Unapologetically Queer is a space where individuals can find support, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self within the context of their queer identity. It is a community that embraces diversity, fosters personal growth, and encourages individuals to be unapologetically themselves.

The primary purpose of Unapologetically Queer is to provide a supportive environment for queer individuals to share their experiences, connect with like-minded individuals, and find empowerment in their journey. The group recognizes the unique challenges faced by queer individuals and aims to create a space where they can feel seen, heard, and validated.

Within the support group, participants have the opportunity to engage in discussions, share their personal stories, and learn from one another’s experiences. It is a space that encourages active participation, respecting the diversity of identities and perspectives within the queer community.

I’m queer and non-binary and I’ve always longed for a space where I can truly be myself-where my identity is celebrated, understood, and accepted without hesitation. But I realized that it’s not just about finding that space for myself; I have the power within me to create it for others like us.

Between 2014 and 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to organize queer events. It was a time filled with joy, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging. But as life took its course, those events came to a pause, leaving a void in my heart. I felt that I needed to reignite that journey and create a safe space once again-a space where we can gather, share our stories, and support each other unconditionally.

And that’s why I started Unapologetically Queer!

Our support group is still in its early stages, and it’s been just a few months since I started it. But let me tell you, the journey so far has been nothing short of amazing! From the very beginning, my vision has been to create a space where people from different identities can come together and form a close-knit community. A place where you feel like you’re coming home every time we gather, month after month.

I want this support group to be a place where you can find comfort, where you can be your authentic self without any hesitation or judgment. It’s about creating a space where we can connect, learn from one another, and grow together. While we’re on this journey, I’ll keep exploring meaningful topics, providing valuable resources, and fostering deep, genuine discussions. But most importantly, I’ll be here for you. I’m building more than just a support group; I’m building connections and a sense of belonging.

Mental health is influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, societal pressures, and systemic issues. Therefore, our approach encompasses a range of nuances that people may resonate with, allowing for a comprehensive and individualized support system. We recognize that different individuals resonate with different approaches, so we strive to provide a variety of tools and techniques that participants can explore and find what works best for them. Whether it’s art-based or body-based practices, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness exercises, or exploring the systemic factors that contribute to their mental health, we encourage participants to find their own path towards healing and well-being.

At my support group, I prioritize the importance of professional mental health care interventions when needed. As a trained mental health professional myself, I have a reference list of trusted professionals that I can provide to participants if they require professional help beyond the scope of our group

It is important to understand that our group is designed to provide peer support, share experiences, and offer guidance within a safe and supportive environment.

While I am certified as a suicide first responder, it’s important to note that the support group itself, including myself as the facilitator, is not equipped to offer immediate support in crisis situations. We strongly encourage individuals in crisis or those who require immediate assistance to reach out to appropriate professional helplines, local mental health services, or emergency resources in their region.

As a certified suicide first responder, I have received training to offer support and assistance in suicide-related crises. However, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of our support group in providing immediate crisis intervention. Our focus is on fostering a supportive community, sharing experiences, and offering guidance for long-term mental health well-being.

Our support group is here to offer understanding, empathy, and guidance within our capacity. We strive to create a supportive community that complements professional mental health care and encourages individuals to seek appropriate help when needed.

Scheduling is easy.

Simply select the date and time that works best for you, and fill out some basic information so we can prepare for our session. I understand that joining a support group can be intimidating, but please know that our group is a judgment-free zone where you can feel comfortable being yourself

During the session, we follow a structured format that is specifically tailored to create a safe and inclusive space for queer individuals. We begin by extending a warm welcome and introduction to foster an affirming and accepting atmosphere. We remind participants of the purpose and goals of the support group, emphasizing the unique experiences and challenges faced by queer individuals. Next, we move into the group check-in phase, providing a dedicated space for each participant to share their experiences since the last session. This includes an opportunity to express challenges, victories, or specific topics related to their queer identity that they would like to address. We encourage open and authentic sharing, ensuring that participants feel heard, understood, and supported. Throughout the session, we prioritize discussions that are relevant to the queer experience. We explore topics such as self-acceptance, coming out, building chosen families, navigating relationships, queer identities and intersectionality, and other areas of importance to the queer community. These discussions provide a platform for participants to share insights, offer support to one another, and foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, we incorporate skill-building activities that are specifically tailored to the needs and experiences of queer individuals. These activities may include exploring self-care practices that affirm queer identities, developing resilience in the face of adversity, or discussing strategies for navigating societal challenges. As the session draws to a close, we create a moment for reflection where participants can share their final thoughts, insights, and takeaways from the discussions and activities. We express gratitude for their presence and engagement, recognizing the importance of their unique contributions to the support group. By centering the needs and experiences of queer individuals throughout our structured format, we aim to create a supportive and affirming environment that acknowledges and validates their identities and fosters personal growth and well-being.

Confidentiality: The trust and confidentiality we maintain within our group are paramount. Let’s ensure that whatever is shared during our sessions remains within the group, fostering a safe space for vulnerability and personal growth

Empathy and Respect: Each person’s journey is unique, and it is crucial that we approach one another with empathy and respect. By actively listening, validating each other’s experiences, and refraining from judgment, we can provide the understanding and support we all need

Active Participation: Let’s actively participate in our discussions, offering constructive feedback and sharing personal experiences when comfortable. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable, and they contribute to the richness of our support group

Personal Boundaries: We all have different comfort levels when it comes to sharing personal details or experiences. Let’s be mindful of each other’s boundaries and respect one another’s decisions regarding disclosure. Everyone should feel safe and empowered to share at their own pace

Professional Support: While our support group provides a valuable platform, it is important to remember that it does not replace professional therapy or medical advice. Encourage one another to seek professional help when needed, and let’s avoid providing unsolicited professional advice

Support and Validation: I want participants to feel supported, validated, and understood in their experiences. By engaging in group discussions and sharing their thoughts and emotions, I hope they find comfort in knowing that they are not alone and that their feelings and experiences are valid

Insight and Personal Growth: I aim for participants to gain new insights, perspectives, and self-awareness through the discussions and activities in the session. This may involve exploring different coping strategies