Hi all,
I hope that you are all continuing to get through this new world we are all living in. Here are some ways to keep connected to your LGBTQ Allies and advocates…it’s really important to try to keep connected so that we all get through this time…here are some possibilities:
If you are an LGBTQIA teen or young adult who is struggling, please make sure they have the contact information for the Trevor Project. www.thetrevorproject.org
Call, text or chat at 1-866-488-7386
Unfortunately, OutSupport will not be meeting for the summer months, but will see how September looks. I am still available for a phone, email or Facebook chat with parents who want/need someone to talk to about their children’s situation, and let you know where additional programs or support is in our area. I try to check OutSupport’s email and phone line several times per week, so feel free to reach out.
Additionally, OutSupport is happy to continue to provide a free binder or gaff for trans and gender nonconforming youth, up to age 22…just send an email, and we will purchase online for you and it will be sent to your (or a friend’s) home.
Several of the events that OutSupport has participated on the Medina Square are being cancelled, so hopefully, next year we will have everything going again!
In the meantime, here are some great online support options, zoom events, and other ways to get the support you need!
Our friends at Margie’s Kids and Parents Meeting (Margie’s Hope) will be meeting virtually on Fridays June 5 and Friday, July 3 from 6:00-8:00pm. Jake Nash is coordinator and this is a great way for families to get support!
Our friends at Cleveland PFLAG have support through video conference, phone, email and social media. Their next virtual meeting (open to all!!) will be on Tuesday, June 9. Please email
mail@pflagcleveland.org for an invitation and link to the meeting. If you’ve never been to a PFLAG meeting, it is a wonderful community of support.
Our friends at TransCEND Canton continue to offer monthly virtual support for Transgender friends and allies! They have a Facebook page, and I can help connect you to the group if you need help connecting.
Kent State Tuscarawas continues it’s LGBTQ + Ally Movie Night Series TONIGHT!
(May 14 at 7:00pm). Movie is Saturday Church. Visit their Facebook Page for more details, and here is a contact for additional information gpatters@kent.edu open to all! Everyone is an Honorary Flash!!
HRC is continuing to host some FUN virtual events!!!
Monday, May 18 from 6:00-8:00pm LGBTQ Trivia Night!
May 26 6:00-8:00pm VIRTUAL DRAG and COMEDY SHOW!!
www.hrc@hrc.org
Also, HRC in Ohio has been hosting some fun activities, too! Check them out, too!
I’m excited to tell you, if you haven’t already heard, that Gambier, Ohio is the 29th town to pass a non-discrimination ordinance!!! YAY!!! So proud of our friends at EQUALITY OHIO!!! This was the first to pass with ZOOM!!!! The work never stops for equality!!! Well done, Gambier!!!
Both Equality Ohio and TransOhio continue to offer legal information in a number of ways, so if you have a legal issue, such as name change…please reach out to these organizations!
Lastly, another cancellation…the Gay Community Endowment Fund has to cancel exhALE: Advancing Lived Equality event:((. This event benefits the GCEF Scholarship for LGBTQ Students. This event will happen in June, 2021.
For many of the non-profits mentioned in this letter, the work continues for making the world a better place for LGBTQIA friends, family members and neighbors. If it is your ability to do so, pick one (or more!) of the above groups, and consider contributing to them financially. OutSupport is NOT in financial need, so please donate to any of the above groups. Thank you.
Stay safe, stay connected, wash your hands, and give yourself a big hug from OutSupport!
xo,
Sandy