Second Annual LGBTQIA+ Resource Fair Coming to the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – The 2nd Annual LGBTQIA+ Resource Fair is coming to the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 18.

The purpose of the Fair is to connect members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies with agencies that are available to assist them. Representatives from LGBTQIA+ supportive organizations will be available to describe their services and answer your questions. Organizations will include Garden State Equality, Mental Health Association of NJ, NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, NJ Division of Civil Rights, Out in Jersey, St. Francis Community Center, Toms River & Seaside Pride, and many more.

Special guest author Robyn Gigl will speak in Mancini Hall at 2:00. Gigl is the author of the legal thrillers By Way of Sorrow, Survivor’s Guilt, Remain Silent, and Nothing but the Truth. Gigl is also a lawyer who was named one of the “Top Women in Law” by New Jersey Law Journal in 2020. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and have books signed by Gigl. Gigl’s books will also be available for purchase.

Other breakout sessions will take place throughout the day. “Self-Defense Instruction” will be taught by athletic trainer and marital arts expert Nikki Valentines of Transfitlife. Participants must sign waivers for this session. “Invisible and Essential: Learning LGBTQIA+ Histories” will highlight overlooked moments and figures throughout history, and will discuss how understanding these narratives can foster a more complete and accurate view of the human experience. This session will be presented by Kate Okeson, Director of the NJ Department of Education’s LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity Commission. Participants must register for these sessions on the day of the event.

This program is generously sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization now in its 24th year of enhancing services and opportunities to all Library users. Members raise funds and seek grants to support non-traditional Library programs and services.

Registration is not required for this free program. For more information, call 732-349-6200 or visit the branch at 101 Washington Street.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.