July 1, 2026 • 41 mins
Anney and Samantha continue their ongoing series on LGBTQ+ organizations across the United States, this time highlighting some of what the Mountain States have to offer.
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Hey, this is Anny and Samantha and welcome to stuff.
When ever told you production, iHeart radio.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
And we are still slowly going through the country with
a very small list of wonderful queer organizations that have
been providing care, resources, support, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA
plus community as a series, because I knew it was
gonna be a series, and it's kind of nice to
be able to talk about good things when everything sits
(00:39):
upside down. Although there's been some good news as of
late from the Supreme Court.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Stuff surprising, Yeah, I know, very surprising. Unfortunately, unfortunately that's
where we are.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
But we take the victories where we can, we take
the good news where we can, and this is some
of the good news. This is some of the good organizations.
And yeah, for today we are talking about some of
the organizations from the Mountain States, which I really didn't
know much about, including the fact that this is what
the area was called. Nor did I know that the
(01:16):
Rocky Mountains went through Nevada, New Mexico.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Yep, I'm okay, it's okay, I'm okay.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Between this series and the World Cup, I have realized geography.
It is Mike helly seals. That's the same, right, am
I beginning the crazy No? No, no, that's the same.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Okay, thank you, but enough about my ignorance. We're gonna
jump into it. Yes, And as a reminder, this is
a small, very small list that is focused on specific
organizations that work exclusively with their community area and not
typically national chapters, or at least that is our intentions,
(01:53):
because I don't realize sometimes.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
That they are part of the national chapter.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
And I was like, oh, well, silly me, because I've
never heard of these organizations, including Gays for Good, had
no idea it was a national organization, but it popped
up on my feet. I was like, oh, this is fun,
and found out there's many chapters. We'll mention them, I think,
but I was like, hey, yes, there are a lot
of national chapters that are important. Don't get me wrong,
(02:18):
because having anything out there, p FLAG is one of
those prior organizations is one of those that really do
allow for a way to start organizations in otherwise areas
that might not have any But we do like talk
about the individual ones because obviously there's usually personal reasons
why that area started this specific type of organization, but
(02:42):
sometimes we don't realize it's not a very private organization
that makes sense. Yeah, okay, but with that love that
we do love hearing from you. If you know of
any out there. As always Susie, one of our longtime listeners, Hello,
already sent us one from the Midwest.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
We will shout that out soon. We appreciate all of that.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
So, yes, the Mountain stays just inclace you didn't know
include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Again, I don't know why I didn't.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Know this, And for this specific section, we're gonna start
with Colorado, which I did know.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Yes, I do know that the Rockies are there. That
I got.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
All right, there's a thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
So talking about specifically One Colorado, who offer many.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Different services throughout the state.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Here's what they say on their site, one dash Colorado
dot org. One Colorado is ad facing equity and freedom
for our LGBTQIA plus community. Through state policy, advocacy, healthcare,
and education. We progress the lived in legal equality for
LGBTQIA plus Colorado's to ensure our community's voices are heard
and represented within hells of power so that every Colorado
(04:01):
has the opportunity to thrive, and they have been quite
active in getting these things done within their state, including
getting legislation passed and codified, including on things like safer schools,
trans equality, and getting health care access.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
We love to see it.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
They've been doing great work since they are founded in
twenty ten and continue to seek equal rights for their community.
Their advocacy work, like their work for health equity, has
been at the forefront of their organization. A bit more
from their site, quote one Colorado's Health Equity Team advocates
for equitable and just health access and reduces barriers to
care for LGBTQ plus coloradins and youth. Our aim is
(04:39):
to do this work through education and advocacy in partnership
with our community. We prioritize protecting and explaining access to
quality healthcare for our transgender, non binary, and gender expansive community,
who faces heightened health disparities, barriers to care, and discrimination
in the current sociopolitical context.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
We believe that.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Our well being and liberation is deeply interconnected, and by
advocating for equity for one of us, we are advocating
for equity for all of us. This work is achieved
by uplifting community voices in our Community Advisory Group and
through public education, training and advocacy with healthcare spaces. So
I love that they do a lot of lobbying and
(05:17):
political work that just it seems so hard, like doing
work like that is so hard and so important. It
doesn't fill glamorous I think in comparison it doesn't for
me as a person who loved doing casework on the ground,
that would be my least.
Speaker 3 (05:34):
Ideal of advocating.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
But it's so important that so neat is so we
love seeing organizations like that. Another one in Colorado is
a Mountain Pride dot org and this is from their
site Mountain Pride dot org. We are devoted to establishing
supportive spaces, enhancing family acceptance, and improving access to resources.
Lgbtqia plus people in small towns and rural communities face
(05:58):
unique challenges and out and being out. Meanwhile, they frequently
live in communities with few or no resources for lgbtqia
plus people, forcing them to travel long distances to access
the services and care they need. Mountain Pride is addressing
these challenges by increasing year round programming for the lgbtqia
plus community. In addition to the annual Pride in the Park,
(06:21):
Mountain Pride is devoted to strengthening its foundation and expanding
its reach as an organization by establishing supportive safe spaces,
enhancing family acceptance and understanding, and offering access to education,
resources and programs. So organizations like this are so important
because they do start off with the idea of pride parades.
