LGBTQ+ WAE: The Power of an Inclusive Community
The intention of LGBTQ+ WAE is to bring together a group of people who share similar life experiences and to enjoy the support of that community.
The goal: to lessen the isolation and reduce stereotypes and misperceptions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who identify as LGBTQ+.
Regularly scheduled online or in-person meetings allow participants to connect with others who deal with similar issues in a more diverse group than they might otherwise encounter.
The LGBTQ+ WAE Group is for educational, social & emotional support purposes only and is not a clinically supervised counseling group.
A Safe Place for the IDD and ASD Community and Allies
LGBTQ+ WAE is a community focused on social interaction, education, individual expression, and advocacy for people with IDD and/or ASD who self-identify as LGBTQ+. The group supports each individual and their community in expanding knowledge and understanding of day-to-day issues faced by people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, it serves as a resource to caregivers, families, and allies so that they may better understand, support and advocate for the person in their care.
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Holistic Approach to Wellness
The community aligns with the WAE Center’s philosophy of “Finding the Spark Within” each individual and supporting their discovery process.
The WAE (Wellness, Arts, Enrichment) Center’s distinctive approach is built around:
- Dedication to the individual
- Promoting self-expression
- Embracing diversity in all aspects of our community
- Unconditional acceptance
- Meaningful life engagement / friendship
- Inclusion/participation in the local communities
Meeting Schedule
- Monthly meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month @ 7pm.
- Please email lgbtqwae@jsdd.org to RSVP.
- Meetings are solely online until further notice.
Have questions about LGBTQ+ WAE?
For more information and to join us, email our facilitator Mica Camacho-Tenreiro at lgbtqwae@jsdd.org.
Meet our facilitator, Mica Camacho-Tenreiro
Imaginative | Hopeful
Micaela Camacho-Tenreiro is a Venezuelan-American poet, dancer, and translator. Her writing appears in the American Poetry Review and has been featured in Brooklyn Poets’ Poet of the Week series. She received a 2023 Finalist award from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and holds a B.A. in Hispanic Studies from Brown University.
As a facilitator, Micaela Camacho-Tenreiro has led classes, workshops, open mics, reading groups, meditations, community gatherings, and accountability processes. Her work brings her to libraries, universities, prisons, and senior centers. As a space-holder, she aims to foster presence, connection, and curiosity.
Supported by a generous grant from The Healthcare Foundation of NJ
Get In Touch
If you want to get involved with any of our services, feel free to contact us and
we will reach out to help you in any way we can.
Learn more about the WAE Center adult day program
The WAE Center is open to all adults with developmental disabilities who have the desire to participate in our dynamic, person-centered community. To learn more, contact us.