Groups

The Pride Center of New Jersey offers a number of social and support groups.

There is a suggested $3 per-person donation for most meetings.  Our groups are open to adults 18 and over, unless otherwise noted.  Please confirm group meeting dates and times on our calendar.

Arts Adventures: Provides opportunities for PCNJ members and friends to participate with others in attending a variety of cultural events (i.e. theater, museums, galleries, concerts, opera and dance). The date, time and place of upcoming events are sent by e-mail. Contact artsadventures36@aol.com to learn more.

Bisexual, Bi-curious and Allies Support Group: The purpose of this group is to provide a safe place to discuss different aspects of the bi experience: bisexuals in the work place, family, community. Coming out stories can be shared, etc. By 'allies' we mean friends of bi folks who show support for the group. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM. On the 2nd Tuesday in Room 3, on the 4th Tuesday, Room 2. For info, contact Donald Taylor at dtmadness778@yahoo.com

Booked For Supper: A monthly supper time book club at the Pride Center to read and discuss thought-provoking fiction. You may want to pick up a bite to bring with you; listed below are options immediately adjacent to the Pride Center for delicious take out. Contact Walter at whotkowski@aol.com to express interest and let us know you’ll be joining us. Pride Center of New Jersey, 85 Raritan Avenue, Suite 100, Highland Park, New Jersey. Chinese take-out next door, Deli across the street, Aposto’s Pizza across the street, Dunkin’ Donuts and Papa John’s down the block. $3.00 donation to PCNJ requested for this event

ComeOUT&Play: Social networking group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgenered 20- to 30-somethings in New Jersey. While based at the Pride Center of New Jersey in Highland Park, events are scheduled throughout the entire Garden State. Regular meetings occur at the Pride Center on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (except for holidays).

Educational Forum: The Educational Forum provides an opportunity for the LGBTIQ community to take part in enrichment sessions that vary in depth and interest. Past offerings have included: Practical Spanish, Writers’ Workshop, Men’s Massage Clinic, A Guide to Financial & Estate Planning, and many more. Sessions are run periodically. Signup for the Pride Center e-news to learn about new sessions. Click on the group name to see upcoming sessions.

FetChat: Group meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays (7:30PM to 9PM) of every month starting on April 22. Social Discussion on Sexual Fetishes, Fantasies, Experiences and Desires. Exploring Fetishes both real and imaginary and topics may even be educational! Exploring Social Networking with Fetish themes and finding answers to questions people may have had about a sexual fetish. Ages 18 and over. Contact Carlton at shy.matsi@gmail.com

Games Night: Come play board games and socialize! Bring a potluck dessert and show off your talents. Meets on the fourth Saturday of each month from 7:00PM - 10:00 PM.

Gay Dads’ Support Group: A monthly group focusing on parent/child issues for gay dads. Drop-ins are welcome. Meets first Wednesday of each month, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Email Joe (Explorejoel@yahoo.com) for more information.

Gay Men’s Guild: The mission of the Gay Men's Guild (GMG) is to foster the continuance of the Pride Center of New Jersey by making a positive difference in the lives of gay men, by providing a nurturing environment of understanding and respect for gay men of New Jersey. The Guild is dedicated and committed to developing and maintaining a gay men’s community.

Gay Men’s Living Out Group: The Men's Living Out discussion group provides a safe and supportive environment where gay men meet for brotherhood and support. Meets every Wednesday from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM.

Gay Men’s Coming Out Group: A moderated discussion group for issues related to coming out as gay men. Men vote on the topic of the day. Meets every Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Send e-mail to njwarrior@aol.com for more info.

