Giving Tuesday

LGBTQ+ people in Southwest Michigan face challenges and prejudice every day.

Some LGBTQ+ youth live in homes that don't accept them.

They fear being made homeless.

We work with families, saving lives and relationships, and find LGBTQ+ youth a safe place to thrive. 

They go to schools where they don't feel safe and have been targeted by school staff.

We foster inclusive schools and education. We change hearts, minds and policies.

LGBTQ+ people have been refused care by medical professionals because of who they are.

They have been placed under anesthesia for medically necessary procedures only to be brought out -- with no surgery undertaken -- because the hospital administration put a stop to it because of the patient's identity.

We champion equity in healthcare treatment.

These are all real stories. 

We provide real solutions.

You can help the OutCenter make a difference by making Southwest Michigan a safer, more equitable and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ people and their families. 

Our operating budget is about $500 per day, so our Giving Tuesday goal of $10,000 covers about 20 days of operations. That's 20 days of reaching out to LGBTQ+ youth, 20 days of working with health and education systems to make them safer and more equitable, 20 days of being a hub of support groups, events, and activities for LGBTQ+ people looking for community. 

That's also 20 days during the 2021 Holiday Season when so many LGBTQ+ people relive rejection and trauma from unsupportive and even hostile families, faith communities, and more.

Help us save lives and relationships! 

Help us change hearts, minds and policies as we celebrate a diversity of holidays with families and friends!