Healing

Intersections, a new group launched in 2021, aims to be a safer place for all LGBTQ+ folks who have had trauma due to domestic violence or sexual assault. The name Intersections is based on the work of Kimberlé Crenshaw. Intersections acknowledges the intersections of a person's identity and how they relate to the whole self. This is important when helping with trauma. Intersections is a place for healing support that recognizes a person's whole self and their identities.

Intersections began in late 2021 and the initial response has been positive. Teens and adults have their own meeting. With the pandemic some sessions were virtual while others were in person. Topics included how to deal with being LGBTQ+ in school, ways to better support each other and ways to ground one's self when feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, folks have shared their stories and supported one another. Intersections is working to provide education and increase empathy so all can help each other.

Intersections is currently the only group in the Great Lakes Bay Region working to support LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This group has been an important safe space for local LGBTQ+ youth. Intersections has become a safer space to talk about their struggles and ways they can advocate for themselves.

We look forward to growing Intersections. Group members have expressed hope and plan to become more active in our community by volunteering and being more visible. The group plans on sharing stories, learning skills for dealing with trauma, and learning different ways to help each other. I am grateful to get to work with such an incredible group.

-Amy McDonald