So. We may be moving out to New Jersey, but before I really commit to it I'm trying to do some research on what the state of things are as far as Transgender rights and resources are out there. Do we have anybody who lives in the state that can point me in the right direction?

Nooooooooooooooooo! DO'NT DO IT, if you can help it.

I sincerely mean it as a life long (almost) resident and native of the armpit of the nation. No employment, high taxes, high cost of living, and the most ever bizaro mindset of people anywhere. On paper there are some token TG rights but don't expect much to change anytime soon. (re: bizaro mindset )

Support varies on location. I live across the river from NYC. Plenty of resources are there. There is also a therapy group based in centralish NJ near Rutgers Univ. with satellite offices in two other cities north and south from there. Plus a few other TG docs and therapist. There are also some scattered support groups whose membership focus varies.

If it wasn't for the offer to work again for a previous boss of mine in a totally cool and fun job, I would still be in rural WV where life was.... simplier. (re: bizaro above). As on old dinosaur my best info is in terms of do or don't.  For the rest try http://www.pridecenter.org/

NJ wouldn't have been my first choice, but my employer needs somebody over there, and it would be nice to be over on the east cost to be closer to some family who are having some health issues. So, I'd already have a  job when if I end up over there. Right now it's still a big 'if' since they're balking at providing for relocation expenses and they want me to move there by the beginning of September :/

If you exclude the non transgender issues with NJ (taxes, population and insert your favorite NJ joke here), NJ is very good with transgender issues. Most of my resource I utilize are in Manhattan (Callen-Lorde) but my therapist is in NJ and I could easily get other things needed here. Also surprisingly it's a little cheaper to use sources in Manhattan than in NJ, but it's cheaper to live in NJ.

As far as rights go, in NJ we are fully protected against discrimination for employment and housing (public or private). There are also hate laws in effect that help us as well and this is all state wide. Gay marriage is legal (if that applies) and people here are very accepting compared to TN where I lived prior to NJ. (I've been in NJ for 15 years now.) The closer to Manhattan the better, but even in the less populated Southern NJ there are resources just across the water in Philly and in other areas in NJ.

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it's going to happen, though. While my employer does want me out there, they don't actually want to pay for moving expenses. And moving from Oregon to NJ is... well.... kinda spendy.

even though my therapist is also located in NJ and surprisingly he is within walking distance of this small borough of mines, its impossible to live here without losing your mind. if you have to work in NJ, i suggest try and live outside of NJ if possible.

Quote from: Shodan on August 11, 2014, 02:32:34 PM
So. We may be moving out to New Jersey, but before I really commit to it I'm trying to do some research on what the state of things are as far as Transgender rights and resources are out there. Do we have anybody who lives in the state that can point me in the right direction?

Hey! I'M in New Jersey. So that makes it at least 20% cooler than everywhere else. (No ironic smiley face)

NJ has laws against bias crimes but a lot of what goes on in NJ is not the law itself, but rather, how it is applied. The case of Tyler Clementi was a prime example. His roommate basically got off with a slap on the wrist, while Clementi jumped off the GWB. Other laws are applied seemingly on a whim. Some people do heinous crimes and get away scot free whereas others make innocent mistakes and get the book thrown at them.

The prosecutors and judges are corrupt. The entire state is corrupt. Avoid it if you can. Seriously. I live in Jersey but I am getting out as soon as I can. At the very least, rent so you are not stuck trying to sell a house in NJ. You'll be sorry you ever put down roots here. You'll be taxed and regulated to death and be forced to basically fork over protection money to live your daily life. They don't call it the Soprano state for nothing.

Whelp.

We moved to New Jersey. Been here for not even a week, and so far I don't regret a thing.

Good luck. I think if you don't own a home here it's a bit better, they really put the screws on home owners here.

Quote from: ImagineKate on September 24, 2014, 06:53:48 AM
Good luck. I think if you don't own a home here it's a bit better, they really put the screws on home owners here.

+10
Like $9000/yr taxes for a 100 y/o house on a 50x100 lot

Good thing I don't plan on owning a home any time soon.

Whereabouts in NJ did you end up?

I'm in the Mt. Olive area. The High School there kicks the butt of the High School my son was going to in Oregon.

Having said that, I'm still looking for a therapist, PCP, and Endo that is A) Under an hours drive away and B) affordable (or covered by insurance). So far no luck.

You are certainly way out there. I used to live in Stanhope before the free trade zone went in. Dover area maybe. In Boonton there is (or was) a gay club. Still that's nearly an hour depending how far into the woods you live for a chance to find another trans person with area leads.

There is an LGBT geared PCP down in Millburn... 2Hrs?  Same as NYC for you. Which is going to be most of the leads I can guess at. There is a therapist in Newton that is TG friendly. Another in Gillete or Sterling, trans and $$$$, both are a hike.

You may also be in for a bit of rate shock too

Quote from: Shodan on September 30, 2014, 02:08:30 PM
Having said that, I'm still looking for a therapist, PCP, and Endo that is A) Under an hours drive away and B) affordable (or covered by insurance). So far no luck.

Try the Institute of Personal Growth www.ipgcounseling.com in Highland Park, NJ (one hour from you). My previous therapist (I've halted sessions for personal reasons) has a swing office there. Her name is Stephanie Sasso. I believe she takes insurance but I always paid on a sliding scale. You can look her up online. There's other therapists too though.

I actually found them before and gave them a call. They don't take my insurance and sessions at $175 a pop are way out of my budget range.

Quote from: Shodan on October 02, 2014, 08:50:07 AM
I actually found them before and gave them a call. They don't take my insurance and sessions at $175 a pop are way out of my budget range.

Dr. Sasso isn't affiliated she only leases the location. Not sure what insurance she takes. Worth a shot?

For me, $175 was the initial consult, after that it dropped to $150. Big Whop, I know. But they are open to negotiation.