The LGBT Center of Raleigh is physically closed for programs due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but we continue to meet virtually! Those virtual offerings can be found here. If you have questions or are seeking resources, you can call 919-832-4484 seven days a week between the hours of 12pm and 4pm, and your call will be answered by a staff member or volunteer, or you can email info@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
We are holding HIV and STI testing at our new location at 19 W Hargett St in downtown Raleigh every Monday from 5:00 pm to 7:45 pm.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Center Blog
Roller Derby: A Sport for Everyone
by LaKrisha Mauldin
August 27, 2020
We walked into United Skates of America in Raleigh one Sunday morning, not knowing exactly what to expect. When my son came out as transgender, there did not seem to be a place for him in sports. Since his gender identity did not match the gender marker on his birth certificate, simply registering for a youth sport became impossible. But, roller derby was supposed to be different, more inclusive.
History of Roller Derby
Roller derby began as a thrilling depression era escape. Since its inception, roller derby has been a more inclusive sport than most.
Holistic Health and Mental Illness
by Tonya J. Williams
July 27, 2020
Living with mental illness is not easy. There is stigma, judgment, and misunderstanding. There is also a struggle to obtain the best evidence-based treatment from a qualified clinician.
Many illnesses are managed by medication and perhaps some form of talk therapy. I have found that a holistic approach is the most effective way to manage my illness.
Holistic health generally consists of five pillars - the mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. By engaging in activity that addresses all five pillars, I have been able to stay in recovery.
Coping with Depression
by Tonya J. Williams
July 21, 2020
LGBT Center of Raleigh Statement: Tonya J. Williams returns to the Center Blog to give some insight on ways she has coped with depression, and we hope you find them helpful. As always additional resources on mental health can be found on our website, and we advise you to follow guidelines of your mental health care professional.
Many people who suffer from depression take medication as their treatment regimen at some point. However, there are many other ways to manage depression.
Number one: it is important to stay connected to family and friends. The crucial issue here is being connected to people who make you feel safe and supported. You can attend a movie, concert, play or other outing with them. You can meet them for lunch, coffee, or lemonade. In person meetings are important as they require you to get up and groom yourself.
Conversion Therapy and Mental Illness
by Tonya J. Williams & Shoshanna Carroll
July 17, 2020
“Conversion therapy” also called “reparative therapy” or “sexual orientation change effort” has been used on many queer youth, with estimates showing upwards of 20,000 minors may be subjected to the practice by non-affirming family. According to OutLife based in the United Kingdom, conversion therapy can run the gamut:
Conversion therapy, or so-called “gay-cure therapy” is any form of talk therapy or similar activity that seeks to remove a person’s feelings of same-sex attraction or change their gender identity. Attempts may also be made to force an attraction to the opposite sex, or identification with recorded birth sex.[1]
The word “therapy” can be misleading, as there is no scientific basis for conversion therapy. Practices often vary wildly and are not regulated. In other words: it’s not medically certified, and you don’t know what you’re getting.[2]
This type of therapy results in those who are submitted to it becoming depressed, experiencing more anxiety, becoming suicidal, and being more likely to use drugs. In short, the therapy is not only scientifically discredited, it causes more mental health issues and pain for queer youth and adults. It is an abusive practice and should be banned in all its forms.
Celebrating Pride as a College Student
Maintaining community despite the distance
by Dani Puccio (she/they)
July 3, 2020
With typically in-person pride events being postponed, canceled, or moved to a virtual format, LGBTQ people had to be creative in finding ways to celebrate Pride month this year. College students are no exception to these adaptations. After being sent to live off-campus months earlier than expected in the Spring 2020 semester, students had to adjust to new living situations that often caused them to be separated from their friends or potentially back in an uncomfortable housing environment.
Pride month just ended, and it sure wasn’t what most people expected. As a college student, I already feel the need to connect with friends who I haven’t seen since we were all sent home from campus; wanting to feel the collective joy of the LBGTQ community during Pride was no different. It was definitely strange to witness pride celebrations become live-streamed events or virtual meet-ups. I think these modifications, however, represent the will of the community as a whole to adapt to changing circumstances and find new ways to support each other through these new happenings.