TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Executive Dan Benson signed an ordinance last week that creates the Mercer County Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, aimed at supporting the county’s LGBTQIA+ community by providing access to essential services and resources.
The new office will assist community members with navigating government programs related to job training, housing, and economic development. It will also assess the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, provide educational materials on legal rights, and enhance outreach efforts.
“Mercer’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community plays a vital role in our success,” said Benson. “Yet this population too often faces barriers in housing, health care, and access to government assistance. The new Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs will be an essential resource to ensure that Mercer’s LGBTQIA+ residents and business owners can navigate federal, state, county, and non-profit resources to receive the help they need.”
County Commissioner Chair John Cimino emphasized the importance of accessibility, noting that the new office will help bridge gaps in services for those who may struggle to seek help. “Asking for help can be easier for some than others, and by creating this office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, we position ourselves to better serve this community,” Cimino said.
Commissioner Vice-Chair Kristin McLaughlin praised the Board of Commissioners and the administration’s work in 2024, calling it the beginning of “more important, bold policies to come.”
Commissioner Nina Melker, whose daughter is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, expressed personal pride in the initiative. “I ran for public office to assist vulnerable communities,” Melker said. “This new office will put Mercer County in a better position to serve the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Commissioner Sam Frisby highlighted the county’s commitment to inclusion, noting that “diversity alone is not enough.” He called the ordinance a “historic” move toward addressing long-standing exclusion and marginalization of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The new office marks a significant step toward increasing support and services for Mercer County’s LGBTQIA+ residents.
