State of the Arts has been taking you on location with the most creative people in New Jersey and beyond since 1981. The New York and Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award-winning series features documentary shorts about an extraordinary range of artists and visits New Jersey’s best performance spaces. State of the Arts is on the frontlines of the creative and cultural worlds of New Jersey.
State of the Arts is a cornerstone program of NJ PBS, with episodes co-produced by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Stockton University, in cooperation with PCK Media. The series also airs on WNET and ALL ARTS.
On this week's episode... Artist, historian and bestselling author Nell Irvin Painter on her book I Just Keep Talking, a collection of her essays interspersed with her art. Also on this week’s episode, in 1974, high school friends Phil Buehler and Steve Siegel rowed out to explore the ruins of Ellis Island and make a film. With the film’s re-release in the NY Times OpDocs series, Phil and Steve revisit the island after 50 years. And at Two River Theater in Red Bank, the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter, Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation of Hawthorne’s classic tale.
The Council will convene a virtual public meeting on May 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more.
Photo Courtesy: State of New Jersey
The Cultural Access Network will be hosting their 2026 Cultural Access Summit on May 28, 2026 at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton Township. Join colleagues from across the state for this free day of professional development and celebration.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is proud to announce the creation of a best practice guide for serving systems- and justice-impacted youth through high-quality arts learning programs: The Transformative Power of Art: A Guide to Arts Learning for Systems-Impacted Youth in New Jersey.
Read the full Press Release.
The Council’s virtual Arts & Health Roundtables bring together New Jersey artists and organizations actively involved in the arts and health field, as well as those interested in getting involved. Our next roundtable will be held on May 7th at 2:00 PM.
Photo courtesy of Monmouth Museum
Hosting a pool party can be a great way to bring people together for fun and relaxation. By focusing on safety, comfort, entertainment, and respect, you can create an event that your guests will talk about for a long time. Remember to tailor the party to your guests' preferences and needs, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your planning.
: Sex in water can be tricky. Use the pool steps, ledges, or heavy poolside furniture for stability and leverage.
Due to social stigma, family rejection, and systemic minority stress, trans youth and adults experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, highlighting the critical need for supportive community spaces. Solidarity and the Path Forward
The future of LGBTQ culture will not be one where the "T" is a silent footnote. It will be a future where gender exploration is celebrated alongside sexual orientation. It will be a future where the fierce spirit of Sylvia Rivera finally, fully, wins. And until that day, the transgender community will remain not just a part of LGBTQ culture, but its most radical, courageous, and essential beating heart. shemale sex pool party top
If you are looking for physical paper featuring these themes for scrapbooking, wrapping, or decor: You can find Pride Flag Craft Paper
Transgender culture is deeply characterized by the concept of "chosen family." Because many trans individuals face rejection from their biological families, the community has built robust networks of support. This is perhaps most visible in the "Ballroom" scene—a subculture originating in New York City where Black and Latino trans people created "Houses." These houses provided housing, mentorship, and a stage for creative expression through dance, fashion, and "vogueing." Today, Ballroom culture has permeated mainstream media, influencing everything from high fashion to pop music and reality television.
The growth of inclusive fashion has led to more options for gender-diverse individuals. Hosting a pool party can be a great
The transgender community and LGBTQ culture are diverse and vibrant, encompassing a wide range of experiences, identities, and expressions. It's essential to approach these topics with respect, empathy, and an open mind.
As gay bars and lesbian spaces decline, a debate has emerged over "safe spaces." Some lesbians have expressed discomfort over trans women (assigned male at birth) in women-only spaces. Conversely, many trans people feel unwelcome in spaces that remain rigidly binary. This forces a difficult conversation about how to balance the trauma of one group with the safety of another.
: Highlights the historical exclusion and the pivotal role trans people played in early movements like the Stonewall Riots. 3. Health and Psychological Well-being LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Support: An Analysis of Challenges (2022) : Sex in water can be tricky
By educating ourselves and others, and by working together to build a more inclusive and just society, we can create a brighter future for the transgender community and LGBTQ culture.
The trans community faces disproportionate levels of discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers:
: Participating in LGBTQ-specific social activities is strongly linked to better mental health and community connectedness for youth of color. 2. Historical Perspectives Transgender History, Part I: An Anthropology of Gender (2025)
I can expand on specific aspects of this topic if you want to explore further. Let me know if you would like to focus on: The history of and its modern influence Current legislative trends affecting transgender rights Best practices for cisgender allyship within organizations Share public link
In an era of unprecedented trans visibility (think Elliot Page, Laverne Cox, Hunter Schafer), the rest of the LGBTQ experience can feel comparatively "safe." A gay man can be out at work; a trans woman might not be able to show her ID. This disparity in vulnerability can breed resentment or, more commonly, misunderstanding. The "T" is often seen as the "hard part" of the acronym, a political liability in the fight for "tolerance."