(06:42):
I've we've seen so many We've talked about so many
organizations that kind of just started out that way understanding
having big events really bring out earlayer of safety and
being seen, and then it kind of expands into community
providing advocacy and resources. And that's exactly what we love
to see as it continues to grow, and they have
(07:04):
added a lot of things including they have four key
pillars and how they're reaching out to the community. One
is education, educating those around them about LGBTQ plus communities
as well as those questioning that type of identity. They
work within their community as well. Advocacy and activism is
a big part of what they do, and of course
(07:25):
providing resources. So the organization began in twenty twenty in
Eagle County, and here's a bit about their history. They
say Eagle County Pride hosted a variety of social events
and meetings and self care activities such as yoga dancing classes.
Resulting from the success of our outrage efforts and the
desire to serve as a resource for the neighboring communities,
(07:46):
our organizations grew to serve not only the LGBTQIA communities
in Eagle County, but also the LGBTQIA plus communities throughout
the mountains of Colorado, prompting us to grow to be
a nonprofit and change our name to Mountain Pride. So, yeah,
we've talked about how access to these types of organizations
is hard when you have a spread out area like
(08:07):
Colorado we talked about in Tennessee, especially with like mountains
and the rural areas outside of the typical cities, it
is hard to get things like this, and it's so
important to see that they have expanded and willing to
expand to other areas. And yeah, you know, we love
to talking about some events. So if you're interested in
some of their events, they have crafting, We love that
hiking with Pride, which we find in several different organizations
(08:30):
around us, which makes sense in the Mountain area. Yeah, yeah, yeah,
And they recently had an event called Pride in the
Park obviously to celebrate Pride Month, which included drag shows,
a Pausi show, which is a fashion show with pets. Yes, yes,
I love that, yoga, and so much more. So you
definitely if you're in that area or interested in providing
(08:53):
support to this type of community areas in this programs,
go check the Mountainpride dot org. So then we're jumping
to Montana. I knew that was also had mountains, so
that part I got. And they have an organization called
Big Sky Out. The organization was founded in twenty twenty three,
so pretty recent with a Pride march as we talked
(09:14):
about before, that went through the town of Big Sky.
So here's what they wrote on their site, Bigskyout dot org.
What started as a celebration of diversity and inclusion has
evolved into a dynamic force of positive change. Rooted in
the spirit of our inaugural Pride March, we have grown
into a dedicated collective of individuals committed to creating safer,
(09:35):
queer spaces for ourselves and our community. Through the organization
and hosting of queer events. We aim to promote unity,
celebrate diversity, and provide opportunities for meaningful connections. At the
core of our commitment is the promotion of inclusivity, acceptance,
and empowerment for LGBTQIA plus individuals, fostering a sense of
(09:55):
belonging and strength within our community. Together, we strive to
build a future where everyone can live authentically, free from discrimination.
We believe that the richness of our diversity is a
source of strength and resilience. So that's what they did,
and that's how they began to really flourish in that area.
And of course again they have some amazing events again
(10:16):
including Pride marches, but they also have game nights, they
have after school programs for young adults, and local events
like pond skim, which, by the way, that took me
on a whole thing that I knew nothing about, pregaming,
which again I had to research, cause what is this.
It doesn't explain this in their side because obviously if
you're from there, you know what this is.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
But if you're not from there, like us.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
It is a spring at end of spring celebration where
they get dressed up in costumes and ski or snowboard
across a man made pond and try not to sink.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
That sounds hard, right, It's frozen, y'all. It's frozen. That's
the big I left that part out is frozen.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
It's frozen, I think, I believe, which I would go
see if I live there. And also if it wasn't
too cold, like it was cold, you better give me
some hot chocolate, I'd be happy probably. But they also
with this, they also host ice skating and book clubs,
and as such, they also have a lot more stuff
because they're based in Montana. I believe one of the
(11:23):
events have something to do with guns safety and registering.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
That makes sense to me.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
They have a lot of other book swaps, a lot
of other items.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
So they are very Montana. I love it. Yes, that's
what I would imagine with Montana, to be honest. Yeah,
makes sense.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
The again, the pond skim thing, maybe it's not frozen.
I thought it was frozen it looked like because I
originally thought it was like a polar brid bear punge
type of thing. Yeah, you know talking about Oh yeah,
I love events like that.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
I love niche events. Man, it's so fun.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Anyway, so and then with that also in Montana is
Queer Alliance and this is from Montana Queer Alliance dot org.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
They write at MQA.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Our mission is to uplift the safety, identity, and well
being of the LGBTQIA, two s plus and bipod people
across rural and tribal Montana by providing culturally responsive advocacy
and care and community driven programs that build long term
relationships and resilience. We do justice oriented work through community care,
removing barriers, reducing harm, and building community led pathways to safety, stability,
(12:29):
and belonging across rural and tribal Montana. We center the
voices of those most marginalized, promoting healing, resilience, and justice
through compassionate care, advocacy and community connection. So I think
that's really important that they work so well and obviously
are very inclusive of the Indigenous community there. I think
we've talked about that about this before, how the Indigenous community,
(12:52):
how were the basis of understanding the fluidity of sexuality
and gender. So we love seeing them being included in
any of these programs and understanding that they are the
forefront of all this. They offer different programs such as
housing programs, affirming clothing, closets, sci testing, and community education.
(13:12):
And of course they do offer different events including services
for the indigenous community to get together and have conversations
and social gatherings.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
And they do resource and job fares, which.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
I don't think that's talked about enough. That needs to
be done in so many of these communities. So with that,
let's move on to Idaho. This is obviously not geographical
because you know, I'm hopping everywhere on this region haha.
