FAIR LAWN, N.J. - In their third year in business at CoZie Cafe, Cameo and Elana Zvanets have enjoyed being a safe place for all in Fair Lawn, including the LGBTQ+ community.
However, they say they've also been the target of harmful words and threats.
"We encounter on Instagram - because we are so outwardly supportive of our community, we have experienced, unfortunately, the backlash a few times in our couple years of being open," said Cameo Zvanets.
Discrimination is something that community leaders say can affect mental health.
In a roundtable discussion Friday, Congressman Josh Gottheimer was joined by leaders of the LGBTQ+ community to discuss some of the issues facing the community, including mental health, which is a primary concern.
"When you're told over and over again who you are is fundamentally unacceptable, you internalize that," said Craig Cutler of Bergen County-based Equality Mental Health. "You tell yourself you are not acceptable, and that leads to depression, anxiety, isolation, and it creates the conditions where some people don't want to live anymore."
"There's huge mental health needs we need to make sure we're there for and counseling needs, I think it's critically important," said Gottheimer, who announced he's helping to introduce legislation aimed at bringing more mental health resources to for the LGBTQ+ community, and another bill that looks to crack down on abuse of elderly LGBTQ+ people.
"A big issue is that older Americans face serious discrimination, and what can we do to make sure we stop elder abuse," said Gottheimer.
The Zvanets are happy to see progress and conversations continue. "When they are being discussed, it means that change is happening, and in a good way," said Cameo Zvanets.
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