, housing opportunities, prevention strategies, and education to enhance the community we serve.

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