Christian Fuscarino will be the new executive director of Garden State Equality, the statewide organization that advocates for LGBT equality. The organization announced his hiring April 18 at the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton.
A New Jersey native, Fuscarino previously worked in New York City and founded the Pride Network, a leadership-development nonprofit. He replaces Andrea Bowen, a transgender woman who stepped down from Garden State Equality in September to pursue economic-justice policy work at United Neighborhood Houses in New York City.
“People around this country are really wondering what an LGBT organization looks like post-marriage equality,” Fuscarino told PGN. “I really wanted to help define that. Equality is the basement and justice is the ceiling. All of us don’t have justice. Just because a law exists doesn’t mean everybody is treated equally or that it’s enforced.”
Fuscarino said the top issues in New Jersey include sensitivity trainings at public schools to curb anti-LGBT bullying and create an inclusive environment for transgender students. He said it’s also important to focus on LGBT older adults receiving proper care and working with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance to make sure trans individuals do not get dropped from insurance.
“Christian brings with him a unique combination of things,” said Luanne Peterpaul, a board member from Garden State Equality who was involved in hiring Fuscarino. “He’s a New Jersey native. He knows our state inside and out, and he’s well versed in the needs of the LGBT community as they intersect with other social-justice issues.”
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, the New Jersey senator who introduced the Equality Act in July, applauded Fuscarino this week in Trenton for his “tireless commitment to the LGBT community,” and said he looks forward to working with him.
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. and New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney also commended Fuscarino. Fuscarino moved to Monmouth County, N.J., this week from Brooklyn. He’s planning a statewide tour this summer to talk with LGBT people about their concerns.
“Whether their backyard is the Hudson River, the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware River or anywhere in between, I want to hear from them,” Fuscarino said, adding people could find updates on the trip online at gardenstateequality.org. He said an email blast would be sent out in the coming weeks with more information.
Fuscarino said he draws strength and inspiration from his partner, a U.S. Marine.
“I work harder every day for the LGBT community because he’s working hard for the American people,” he said. “I’m fortunate enough to do something for a community I’m passionate about in a state I care deeply about.”
Fuscarino also created ProudTalks, a startup for LGBT storytellers, and worked in high school with the Pride Connections Center of New Jersey as a program developer serving gay inner-city youth. Fuscarino has a degree in TV broadcasting with a minor in LGBTQ studies from Hofstra University.