Cranford resident Bernie Wagenblast, one of the Grand Marshals of NYC Pride, rides in a convertible along the parade route in Manhattan on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
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New Jersey Monitor visual journalist Anne-Marie Caruso has spent the past 12 months speaking with transgender New Jerseyans at a pivotal moment in their lives.
Their 2026 started with federal attacks, and they felt ignored by Trenton, which had stalled on legislation to protect their access to healthcare.
Anne talked to lawyers, students, performers, and more; followed them as they lobbied lawmakers, graduated from college, hung out with their grandparents, and were feted at NYC Pride; and talked with them as they pondered why their small community feels like such a big target.
Her video series starts Monday and will run weekly through the fall. Here’s a sneak peek:
Imani Hayes and her husband, Elijah Cuffy, in their Newark home, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Hayes and Cuffy are both transgender and have been together over 16 years. They met through the Ballroom scene. (Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Claire Solej, 26, graduates with her Masters degree from Ramapo College on May 13, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Pastor Erin Kinahan has been ordainded minister for 24 years and is the newest pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church where she is shown on March 10, 2026. (Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Bernie Wagenblast of Cranford, NJ, one of the Grand Marshals of NYC Pride, waves from a convertible on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Jennifer Love Williams performs at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, during an LGBTQ holiday event in New Brunswick , Friday Dec. 8, 2025. (Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Imani Hayes highs fives a friend on the NJCRI float during the Newark Pride Parade on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Melissa Firstenberg attends a gender-affirming speech therapy session with Judith Kozza in Lumberton on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Comedian Julia Scotti performs at Sloppy Joe’s Comedy Club in Freehold on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2206. (Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Nathan Rodriguez, the Executive Director of Trans Equity Coalition, speaks during a rally to protect trans healthcare and push for bill A4656 and S3491 in front of the State House in Trenton, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
Shailen, 16, in their New Jersey home on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
