On Sunday, January 26, Atlantic County Queer Alliance (ACQA) hosted their second annual Queer Conference on Stockton University’s campus. The day began with a community resource fair from many LGBTQ+ friendly companies and advocates from across South Jersey, and Stockton’s own Pride Alliance and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) tabled at the event to showcase the resources on campus for current students and future enrollees. 

Opening remarks were given from Mico Lucide, the Executive Director of ACQA, who gave a powerful speech about the importance of the queer community coming together to support each other during present day America’s changes. “If you are not being hit with the same stones, you are not standing close enough!” Lucide said. 

Updates about the queer community were given by board members from ACQA, Dwana Young of Garden State Equality (GSE), and Dan Rogan of Trans Equity Coalition (TEC). Then, a panel on Diverse Trans Experiences & Perspectives followed with many transgender activists from the local community. Speakers included transgender advocates, TEC’s executive director, director of social services, and co-facilitator and the C.O.O. and Senior Director of Operations for the Trans Women of Color Collective.

Later in the day, there were many breakout rooms on topics ranging from improving life for South Jersey’s queer community to creating resilience and defense. The night closed out with keynote speaker Jo Miller, the first openly transgender person elected to a partisan office in New Jersey. 

In an email, Lucide wrote, “This event is for leaders, allies, community members, strangers and friends alike. It’s for our future, and it honors our past. It centers the importance of coming together as a community in respect and defense of our rights, safety, progress, and continued ability to thrive as LGBTQIA+ people.”

Sponsors of the event included Atlantic County Council of Education Associations and AtlanticCare.