So next we have Idaho. First, we have trans Afirm, Inc.
And here's what they say on their site transafarm dot org.
(13:44):
Trans Affirm exists to expand access to life safing resources, farming, care, education, advocacy,
and community connection for transgender and gender diverse people in Idaho,
especially those in rural and underserved areas. As a pioneer
in trans gender firmiccare in Idaho, we are dedicated to
providing essential resources and support. At trans Affirm, we are
(14:06):
committed to supporting transgender and gender diverse individuals by offering
different resources and yeah, so they offer different services in
their community, including transitionwear Access, where they provide free clothing
including binders, and tucking underwear, and they do it in
a safe environment for everyone, including I believe they teach
(14:30):
how to wear these things without harming themselves as well.
They also do it where they feel safe, so they
do like measuring and everything to get their exact types
if they need to do ordering and such. So I'd
love to see that. They offer grants as well as
support groups, and then they offer community outreach and education
as well, So we love that. We love that they're
(14:51):
offering these type of services that are so often needed
because people don't know oftentimes how to even start.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
So this is beautiful Sea.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Some of their events include support groups providing safe bathroom lists,
which I'm not gonna lie after reading what they did
with this, it really made it kind of hurt my
heart a little bit because they're talking about how Idaho
and many of those so many places in the country
are starting to pull back on bathroom access for trans
(15:21):
people and taking away those rights again and really doing
that really harmful narrative about trans women and transmn and
different bathrooms. So they have started doing a list where
people from around the country or from around that area
can provide places that have safe bathrooms that they can
go to. So it's good that they have this, but
(15:43):
it's heartbreaking that they have to have this.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
So I wanted this to be an option on YELP
years ago, Yeah, where people could report like what kind
of is it a gender neutral bathroom or kind of Well,
the bathroom situation.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Yeah, we haven't talked about that in a while, and
we do need to come back and talking about a
lot of legislation when he comes to queer communities, including
the trans people, because we know what's happening. But just recently,
like there's a whole conversation not it had nothing to
do with trans people. It had to do with a
father taking his daughters to the women's bathroom and a
(16:19):
dude freaking out. He had nothing to do this, by
the way, do it this, by the way, He just
freaked out talking about he needs to get out of
the bathroom. And from what I can gather, both probably
are fairly conservative people, but he did not want to
take his girls into the men's bathroom with open ural
rules probably gross and dirty year because they were, like
you know, probably five or six years old, So that
made perfect sense, and like no one really cared outside
(16:43):
of him that one dude and like this is what
we're having, this conversation about why having this narrative is
bad for everyone.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
Yeah, and you and I talked about it forever ago.
But one of the I think I have someone that
we were in New York and you said, I'm realizing
one of the other reasons that the wait's always longer
for the women's bathroom is because women are usually tasked
with taking the kids to that bathroom, and so uh
(17:13):
to see the flip of that with a man taking
his daughters to to a woman's restroom, that's yeah, yeah,
it's a lot to unpack in this conversation.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
There's several but yeah, there's several points on this.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
It's like, we definitely need more options with bathrooms, Like
this is a whole thing.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
All that to.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Say is like it it's disappointing that we're having to
have this conversation in general book, you know.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
But moving on.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
They also do have things like coffee meetups and youth meetups,
and I love a.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
Good coffee meetup for anyone, so that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
And then also they in Idaho, they have an organization
called Clutch, which is an LGBTQIA plus youth community youth
community organization in Idaho, and this is from their site
Clutch Nampa dot org, which is the area. Clutch is
a volunteer led nonprofit committed to creating an affirming space
(18:09):
in Idaho for LGBTQ plus youth and beyond. Our vision
is for our LGBTQ plus community to be empowered to
live authentically. Our dedicated team of background checked adults is
passionate about fostering community. When you come to Clutch, you
can expect a friendly face, a meal, and a fun activity.
From crafts and movies to trivia and board games. There's
(18:31):
always something exciting happening.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
So I love that. I also love the term clutch.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Apparently they use that term specifically, like the clutch, like
it's clutch all those things or push you together, keeps
you together and keeps you moving. So it's like, ah,
I like that and a bit more information. They says
they were born out of desire to be better for
the LGBTQ plus youth in Nampa community. Initially the brainchild
(18:57):
of a local mom who wished for more safe places
for her transender daughter, this group became a laborer love
for a small team of queer adults and allies in
March twenty twenty two. So I love that, like this
came out of a need.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
I don't love that, but I love that they did
something about it.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Yeah, yeah, but the fact that they were able to
come together, they were able to do it is nice.
They're actually currently looking to get a permanent space, so
building an area or a nest so they can expand
their services, including a kitchen to provide those meals, or
even teach cooking classes, which I think is really important.
Food plaanetry, clothing closet, counseling, and activity space for these youth.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
It would be lovely to see.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
I think they had a pretty big goal of five
hundred thousand dollars and it taste a lot of money
to build up an ideal situation for a nonprofit organization.
