As we in the Westfield communiuty endeavors to become more accepting of broader and more diverse identities, you may have questions about what you can do to support the LGBTQ+ community, or what LGBTQ+ even stands for. We are all on our own journey in understanding what it means to support LGBTQ+ people, whether you’re LGBTQ+ or not. 

How To Be an Ally 101 is designed to help build understanding and comfort. Everyone can benefit from this program, whether you are new to LGBTQ+ issues and have questions, or you have known LGBTQ+ people for years and are looking to find new ways to show your support. It’s ok to not know everything — Garden State Equality is here to guide us.

This program will be presented by Damien Lopez (he/they), Project Manager and Trainer at Garden State Equality. 

Damien Alan Lopez was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. A published Queer author, he is a proud transgender man with hopes to shift the conversation of trans identities represented in children’s books and other mediums. His story has been recognized by First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey, the 2021 dotCOMM Platinum Awards, El Vocero de Puerto Rico, and ThemsHealth 2021 Children’s Book Recommendation List.

He attended the Culinary Arts Institute at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, and completed his Bachelor of Science for Nutrition and Food Sciences at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. While he was introduced into advocacy and involvement with the LGBTQ community in college, Damien has worked in community involvement and engagement by organizing events to raise money and donate binders to those fighting against anti-transgender laws in the United States.

He is a Transgender advocate and keynotes health and education seminars that assist with Trans inclusion and the experience of being Trans. He recently was recognized on Insider’s NJ Insider OUT 100: LGBTQ Power List. He is passionate about transgender issues, education, and culinary arts!

We will also be joined by guest speaker Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams (she/her). Commissioner Williams serves as liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. She has also been in the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy, working with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to address housing, senior services, education, health, public safety, community engagement, and other areas of concern. Commissioner Williams is a frequent speaker on women’s and LGBTQ+ empowerment.

Commissioner Williams is a full-time faculty member of the Humanities Division at Essex County College in Newark, where she teaches American Literature, African American Literature, Effective Speech, English Composition, and Women’s Literature.