The ARE LGBTQ+ Empowerment Center was established in late 2023 by AIDS Response Effort, Inc. to provide vital medical, sexual and mental health services as well as support groups, education, food security, homelessness prevention and other resources to reduce health disparities, overcome stigma and increase opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community to thrive in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This project will raise funds to renovate an existing building in need of repair.
In the rural counties of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (NSV), LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities, discrimination, stigma and denial of their civil and human rights, which leads to high rates of risky behavior, substance use disorders, HIV and STDs, homelessness and suicide. This is particularly true among LGBTQ+ youth, who experience depression and attempt suicide at shockingly higher rates than their non-LBGTQ peers. Community-based LGBTQ sensitivity education is also needed.
The ARE LGBTQ+ Empowerment Center is an affirming and nonjudgmental hub of support for HIV/STI prevention and intervention, medical and mental health support, housing assistance, gender-affirming care and comprehensive harm reduction services tailored to meet LGBTQ+ individuals' unique needs. It also provides education and training to help people better understand LGBTQ+ issues and promote acceptance and inclusion. This holistic network of support is building healthier communities in the NSV.
Studies show that LGBTQ+ centers can reduce the negative impacts of discrimination, family rejection, harassment and fear of violence. This can lead to a more inclusive community, fostering increased productivity, creativity and innovation that generate long-term economic benefits. By narrowing social and health disparities in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and promoting acceptance, the ARE LGBTQ+ Empowerment Center is helping build healthier, happier and more prosperous communities for all.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