I think there are like thirty five thousand at this point,
So if you're interested in supporting that, you should.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
There are other ways to volunteer.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
But I love when I see organizations that's continue us
to grow. There's something heartening to know that people are
supporting that. So let's move on to Nevada. They have
(20:17):
the Pride Tree, which is a nonprofit located in Las
Vegas that provides services for the lgbtqia plus youth in
their area. So this is from their site, the prietrelv
dot com, in which they talk about their vision and
their mission and they write, our vision is a future
in which differences are embraced, valued and respected.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
We seek to build a world.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Where youth have the freedom to grow and thrive as themselves,
safely and without fear. Our mission is to create safe
environments where young lgbtqia plus people, genior nonconforming kids, and
their allies can build community while learning about themselves. We
strive to create programming that encourage growth and mental wellness
and community involvement. So one of the biggest programs that
(20:59):
they provide is called Camp Pride Tree, which they describe
like this. It offers LGBTQ plus youth and allies the
full joy of a traditional summer camp, minus the gender
norms that often come with it. It's a space where
campers can be their full, authentic selves while building space, leaderships,
and a strong sense of community.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
I love that. I think having.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
Those sleep away camps and go away camps have been amazing.
I'm sure that being young adults being with people that
wouldn't judge them and having a fun time and having
the regulation against of a camp must be amazing. They
did seem to offer kind of like a different one
for the transit and non gender conforming groups. So I
(21:46):
guess if you wanted something a little more to that,
you can choose to go there. I have a feeling
you also choose to go to the other ones as well,
but if you need a more of safe space in
a way, and then we have our center based out
of Reno and this from their site our center Reno
dot org. Our mission is to maintain a safe, empowering
(22:07):
and supportive center for the LGBTQ plus community and allies
that addresses advocacy, education, and services. We seek to build,
connect and strengthen the LGBTQ plus community through the community building,
art and cultural programming, and inclusive activities. So this was
grown out of the closure of another program in that area.
(22:28):
The center was founded to help fill that gap after
that center closed down in the community and they gathered
a lot of support for the queer community with that.
So some of the programs include trans Youth Support, TRANSPEED
to peer groups, Queer student unions, coffee time and social
gatherings for senior queer community members, and health initiatives like
(22:50):
sci testing and recovery for those who may have addictions
and such. I did see. I think it is interesting
because we know Nevada and like Las Vegas, they're pretty
like city growth type of community, so they did have
a lot of like alcohol abuse, drug abuse, any of
those type of addiction recovery centers and specific to the
(23:12):
LGBTQIA plus community that's geared specifically for them, which I
think is important because it does provide a safe space
for them to talk about something that is very vulnerable
on top of being a vulnerable community. But I did
find that interesting and it's good to see that they
are addressing the issues of their specific area, which is
why we're talking about these things. They also offer different
(23:35):
groups like Rainbow Rangers, which encourage outdoor events like plant
walks and nature walks and outdoor exploration, so that's something
that you want to do outside of the lot is huge.
Speaker 1 (23:48):
A lot of our states are huge. Yeah, I've enjoyed
there are many things I've enjoyed about tourists, World Cup,
tourists reacting to America, but one of the ones I've
enjoyed is they're like, how.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
How long have we been driving through this one state? Yes?
Long time welcome.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
Yes, some of them have two time zones year, well
if not three. So now we are headed down to Arizona.
Down over over.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
It's kind of it's down from Nevada. Yeah, okay, it's
the top of the Grand Canyon, miss Set, Nevada and
the southern part of it is in Arizona.
Speaker 3 (24:33):
Geography.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
So we are now headed down to Arizona starting with
Trans Queer Pablo and then this is from their site
tq Pueblo dot org. Trans Queer Pablo is a base
building racial engineer justice organization that is collectively governed by
a growing membership of three hundred plus trains and queer,
undocumented and documented migrants and people of color in Phoenix
(24:56):
who organize to transform our city toward a fellowship family, community, autonomy,
self determination, and liberation. So obviously this is one of
those organizations that did have like trans communities, but they
have become even bigger. They have gone beyond with that
intersectional net level of need understanding they're going to have
to address so many issues, so they're quickly adjusting as
(25:19):
the needs are changing, and they've been doing some great
work for the queer migrant community, including medical clinics for
undocumented migrants, legal and direct support for incarcerated queer focus
including those in ice detention facilities around the area. They
offer different services including clinics, information sessions, educational sessions, and
(25:39):
even picnics so when they can go and actually enjoy
their time, they can do things like this and gatherings
for the LGBTQIA migrant communities. So some of the things
that I've been seeing on there that they have tried
to focus a little more on the ice, the tensions
as well as those being incarcerated, because we know when
(26:00):
it comes to the statistics, incroceration for migrant and people
of color are ridiculous. So with that, seeing organizations like
this do their work has been phenomenal. Next, we are
talking about the Arizona one in ten, so one inn
(26:20):
ten like the letter in just in case because I
can't show you what it's written on my outline, which
is a youth and young adult organization. So from their site,
one in ten dot org founded in nineteen ninety three
by a group of volunteers, One in ten has been
a beacon of hope for LGBTQ plus youth in Arizona
(26:40):
for over three decades.
