Being LGBTQ+ can be difficult sometimes, but finding the spaces that you are supported can help so much. For this post, I wanted to highlight some resources that I have personally found and loved.
- UM Pride Network
To start off, I just want to highlight UM Pride, our LGBTQ+ organization that we have on campus! We have meetings twice a month on average and do everything from discussing LGBTQ+ history to playing games. Whether you’re queer or not (yes! You’re absolutely welcome as an ally!), I highly recommend coming to a meeting or two! Most recently, we tie-dyed our club t-shirts together, which was super fun.
Instagram: @umpridenetwork
2. OUTMemphis
As a Memphis native, I really love to hype up this organization. They have programs for anyone of any age, and specifically a young adults group called GenQ that meets on Friday nights. I’ve attended a time or two and I definitely think that it’s a positive experience to meet other queer people and also to learn about all OUTMemphis has to offer!
They do a lot of work for homeless youth in the community as well, which is extremely important because we often do not speak about the issue.
For more information, visit their website: https://www.outmemphis.org/
3. The Human Rights Campaign
I don’t think anyone is a stranger to seeing the blue and yellow equal sign stickers on cars, laptops, and water bottles all around. The Human Rights Campaign, or HRC, works to help further social progress for those in the LGBTQ+ community. They have been around for quite some time, and are probably one of the most known voices for the movement today.
Locally, they have been doing a lot of work in Mississippi. They have been working with lawmakers to make sure that queer people in the state are being protected and not discriminated against. They also will periodically hold events, most commonly around the Jackson area.
To see just what they are currently doing in our state, visit: https://www.hrc.org/local-issues/mississippi
4. GLSEN
GLSEN is an organization that helps to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in K12 education. They offer resources to educators so that they can create inclusive environments and make their students know that they are valued. Engaging educators in inclusivity is a crucial step to improving the lives of queer youth, and GLSEN can help to achieve that.
Information about GLSEN is available on their website: https://www.glsen.org/
5. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project does some extremely important work when it comes to suicide prevention. They have their own crisis hotline, TrevorLifeline, specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. In a world where many queer youth are not getting the support that they need, this is definitely a much-needed resource.
To see more about The Trevor Project, visit: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
While this is just a small selection of the resources available, I hope that these can be of help to someone. As always, just a simple online search can bring up a number of different resources. Especially if you are not based in Mississippi, it can help to find more local programs and services around you. A lot of queer activism involves getting people to understand that we are here, and community involvement definitely plays an important role in achieving that.
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