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LGBTQ+ Spiritual and Social Support
What is Community?
Community is a hard thing to define but an important thing to be a part of. Community can be brought together by many things, including geographical proximity, shared values, and identities, as well as a shared appreciation and affinity for like things and ideas. Social and spiritual connection is often a way into community. Whether it is through church, sports clubs, after-school activities, or social gatherings, connecting to people and community is vital to living a healthy and well life.
For LGBTQ+ people, finding community has been a life-saving practice. Community can be a response to discrimination, stigma, trauma, and social isolation, which all disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ people.
Where to Go for Community
The form of a community is less significant than the individuals who comprise it and ideals that motivate it. Be it online or on-the-ground, sustainable communities have been forged through the collective labor and love of those who consider themselves to be a part of them, even in the face of changing and challenging political, economic, and cultural forces. These contexts can provide opportunities for some as they foreclose chances for others, and what might seem like a time of progress might also include the repeal of already assumed wins.
Although the places and spaces of LGBTQ+ community formation continue to shift because of the internet and covid, there is no doubt that some will still be found in physical through art galleries at the Montgomery County Historical Society or through venues selected through the PA LGBT History Network. In this way, the landmarks of LGBTQ+ history will still be remembered in parade routes in Philadelphia, New Hope, Phoenixville, Lansdale, and coming this year, Hatboro, as well as informal gathering spots in places such as Conshohocken (Guerilla Gay Bar) and well-known LGBTQ+ youth groups in Doylestown (Rainbow Room) and Hatboro (SAGA).
Below are groups and organizations that organize, host, and facilitate a number of activities and events designed to engage local LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages and build supportive communities for everyone - lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, gender non-conforming, etc. The list is not entire, and you should consult local LGBTQ+ organizations for new and upcoming events and activities.
Spiritual Support
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth in society.
MYA provides a safe and healthy environment for their LGBTQ+ youth. MYA meets each Friday evening from 7-9:30 pm. There is no charge for admission and like any group, where teens gather, snacks are served! From time to time, we welcome parents to join in for an activity of fundraising or discussion – and those will be posted on our calendar in advance.
The Rainbow Room is an LGBTQA youth program that provides a supportive and empowering environment for youth ages 14-21. Weekly meetings are a free and confidential place where you can learn, build support networks, and have fun. Program topics include: sexuality education, life skills, guest speakers, game nights, community building, and activities.