Finding a Safe Community as an LGBTQ+ Young Adult Woman
When studying humans and human behavior, one thing we know for sure is how important it is for people to have a community. For individuals in marginalized communities, this is particularly crucial. In a time when we are still fighting for acceptance, equality, and human rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community, women and girls must know how to find safe communities where they can grow and thrive while being celebrated. At Blossom Into A Better You, we are proud to offer LGBTQ+ inclusive mental health services to all young women and girls. Today, we’ll discuss other places that you may find a community that supports mental health for LGBTQ+ women as well.
Participate in online spaces
Although the internet has its downfalls, it also allows us a beautiful opportunity to connect with people from all over the world that we might have never otherwise met. While it’s important to connect in age-appropriate ways for young teens, the internet is a great way to meet others with similar interests, identities, and experiences. This can be especially useful for people living in rural communities with small populations or in areas where neighbors, friends, and even family might not be accepting. Online spaces can often be very niche, and if you look closely, you’ll likely find spaces that specifically center mental health for LGBTQ+ women.
In these online communities, you’ll have the opportunity to make friends, learn from the experiences of others, connect to resources, and engage in community-building activities online. Be sure to still use internet safety and avoid giving out personal information, addresses, and other sensitive information without the help of an adult or some sort of verification process.
Look for local LGBTQ+ events
Keep an eye out for announcements and flyers about local events held by and for LGBTQ+ people. These events don’t necessarily have to be designated LGBTQ+ events, but you’ll tend to find that events designed to be inclusive and welcoming will describe themselves as such. Look in places like coffee shops or bookstores that tend to have community event boards. You can also search online on sites like Meetup and Eventbrite for local happenings in your area.
Support local LGBTQ+ businesses
Support is often given when support is received, and you can usually find community there, too. Find out what businesses in your area are owned and operated by LGBTQ+ people and start giving those locations your business if you can. Not only are you likely to build relationships with the staff if you become a regular, but you may also connect with local, like-minded customers also patronizing the business. These businesses are also a good place to keep an eye out for local events. Directories like Everywhere Is Queer are great resources to help you find LGBTQ+ owned stores wherever you are.
Start or attend a club that welcomes LGBTQ+ people
One way to find the people you want to be in community with is to create a place for them to show up. If you’re having difficulty finding an existing group or events, consider creating your own! There are really no limits to what you can create here. Decide if you want to center the theme of the group around a specific hobby, activity, or local cause. If you can’t land on one specific theme, that’s ok too! Just be clear about your objectives. Are you looking to foster connection, make new friends, and become a leader in your community? This will help you shape your decisions throughout the process. You could start with something as simple as a girls' day out meet-up! Start at a coffee shop and then head to a local activity. The most important aspects of getting a club started are making sure people know about you, making sure that they know when and where you’re meeting, and that everyone is clear on why you’re there.
Look for an LGBTQ+ affirming mental health professional
Finally, when seeking support for LGBTQ+ women, having a safe and inclusive therapist in your corner is an invaluable tool. It doesn’t matter if you’re questioning your identity or feeling sure and confident in who you are already; having a therapist who can understand and honor your full experience is important and so beneficial for making progress in therapy. While some LGBTQ+ women seek therapy because they’re learning and unlearning aspects of their identity, others are attending therapy for entirely different reasons unrelated. The fact remains that one cannot be fully seen and accepted in their life experiences, or the support they receive from a therapist who glosses over an aspect of who they are as a person.
Whether you’re learning The Difference Between Sexuality and Gender, or need help unpacking difficult family dynamics, therapy at Blossom Into A Better You in St. Pete, FL is a warm, inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ women and girls to seek counseling and support. If you’re interested in beginning therapy with us, please contact us.