Jersey Kollege of Kink: Jersey Kollege of Kink is an ongoing educational project of the NJ Leather Family as a service to the Leather/GLBT community, presided over by Headmistress Goddess Morgaine. Whether to satisfy your curiosity, learn some new skills or just for the experience come and check it out. All sessions open to all genders, age 18 and over. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:30-9 PM. For further info, contact either dragonslairprod@aol.com or msnjleather2010@yahoo.com

Karaoke Party: All are welcome to come and sing your favorite songs on the new, digital karaoke system. We have a vast collection of tunes, and you can bring and sing your own. $5.00 donation requested. Meets first Friday of every month, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

LGBT Activist Forum: The purpose of this forum will be to discuss, educate and inform ourselves respecting issues that affect the happiness, safety and civil rights of LGBT people in our immediate world and the world at large. The group will plan periodic educational events for the Center community through guest speakers, panel presentations and films. Contact with ideas and for info: David Rogoff, pcnjrogoff@aol.com

Living Out Women: Living Out Women is a social group that offers women the opportunity to engage in discussions on a variety of subjects, meet-ups, trips, and lend each other help, support, and guidance. The idea is to create a place where we can meet new friends in a relaxed environment. We are open to gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersexed, queer, and the questioning community. Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of Every Month Time 7:30 - 9:00 PM Location Room 4, Contact standup4equality@gmail.com to learn more.

Living Soulfully: Living Soulfully is a community of men who love men to nurture individual and collective, conscious spiritual growth. You are invited to share an evening of connection! We nourish the mind, body and heart with opportunities to meet people, heart-felt sharing and fun in a safe, supportive environment. Originally founded in Boston as a satellite community of Easton Mountain, a gay men's retreat center in upstate New York, Living Soulfully is a non-profit grassroots organization of men loving men in community. We currently have centers in Boston, MA, Hartford, CT, New York City, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Tampa, FL, Wilmington, DE, Fort Lauderdale, FL and are now forming a group here in Central Jersey. For info, contact: Elias Scultori, ACC, MSM elias@eliasscultori.com 732.419.2566

Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator (MCC CTL): Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator (MCC CTL) worships at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Services are held every Sunday at 10:45 AM; there is a fellowship meal after service on the second Sunday of the month, as well as other periodic social and educational events. MCC is a Christian denomination which was founded in 1968 by queer activist Troy Perry to minister to the gay and lesbian communities. The church started in Los Angeles and is now in nearly every state as well as eighteen other countries worldwide. Its ministry has expanded over the years to include the entire queer spectrum—GLBTQI and our Allies. The local branch of MCC, called Christ the Liberator, was founded in 1978 and has been located over the years in various townships of Middlesex County. The current pastor is the Reverend Dr. Thomas Bohache, whose publications include The Queer Bible Commentary (editor and contributor) and Christology from the Margins (author), both published by SCM Press of London. Everyone is welcome at MCC CTL, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, physical ability, age, or religious background. MCC CTL preaches a gospel of inclusion for all, celebrating rather than tolerating our queerness. Come and learn and grow! For further information, please call 732.823.2193 or consult the website at www.mccctl.com.

Movie Social: LGBT themed movie shown on our FABULOUS DVD Projector. Facilitated discussion usually follows film. Meets on the second Saturday of each month at 7:00 PM. Contact hagol@msn.com to learn more.

New Jersey Furs: A social group that meets in a safe space to discuss ideas. A public community, anyone is welcome to inquire or join. Most members are gay or bisexual. Meets second and fourth Saturdays at 2pm.

Overeater’s Anonymous: Mondays, 7:30pm. A program of recovery for compulsive overeaters using the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. Open Big Book meeting. For more information, please contact Mark D. at 973-879-3038 or markdoa@gmail.com –or– Sarita at 732-233-5465.

RockBand/GuitarHero: Come to The Pride Center and play RockBand and GuitarHero with us! Either show off your skills or sit back and enjoy the entertainment! We will provide the equipment, you just need to come ready to ROCK!! We will take a $3 donation to help support PCNJ. 2nd Friday of each month, 7:30 to 10 PM. Questions? Message Amanda at standup4equality@gmail.com .

The After School HangOUT: Support and Social Group for LGBTIQ youth 17 and younger and their straight allies! Come hang out with us at a save place to talk, meet new people, and have fun! It's an extension of our current Youth Drop-In that happens the Second and Forth Saturdays of the month! When: On hiatus for the summer months, will return in the fall.