Speaker 3 (26:42):
Which is a really long time.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ plus youth,
One in ten began offering essential support through group of
meetings and resources. Over the years, One Intent has grown
alongside the needs of LGBTQ plus youth and young adults,
expanding our programs and reach. From humble beginnings, One Intent
has become a state wide leader in fostering safe spaces
(27:04):
and empowering LGBTQ plus youth. Today, One Intent's legacy continues
to grow, providing critical services through the Downtown Phoenix Youth Center,
statewide satellite sites, outdoor venture programs, as well as the
housing and workforce programs. As our story continues to unfold,
one thing remains constant, our unwavering dedication to empowering LGBTQ
(27:25):
plus youth to thrive and reach their full potential. So
their organizations offer different programs as well, including life skills workshops,
housing assistants, and they also offer a camp. Their camp
is called Camp Outdoors, which is a subber camp that
gives youth opportunities to go out and develop leadership skills
and be able to hang out with the youths like
(27:46):
themselves and do a lot of creative tasks, and they
get to really explore and just live a good childhood
and childhood experience, those teenage experiences, and I love that
for them.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
I've only gone to a few church camps.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
I remember to enjoying them, also being embarrassed because of
the religious religiosity of it all.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
But it's okay, that was dramatic. I'll tell you the
other stuff.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Yeah, Like I've went to one religious one. I wasn't religious,
but my friend was and it was awkward, and I
went to one I went to space camp. I loved,
but I do think, you know, it's really fun doing
these things, but it's also awkward when your body is
like changing, and because I remember my pajamas got soaked
(28:32):
at space camp and they smelled strange after they dried,
and I couldn't do anything about it. So I was
like the girl who kind of smells change at night.
So it's one of those things, and it is kind
of a quintessential.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
This stose experience.
Speaker 2 (28:48):
Hopefully you're not bullied, but you're having a kid tab
with new friends that you make.
Speaker 3 (28:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
I think there's some really beautiful memories to be found
and friendships to be found, but a lot of awkwardness.
Speaker 3 (29:00):
Can have Yes, yes, yes, old of that space camp.
I trying to remember if I went to a four
he camp. Maybe I really don't.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
There's a small bitom bag in my head think that
tells me I might have gone to.
Speaker 3 (29:12):
A fourage camp. I could, I could see it. I
was being in fourge for yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:19):
Anyway, moving on, then we have Utah and we were
talking about Project Rainbow and this is from their site
Project Rainbow Utah dot org. Project Rainbow Utah PRU began
as an initiative to bring LGBTQ plus visibility to Utah
by distributing rainbow flags. It was founded by Lucas Horns,
(29:40):
inspired by the idea of creating a visible symbol of
support during Pride Week. The project expanded from staking flags
to a broader mission of fostering inclusion and supporting LGBTQ
plus groups through the community fund. PRU partners with local
organizations and schools, raising funds to promote lgbtqu plus visibility
across the state. Now delivering thousands of fl and awarding
(30:00):
grants to community initiatives. So we have talked so much
about representation and just identifying markers that can be a
pretty huge deal. And I don't mean like in a
way of like ostracizing, but understanding that when we see
a rainbow flag, it kind of gives you a moment
of relief because you know what that represents that there's
at least someone who sees beyond the conservative side.
Speaker 3 (30:25):
We also know what we.
Speaker 2 (30:25):
See sometimes when we see mega flags. We know that
when they have Donald Trump, like the visualizations like this
are very very important and tell you kind of what
you might.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
Expect in that area.
Speaker 2 (30:38):
And so especially if you're in a very conservative area,
finding something like a rainbow flag, finding something like a
trans flag, finding something like asexual flags is nice to
see because it feels like you're being seen if you're
identify as one of these things. And so projects like
this are so important. We don't talk a lot about
this because it seems unlike the initial scale of like,
(31:01):
oh huh, interesting, this is what they're focused on, but
also remembering what this actually means. And then when people
find an acceptance level, especially in Utah, to be able
to identify people who may feel make you feel welcome,
that this may be a safe space for you, which
is hard to find sometimes. And again I think we
(31:23):
have to talk about how these types of campaign it's
important to help with the visibility and solidarity with a
queer community and why that is so important when oftentimes
we see big corporations who once upon a time use
that and then all of a sudden backed off real quick,
you know, And so be able to see someone who
actually sticks with that and sees that during times like this,
that is really flippit important.
Speaker 1 (31:46):
Yeah. Yeah. A couple of years ago, because there's been
a lot of pushback lately, we did a whole episode
about it against the Pride flag or any kind of
like queer flag. A couple of years ago. There was
a big conversation too about it was written by a
gay author and she was saying, one thing I cannot
(32:07):
stand is during Pride months, when I see a Pride
flag that's hanging and it's clear that it's just been unwrapped,
like it still has the creases in it, you know.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
Yeah, like keep that out all all year like yeah, time.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
So, yeah, having having those identifiers and having them remain
outside of like this one time period. It is really important,
it is.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
And yeah, so again I think it's important we have
organizations like this that make it their mission that people
know where their safe spaces are them And then also
(32:59):
from Utah we have in Circle and this is from
their site in Circle together dot org.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
At Incircle, our.
Speaker 2 (33:05):
Goal is to provide support to every LGBTQ plus young
person in Utah. In order to accomplish this, we focus
on loving and accepting all of our guests without judgment
wherever they are at their journey. So part of their
stories talks about how a mother was looking at the
suicide rate of the queer community and how appalling was
(33:27):
to see such a large amount of numbers for the
lgbtq I A plus youth who increasingly have no support
and are often times suicidal and die by suicide. And
so she really wanted to make an impact with groups
like this and ensuring that they have programs that help
and offer treatment for these kids. So a lot of
(33:48):
this offers not only support group and activities for young kids.
It helps connecting families and allies, gets resources to adults.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
It has therapy. They have different levels of their.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Support with including one on one sessions, crisis resources. They
have scholarships for those who need the assistance in order
to get therapy. It's really good to see these types
of programs and people understanding out of like working out
of compassion and able to save lives. So these are
things that are saving lives and doing it in a
(34:21):
way that benefits a whole community and a group of people.
