Feel Good Friday - The Venture Out Project

Not only is June LGBTQ+ Pride Month, it’s also summer and a perfect time to get out and explore nature. What a great day to learn about today’s organization, The Venture Out Project.

Founded in 2014 by Perry Cohen, and headquartered in Florence, Massachusetts, the mission of The Venture Out Project (TVOP) is “to provide a safe and fun space for queer, trans, and LGBTQ+ people to experience the outdoors.” They do this by leading backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community, and by conducting transgender inclusion workshops for educators, adventure professionals, and summer camps.

You can sign up for overnight adventures like campouts, rafting or forest bathing or if you’d like to test the waters before bringing your tent, there are plenty of volunteer-led day hikes across the country and skill building workshops in New England. This 15-minute documentary produced by REI gives a great overview of the trips and how impactful it can be for people to show up as their full selves in community with others. Participants get to enjoy nature and forge lifelong bonds while making unforgettable memories.

In addition to leading these outdoor adventures, TVOP “offers educational programs and services to those looking to make their existing programming more inclusive and affirming of trans and gender diverse people.”  

Since they began, The Venture Out Project has become a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ community building and challenge-based personal development outdoors. TVOP volunteers have led over 50 adventures for more than 500 LGBTQ+ participants from across the globe.  

If you’re interested in getting outdoors, take a look at the trip descriptions and sign up for one that fits your schedule and your interests. If you’re Wilderness First Aid certified, consider becoming a volunteer and leading a trip. Or, if you prefer to support TVOP from the comfort of home, there ways you can do that too. Shop for merch, make a donation and amplify their work on social media by following The Venture Out Project on Facebook and Instagram.

Feel Good Friday - BlaqOut

We’re closing out Black History Month by highlighting BlaqOut, an organization working to improve health and social outcomes for Kansas City's Black LGBTQ+ community.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, BlaqOut's mission is “to create a community where Black people of queer and trans experience are connected and supported, have access to safe spaces, and enjoy sufficient resources to help them thrive.” They achieve this through a variety of programs and easily accessible, no-cost services.

Programs include: Let’s PrEP, designed to reduce HIV incidence and prevalence; the LEAD Fellowship Program, an immersive 12-month program designed to cultivate and empower the next generation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders; Level Up, which uses peer-driven recruitment to connect to populations at high risk for contracting HIV; Mpox, providing education and vaccination resources for this infection formerly known as monkeypox; SWAG (Sexual Wellness and Growth), providing holistic sexual education; and VEAP (Vaccine Equity and Awareness Program), promoting vaccinations, boosters and encouraging good health practices for all. Whew!

Examples of the no-cost services BlaqOut provides include primary care, health insurance navigation, HIV testing, medication delivery, transportation and supportive services such as emergency housing, food and clothing. To access any of these services, fill out this request form. Their website also has links to numerous resources specific to housing, mental health, substance abuse and more.

Finally, BlaqOut recently launched a community-based pubic awareness campaign called "Give A F_ck", which is designed to spark conversations, bridge gaps, and inspire action to protect the lives, health, safety, and acceptance of the Black LGBTQ+ community.”

If you’d like to support BlaqOut’s vision of “a world where all Black people of queer and trans experience live with dignity and are free from racial injustice and health inequity” there are many ways you can do so. Volunteer your time, donate your money, and spread the word on social media. Follow BlaqOut on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and subscribe to the BlaqOut YouTube channel.

Feel Good Friday - LYRIC

This Sunday is the 45th annual Pride Parade in San Francisco and Feel Good Friday is starting the celebration early with a visit to the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, aka LYRIC!

As stated on their website, "LYRIC's mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities."

Founded in San Francisco in 1988, the first event was a dance. Since then, services have grown to include:

• School-based initiatives - a three part program LYRIC brings into middle and high schools that focuses on a gender and sexuality social justice course for students, professional development training for the staff and support groups for the families
• Workforce development - providing support and assistance for youth job seekers
• Case management - free services provided by youth advocates who can help with issues including housing applications, school enrollment counseling and more

To date, LYRIC has served over 1500 youth in the Bay Area! You can help keep it going by becoming a LYRIC champion with a $10 monthly donation and/or like their Facebook page to stay in the know and look for them in the parade on Sunday. Happy Pride!