LGBTQ People of Color support groups are growing here at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. We now have three different groups for LGBTQ POC Communities, and one additional group starting this month. The three LGBTQ POC support groups currently meeting are:
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Support Group. The Asian Pacific Islander Support Group is organized by APIQS (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society DC) and AQUA (Asian Queers United for Action). The group usually meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM. Information about meetings is posted at thedccenter.org/apa and facebook.com/centerapa.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group. The LGBTQ People of Color Support group typically meets on the third Saturday of every month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Information about meetings is posted at thedccenter.org/poc and facebook.com/centerpoc.
South Asian LGBTQ Support Group. The South Asian LGBTQ Support Group is organized by KhushDC and typically meets on the third Saturday of the month from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Information about meetings is posted at thedccenter.org/apa and facebook.com/centerapa.
The newest group, starting June 30th, is The Glossary DC Support Group. This group will meet Saturday June 30th at 12:00 PM and then going forward meet on the fourth Saturday of every month starting at 12:00 PM. The Glossary DC was started to create a safe space for masculine of center or non binary and trans masculine or presenting people of color. Though there are various groups in the DC area that incorporate both groups, the Glossary is specifically for people of color. Here, we have the space and safety to discuss what our lives are like from our perspective. We discuss family dynamics, cultural understanding and response and talk about how we as people and as a unit can increase the quality of our lives and the ones around us. More information is available at thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
A total of 19 peer facilitated support groups currently meet at the DC Center. Peer facilitators are supported by our staff social workers.
Social Worker Dr. Zelaika Clarke states “In a white cis-hetero-patriarchal dominated society, providing support groups for people of color is important to our well being and self expression because it can affirm, celebrate and empower our authentic selves, increase sense of community connectedness, and foster a shared space to discuss pressing issues without having to breakdown concepts such as racism and privilege”
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