It's really beautiful to see. And if you go on
their side, they do have a gallery that offers different
types of artwork that you can buy. I don't know,
I'm assuming.
Speaker 4 (34:38):
It's from the LGBTQ artists and there's some expensive art
right here, but there's some really gorgeous art and I
kind of want it, and the one I picked out
is too expensive.
Speaker 3 (34:50):
For me good taste. Well, I can't afford that one
that was a good one.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
But yeah, there's some really beautiful art that I should
to help support them as well in their work. So
you should definitely go and check it out. Uh, it's
gorgeous to see. I love seeing that they have different
organizations like this again and then having artists from their
community being profiled and being able.
Speaker 3 (35:16):
To buy their arts. It's nice. That's one of those
nice moments.
Speaker 2 (35:22):
And then we also have Wyoming and that is we
got an organization called Wyoming Equality, which I'm trying to
figure out. Maybe y'all can tell me because a lot
of them are like Wyoming Equality or alliances at the blot.
Speaker 3 (35:35):
I'm like, is that a bigger chapter the national chapters? Maybe?
Speaker 2 (35:41):
Anyway, Okay, but anyway, coming back, uh, one day y'all
have I'll have all of those answers. But Wyoming there
we Wyoming Equality. Their mission is to strive to achieve
equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgend or two BID
and queer Wyoming Nights by building broad and inclusive communities,
(36:03):
shifting the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieving
policy victories. It started in nineteen eighty seven when a
group of LGBTQ Wyoming Heights in Cheyenne and Laramie planned
an annual camping trip called Rendezvous. They sought to create
a space where they could be authentic, welcomed, and enjoy
the outdoors in their states. Again, I love the outdoors
(36:26):
aspect of those because even though we're in Georgia, I
don't do a lot of outdoor stuff. But I guess
if you're in the Rockies, it's inevitable.
Speaker 1 (36:35):
Well yeah, and we did a whole episode on an
organization from here. We had to heal about just the
importance of getting outside if you have any I mean
in general, but if you have any anything that you're
struggling with, it's just yeah, it's good for you.
Speaker 3 (36:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (36:56):
And if you want to be a part of Rendezvous,
because they still do it. It is a five day
LGBTQ camp out in the Medicinal Bow National Forest between
Laramie and Cheyenne and Wyoming is a friendly, safe, LGBTQ
in affirming environment for all adults from everywhere. Pitch a tent,
bring an r V, and get ready for five days
of making new friends with celebrating pride Wyoming style. So Anie,
(37:22):
if you want to go into your camping phase again.
Speaker 3 (37:27):
Or just start one. I guess I was in it
for like two days. You're in you should do this one.
This is the one.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
But they also have different events like comedy showcases, they
have music fests, they have DJ party, see a dance party,
so really fun times on that if you all want
to join. And then we come to New Mexico, which
we're going to talk about both features, but within their organization,
(37:59):
we actually want to talk about the Queer and Trans Circle.
So here's what they write on Bold Futures. So Bold
Features inm dot org writes this Queer Trans or QT
Circle is a leadership group created to provide a safe
space for healing, sharing and joy for queer and trans
communities in New Mexico, with a focus on Black, Indigenous
(38:20):
and people of color.
Speaker 3 (38:21):
Communities or by BOCK.
Speaker 2 (38:23):
Our leaders are experienced and knowledgeable individuals who are active
in their respect to communities. We offer a reliable meeting space,
both virtual and person to ensure that our leaders feel
supported in derogating their daily lives. So this is a
specific organization within Bold Futures, which is an intersectional group
that specifically focuses on women, native and in marginalized communities
and people of color that work in New Mexico.
Speaker 3 (38:46):
So we'd love to see it.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
They have a lot of collaborations that work with the
Transgender Resource Center and Equality in New Mexico, Levito Project
and Las Cruz as well as New mexicowomen dot org.
It's really cool to see when you see like giant
organizations or good organizations like this built up and build
even more within their communities and making a specific like
(39:11):
for trains and queer people in this type of bipod community.
So we love to see it. You should definitely check
them out. They have again that they have those leadership
meetings and virtual meetings. They have the collaborations which is
really really important. If you want to go look at
Bold Futures themselves again Bold Futures in dot org. They
(39:34):
talk about what they do and the policy changes that
they are seeking to make in New Mexico. There's a
lot happening in New Mexico for sure, and this organization
has been around for like twenty five years, so they've
been doing a lot of good work and.
Speaker 3 (39:48):
We love to see it. We do.
Speaker 2 (39:53):
Again small lest any So if y'all have some more
organizations that you want to talk about or tell us about,
please send them in.
Speaker 1 (40:01):
Yes, we are planning on shouting out those organizations soon.
So yes, thank you to the people who've already written us,
and we'll continue to do so. But if you want
to get it in soon this edition, yeah then I
would I would write soon is what I would say. Yes, well,
(40:26):
thank you so much to the work all of these
organizations are doing and to you listeners. As always, if
you would like to contact us, you can email us
at Stuffwenever Told You dot com. You can find us
some Blue Sky at mom Stuff podcast or on Instagram
and TikTok at stuff We Never Told You. We're also
on YouTube. We have some merchandise at comp Bureau, and
(40:47):
we have a book you can get wherever you get
your books. Thanks as always to our super producers Casey
Chandler and Rema and our executive producer Maya. Thank you,
and thanks to you for listening Stuff I Never Told
you this ptiction.
Speaker 4 (40:59):
I Heart you.
