And
so we hope. We know 'they' are out there. I am one of “they,” and I am here. What is this all about?
It's about our new online community and counseling center, specifically for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgendered, and queer—and their loved ones. We are in Little Rock, Arkansas, and you are correct if you think resources
must be limited here for “us gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer people.”
This
is your forum - to let us all know what's happening, what needs there are in the community, your personal stories so we
can connect with one another, and what concerns us all either politically, socially, or otherwise in our great and diverse LGBTQ
community.
So, why build the site? As a member of this often overlooked (because if
we don't talk about “them,” “they” don't exist) population, I recognized the intense need.
In the course of my research and work, I have seen too many kids feeling left behind, being left behind, or just plain feeling
left out and “wrong” because of who they love. There are staggering statistics that speak to the risks this presents
to these kids....up to six times more likely to attempt suicide, 73% of homeless lesbian and gay youth reported parental disapproval
of their sexual orientation as a reason for their homelessness, in a 2003 study 30% of sexual minority youth reported dating
violence (compared to only 9% of their heterosexual peers)...and unfortunately the list goes on and on. And that's the
passion behind the “why” for me.
What would we like this to become? Eventually, years down the road,
we envision a physical building that houses these services. LGBTQ-identified and other clinicians trained in the issues specific
to the LGBTQ population; support groups, education—relationships, health, social events—perhaps a prom LGBTQ kids
can go to with whomever they want to without fear of physical or verbal harassment; that's what we envision. A place that
will accept LGBTQ people, their loved ones, and recognize them as the equals we all are.
So if you identify
as LGBTQ, have a loved one who is LGBTQ-identified, or just have respectful questions regarding this population, this place
is for you. We will help you in anyway we can.
~Angie Bowen
Co-Founder
