The Gables of Cape May: A New Jersey LGBTQ Organization

Millions of travelers flock to the shores of New Jersey every summer to enjoy the sandy beaches and the warm waves. New Jersey has something to offer for just about every crowd. Looking for a party-til-the-sun-comes-up good time? Jersey has that. Or are you aiming for family fun? Jersey has that, too. One thing this Garden State is noticeably missing is a hub for the LGBTQ crowd. To many LGBTQ travelers, there's not much Jersey has to offer beyond Asbury Park. This is all about to change: the shore is getting a makeover with the advent of Cape May Gables.

"About 15 years ago, 10 of us got together and decided that there had been some really negative newspaper articles written about gay people and their lifestyles," said Craig van Baal, president of Gables. "We formed this group with the help of a member of the ACLU, who was forming other groups in South Jersey."

Gables is a non-profit entity, an organization with the purpose "to promote, secure, enhance and protect the Human dignity, integrity and legal and political rights of lesbians, gays and bisexual persons." The organization has 260 due-paying members, and in nearly two decades has raised over $80K for local philanthropies. The group has both established itself and contributed to the betterment of New Jersey.

"We were supposed to fail ...but we grew. Organizations like ours in other towns failed, but we had a different philosophy," explained Van Baal. "We decided to integrate rather then segregate. Gables became more influential in the community. We worked hard to do fundraising for charities, with the premise that if you have credibility - you can get what you want."

The organization is the epicenter of gay life in and around the community of Cape May. The shore town has a population of 4,034 year-round residents and sees approximately 100,000 seasonal residents Van Baal thinks that Cape May, while lacking the flash and glitz of traditional gay resorts like Asbury or Delaware's Rehoboth, is still a can't-miss opportunity for any LGBTQ tourist.

"Cape May is a romantic, peaceful, and pleasant time. We have quiet pubs, long boat cruises, horse and carriage rides, historic sites, and most of all - nobody is going to blink an eye if you are gay in this city, " said Van Baal.

"It's a gorgeous town that is very Victorian, very clean, and very welcoming. Cape May has plenty of beach-front bed and breakfast's that are gay friendly," said Karen Cornell, an LGBTQ photographer and Cape May resident. "Cape May has beautiful dining and shopping district called Washington Square. All those kids in Rehoboth can take the ferry up and see for themselves!"

While starting from humble beginnings, the Gables has quickly moved to become a pivotal force in NJ LGBTQ matters. The Gables, in conjunction with the NJ Dept of State and their division of Tourism, is responsible for publishing the Rainbow Directory for Southern Jersey. They organize a wildly popular Diversity Weekend in April that has proven to be equally popular with the straight community who come out to see the talented performers Gables brings in from New York and beyond.

"From July 23^rd till August 2^nd, we are sponsoring a series of incredible performances by female impersonator Johanna at the Chalfont Hotel. The show was a smash hit last year, and we think it will be equally popular," said Van Baal. "On the more relaxed side, we have our upcoming annual picnic on August 15^th in north Cape May."

For more information on the Gables, go to http://www.gablescapemay.com/