Speaker 1 (40:59):
For more pcast from my Heart Radio, you can check
out the heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or if you
listen to your favorite shows,
Hey, this is Anny and Samantha and welcome to stuff.
When ever told you production, iHeart radio.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
And we are still slowly going through the country with
a very small list of wonderful queer organizations that have
been providing care, resources, support, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA
plus community as a series, because I knew it was
gonna be a series, and it's kind of nice to
be able to talk about good things when everything sits
(00:39):
upside down. Although there's been some good news as of
late from the Supreme Court.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Stuff surprising, Yeah, I know, very surprising. Unfortunately, unfortunately that's
where we are.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
But we take the victories where we can, we take
the good news where we can, and this is some
of the good news. This is some of the good organizations.
And yeah, for today we are talking about some of
the organizations from the Mountain States, which I really didn't
know much about, including the fact that this is what
the area was called. Nor did I know that the
(01:16):
Rocky Mountains went through Nevada, New Mexico.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Yep, I'm okay, it's okay, I'm okay.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Between this series and the World Cup, I have realized geography.
It is Mike helly seals. That's the same, right, am
I beginning the crazy No? No, no, that's the same.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Okay, thank you, but enough about my ignorance. We're gonna
jump into it. Yes, And as a reminder, this is
a small, very small list that is focused on specific
organizations that work exclusively with their community area and not
typically national chapters, or at least that is our intentions,
(01:53):
because I don't realize sometimes.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
That they are part of the national chapter.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
And I was like, oh, well, silly me, because I've
never heard of these organizations, including Gays for Good, had
no idea it was a national organization, but it popped
up on my feet. I was like, oh, this is fun,
and found out there's many chapters. We'll mention them, I think,
but I was like, hey, yes, there are a lot
of national chapters that are important. Don't get me wrong,
(02:18):
because having anything out there, p FLAG is one of
those prior organizations is one of those that really do
allow for a way to start organizations in otherwise areas
that might not have any But we do like talk
about the individual ones because obviously there's usually personal reasons
why that area started this specific type of organization, but
(02:42):
sometimes we don't realize it's not a very private organization
that makes sense. Yeah, okay, but with that love that
we do love hearing from you. If you know of
any out there. As always Susie, one of our longtime listeners, Hello,
already sent us one from the Midwest.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
We will shout that out soon. We appreciate all of that.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
So, yes, the Mountain stays just inclace you didn't know
include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Again, I don't know why I didn't.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Know this, And for this specific section, we're gonna start
with Colorado, which I did know.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Yes, I do know that the Rockies are there. That
I got.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
All right, there's a thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
So talking about specifically One Colorado, who offer many.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Different services throughout the state.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Here's what they say on their site, one dash Colorado
dot org. One Colorado is ad facing equity and freedom
for our LGBTQIA plus community. Through state policy, advocacy, healthcare,
and education. We progress the lived in legal equality for
LGBTQIA plus Colorado's to ensure our community's voices are heard
and represented within hells of power so that every Colorado
(04:01):
has the opportunity to thrive, and they have been quite
active in getting these things done within their state, including
getting legislation passed and codified, including on things like safer schools,
trans equality, and getting health care access.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
We love to see it.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
They've been doing great work since they are founded in
twenty ten and continue to seek equal rights for their community.
Their advocacy work, like their work for health equity, has
been at the forefront of their organization. A bit more
from their site, quote one Colorado's Health Equity Team advocates
for equitable and just health access and reduces barriers to
care for LGBTQ plus coloradins and youth. Our aim is
(04:39):
to do this work through education and advocacy in partnership
with our community. We prioritize protecting and explaining access to
quality healthcare for our transgender, non binary, and gender expansive community,
who faces heightened health disparities, barriers to care, and discrimination
in the current sociopolitical context.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
We believe that.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Our well being and liberation is deeply interconnected, and by
advocating for equity for one of us, we are advocating
for equity for all of us. This work is achieved
by uplifting community voices in our Community Advisory Group and
through public education, training and advocacy with healthcare spaces. So
I love that they do a lot of lobbying and
(05:17):
political work that just it seems so hard, like doing
work like that is so hard and so important. It
doesn't fill glamorous I think in comparison it doesn't for
me as a person who loved doing casework on the ground,
that would be my least.
Speaker 3 (05:34):
Ideal of advocating.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
But it's so important that so neat is so we
love seeing organizations like that. Another one in Colorado is
a Mountain Pride dot org and this is from their
site Mountain Pride dot org. We are devoted to establishing
supportive spaces, enhancing family acceptance, and improving access to resources.
Lgbtqia plus people in small towns and rural communities face
(05:58):
unique challenges and out and being out. Meanwhile, they frequently
live in communities with few or no resources for lgbtqia
plus people, forcing them to travel long distances to access
the services and care they need. Mountain Pride is addressing
these challenges by increasing year round programming for the lgbtqia
plus community. In addition to the annual Pride in the Park,
(06:21):
Mountain Pride is devoted to strengthening its foundation and expanding
its reach as an organization by establishing supportive safe spaces,
enhancing family acceptance and understanding, and offering access to education,
resources and programs. So organizations like this are so important
because they do start off with the idea of pride parades.
