As COVID-19 continues to impact people across the world, we hope that you, your families, and your communities are safe and healthy. Our decade-long enduring values guide us as we face this difficult challenge. One of those values is creating platforms where our communities can feel seen and connected. As part of our continued commitment, we have compiled a few resources to assist our communities in feeling more connected during social distancing. This list is not exhaustive, and we hope to continue adding to it as we learn about more options. Please feel free add your suggestions in the comments section. *Note, the event listing dates are not in order, as we are continuing to add to the bottom of this post as we learn of new virtual performances/meetups/events.
Upcoming Events through March 31st
Brooklyn Community Pride Center
As a refuge for many people who may not have places to go where they feel safe and accepted, Brooklyn Community Pride Center recognizes the need for ongoing programming during their temporary closure due to COVID-19 and are offering some of their scheduled events and support groups virtually.
Events and meetings currently include, but are not limited to, virtual TGNC adult support groups, co-dependent anonymous meetings, and LGBTQ+ career kickstarter meetings. For more information on upcoming events and how to access https://events/meetings, please visit https://lgbtbrooklyn.org/events-news/
The Loft LGBT Community Center
The Loft LGBT Community Center located in White Plains, NY currently has a March calendar of events published on their website that includes a diverse offering of meetups and events.
Per their website, here are the steps to join:
The LOFT is announcing that our Peer Support Groups will be happening online and over the phone via Zoom, through March 31st. The LOFT knows how important it is for our LGBTQ community to continue to safely connect with one another, especially in times of elevated stress and public concern. Although The LOFT’s in-person groups and drop-in services are suspended through March 31st, The LOFT is announcing that group services will be made available online.
How is this going to work?
- Click here to fill out this google form to mark your interest for a particular group(s).
- Once you fill out this Google Form, a LOFT staff member will send you the unique zoom access link for the group(s) you request. Each zoom access link is unique to the DATE and GROUP it is associated with. The link will not work outside of the scheduled meeting time.
- Set up a FREE Zoom account
- Click here for how to set up your Zoom account on a Desktop computer.
- Click here for how to set up your Zoom account on a Mobile device.
Read our guidelines for using our LOFT Virtual Groups here.
You can either video chat in or call in using only audio through your Zoom account.
Here is just a small sample of the meetings they currently have on the calendar:
- The Rainbow Clubhouse: a new group at The LOFT for families of young, gender expansive children up to age 12. The group features a support group for parents/guardians, and a structured play group for children.
- ¡Westchester, Tu Ambiente! is open to all Hispanic/Latinx LGBT community members, ages 18 and older. This group is open topic, drop-in based, and is facilitated in both English and Spanish.
- Young Adult Transgender Peer Support Group: open to all trans, transgender, non binary, and gender nonconforming people between the ages 18 to 29.
- LGBT Mental Health Peer Support Group: for members of the LGBTQ community, ages 18 and over, who are living with a mental health condition, either diagnosed or undiagnosed.
- Silver Connections: designed to encourage socialization and continued learning in adults, ages 55 and older. The group holds meetings focused around learning new topics and skills, inter-generational conversation, peer support, and community outings.
Webinar (3/31/2020 – advanced registration required): “Racial and Social Justice 101 w/ Ericka and Ebony”
Per the webinar registration website: “This interactive workshop acts as an educational resource for organizations and individuals seeking to deepen both their professional and personal practices toward centering those who navigate society from its margins. By the end of the workshop, participants will have learned actionable steps on how to unlearn anti-Blackness, cultivate mechanisms of resistance to it and better understand how to identify and analyze structures that perpetuate mass marginalization under global capitalism as an entry point for action. Duration: 1hr 30 mins, 11am-12:30pm PST/2pm-3:30pm EST”
Oops: Social Distancing Edition
Described as a “weekly Wednesday night sh*t show,” Oops is going virtual with an Instagram Live edition on 3/18/2020.
Other great resources for podcasts and culture:
- O: The Oprah Magazine roundup of 12 LGBTQ Podcasts that’ll make you proud year-round!
- Travel and Leisure roundup of 12 famous museums that offer virtual tours!