Triangle Circle Players: Triangle Circle Players is a new community theater production company being formed by Darren Nye, which will focus on LGBTIQ topics. Darren is looking for other leaders to join the Board of Trustees, as well as actors and a production crew. To get the company off the ground, Darren's goal is to produce and direct "Avow" by Bill C Davis. Those interested in volunteering to be part of the Board, the Avow creative and/or production team, or actors interested in auditioning, should visit www.TriangleCirclePlayers.org for more information or write to casting@trianglecircleplayers.org. Not currently meeting at the Pride Center.

TrueSelves: 3rd Sunday, 4 -6 PM. A facilitated support group exclusively for and about transgender-identified individuals, regardless of where on the transgender spectrum you believe you live. TrueSelves is a safe place where you can share your feelings and experiences in an open, non-judgmental and accepting atmosphere. For more information please contact StephanieBattaglino, stephaniefyh@gmail.com . TrueSelves does not meet during the months of July and August.

Tuesday Night Men’s Social: Social, educational, rap, potlucks, for everyone. Meets second & fourth Tuesdays @ 8:00 p.m. Email njrj@aol.com for info.

Under the Rainbow: Under the Rainbow gives individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 the chance to receive not only support for young members of the LGTBIQQ community, but allows for a fun and relaxed environment and a chance to socialize with your peers. Discussions will be based on the group's needs and group activities, games, and trips will be planned, so that we can all get to know each other better! The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month, from 7-9pm at the Pride Center of NJ. If you have any questions, please email Group Leader Megan at shookemegan@yahoo.com.

Women Coming Out Support Group: This group provides a supportive environment for women who are at any stage of the coming out process. Women of all ages who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning are welcome. Ages 18 and over. Meets on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month, 7:30PM to 9:00PM.

Writers’ Group: Creative writing and discussion group. Meets every Thursday, from 7:30PM - 9:00PM. Contact daphnekanellopoulos@gmail.com .

Yoga for Men: No yoga experience or level of flexibility required. All levels welcome. Bring a yoga mat and a hand towel. Led by Steven A. Russell (DYRT), he seeks to enable others to find a body of vibrant health, a mind free from restlessness, and a soul that radiantly sings from the core of existence. He combines his experience as a yogi and a musician, working with breath, vibration, concentration, and movement, to present uplifting and relaxing yoga classes. Steven has been practicing yoga for over ten years. He is a certified teacher of Dharma Yoga, having studied with Sri Dharma Mittra in NYC. All are welcome to attend his classes, from the beginner to the experienced. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7:30PM-9:00PM. Email steven@stevenarussell.com for more information.

Young Men’s Social Network: A social/ support group for men 18-40. Meets every 1st and 3rd Monday at 8:00 pm. We talk about sex, love, sexuality, family life, pop culture, relationships and other related topics. Afterwards we socialize at a restaurant/diner in the area. For more information e-mail shy.matsi@gmail.com . Meets 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 8:00-9:30pm. Begins Sept. 5, 2011.

Youth Drop In: The Youth Drop-In is a program for LGBTIQQ youth and their straight allies ages 17 and under who can drop in at the Pride Center of NJ for support, fun or to talk about what's going on in their lives. We meet every 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. We offer the support group session for about an hour at 2:00pm for those that want or need it. Activities include discussions, watching movies, guest speakers, and fun games to meet and make new friends! For more information, please contact our adult administrator Ellen via email at ellengilioesq@aol.com or by phone at 973-342-1108 or contact our adult adviser Stacy via email at peacegeek1965@gmail.com.

“Out of the Box” Open Mic Night: Out of the Box Open Mic Night is an open-mic for ALL TYPES OF PERFORMERS poets, singers, comedians, tragedians, musicians, jugglers, etc, etc, etc. hosted by Pandora Scooter and Stephen Jones. It's held on the THIRD FRIDAY of EVERY MONTH from 8:00 to about 10:30 PM at Stage Stars, 13 South Third Avenue in Highland Park, NJ. Light nosh and low octane beverages served. Admission: $5 donation/ $3 for students. Info: outoftheboxinfo@mac.com or 732-718-0134.