Shenandoah Lgbtq Center Inc

The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center is a community-based organization that strengthens the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, education, programs and development of safe spaces in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We support these efforts by establishing relationships with key stakeholders, bridging community partnerships, and transforming the hearts and minds of all in the rural Shenandoah Valley community.

The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center seeks to accomplish our mission by using a lens of equity in identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by our rural LGBTQ+ community that prevent them from leading supported and healthy lives. 

What are some of the challenges that our community faces?

-lack of diverse representation and visibility for our rural community 

-intense stigma (and threat of violence) that is pervasive, particularly in small close-knit religious and conservative areas 

-lack of affirming safe spaces (community spaces, businesses, health care providers, etc.) 

-disjointed and sparse network of community and allies that leave our community vulnerable to isolation 

Our current grant-funded programs increase access to:

1) youth homelessness interventions and supportive services through our Hope House of the Shenandoah Program,

2) programming dedicated to supporting the mental, physical, and spiritual health and wellbeing of our community. Programming is provided in partnership with trained professionals in the area.

3) health education, health resources, and connection to affirming providers with our monthly Community Health Clinics in partnership with Augusta Health, LGBTQ+ Focused Health and Wellness Fair Series and Community Health Worker program

In addition, the Center also offers:

• community space with queer resource library, clothes closet, internet access, and safer sex materials

• Staunton Pride, our annual Pride festival bringing together community, artists, activists, and businesses

• Trans Health Fund, helping community members obtain free gender-affirming presenting materials and learn about trusted education and safe practices 

• social programming and community building events

• LGBTQ+ cultural competency trainings for local educators, health system professionals and businesses