(06:42):
I've we've seen so many We've talked about so many
organizations that kind of just started out that way understanding
having big events really bring out earlayer of safety and
being seen, and then it kind of expands into community
providing advocacy and resources. And that's exactly what we love
to see as it continues to grow, and they have
(07:04):
added a lot of things including they have four key
pillars and how they're reaching out to the community. One
is education, educating those around them about LGBTQ plus communities
as well as those questioning that type of identity. They
work within their community as well. Advocacy and activism is
a big part of what they do, and of course
(07:25):
providing resources. So the organization began in twenty twenty in
Eagle County, and here's a bit about their history. They
say Eagle County Pride hosted a variety of social events
and meetings and self care activities such as yoga dancing classes.
Resulting from the success of our outrage efforts and the
desire to serve as a resource for the neighboring communities,
(07:46):
our organizations grew to serve not only the LGBTQIA communities
in Eagle County, but also the LGBTQIA plus communities throughout
the mountains of Colorado, prompting us to grow to be
a nonprofit and change our name to Mountain Pride. So, yeah,
we've talked about how access to these types of organizations
is hard when you have a spread out area like
(08:07):
Colorado we talked about in Tennessee, especially with like mountains
and the rural areas outside of the typical cities, it
is hard to get things like this, and it's so
important to see that they have expanded and willing to
expand to other areas. And yeah, you know, we love
to talking about some events. So if you're interested in
some of their events, they have crafting, We love that
hiking with Pride, which we find in several different organizations
(08:30):
around us, which makes sense in the Mountain area. Yeah, yeah, yeah,
And they recently had an event called Pride in the
Park obviously to celebrate Pride Month, which included drag shows,
a Pausi show, which is a fashion show with pets. Yes, yes,
I love that, yoga, and so much more. So you
definitely if you're in that area or interested in providing
(08:53):
support to this type of community areas in this programs,
go check the Mountainpride dot org. So then we're jumping
to Montana. I knew that was also had mountains, so
that part I got. And they have an organization called
Big Sky Out. The organization was founded in twenty twenty three,
so pretty recent with a Pride march as we talked
(09:14):
about before, that went through the town of Big Sky.
So here's what they wrote on their site, Bigskyout dot org.
What started as a celebration of diversity and inclusion has
evolved into a dynamic force of positive change. Rooted in
the spirit of our inaugural Pride March, we have grown
into a dedicated collective of individuals committed to creating safer,
(09:35):
queer spaces for ourselves and our community. Through the organization
and hosting of queer events. We aim to promote unity,
celebrate diversity, and provide opportunities for meaningful connections. At the
core of our commitment is the promotion of inclusivity, acceptance,
and empowerment for LGBTQIA plus individuals, fostering a sense of
(09:55):
belonging and strength within our community. Together, we strive to
build a future where everyone can live authentically, free from discrimination.
We believe that the richness of our diversity is a
source of strength and resilience. So that's what they did,
and that's how they began to really flourish in that area.
And of course again they have some amazing events again
(10:16):
including Pride marches, but they also have game nights, they
have after school programs for young adults, and local events
like pond skim, which, by the way, that took me
on a whole thing that I knew nothing about, pregaming,
which again I had to research, cause what is this.
It doesn't explain this in their side because obviously if
you're from there, you know what this is.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
But if you're not from there, like us.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
It is a spring at end of spring celebration where
they get dressed up in costumes and ski or snowboard
across a man made pond and try not to sink.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
That sounds hard, right, It's frozen, y'all. It's frozen. That's
the big I left that part out is frozen.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
It's frozen, I think, I believe, which I would go
see if I live there. And also if it wasn't
too cold, like it was cold, you better give me
some hot chocolate, I'd be happy probably. But they also
with this, they also host ice skating and book clubs,
and as such, they also have a lot more stuff
because they're based in Montana. I believe one of the
(11:23):
events have something to do with guns safety and registering.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
That makes sense to me.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
They have a lot of other book swaps, a lot
of other items.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
So they are very Montana. I love it. Yes, that's
what I would imagine with Montana, to be honest. Yeah,
makes sense.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
The again, the pond skim thing, maybe it's not frozen.
I thought it was frozen it looked like because I
originally thought it was like a polar brid bear punge
type of thing. Yeah, you know talking about Oh yeah,
I love events like that.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
I love niche events. Man, it's so fun.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Anyway, so and then with that also in Montana is
Queer Alliance and this is from Montana Queer Alliance dot org.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
They write at MQA.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Our mission is to uplift the safety, identity, and well
being of the LGBTQIA, two s plus and bipod people
across rural and tribal Montana by providing culturally responsive advocacy
and care and community driven programs that build long term
relationships and resilience. We do justice oriented work through community care,
removing barriers, reducing harm, and building community led pathways to safety, stability,
(12:29):
and belonging across rural and tribal Montana. We center the
voices of those most marginalized, promoting healing, resilience, and justice
through compassionate care, advocacy and community connection. So I think
that's really important that they work so well and obviously
are very inclusive of the Indigenous community there. I think
we've talked about that about this before, how the Indigenous community,
(12:52):
how were the basis of understanding the fluidity of sexuality
and gender. So we love seeing them being included in
any of these programs and understanding that they are the
forefront of all this. They offer different programs such as
housing programs, affirming clothing, closets, sci testing, and community education.
(13:12):
And of course they do offer different events including services
for the indigenous community to get together and have conversations
and social gatherings.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
And they do resource and job fares, which.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
I don't think that's talked about enough. That needs to
be done in so many of these communities. So with that,
let's move on to Idaho. This is obviously not geographical
because you know, I'm hopping everywhere on this region haha.
So next we have Idaho. First, we have trans Afirm, Inc.
And here's what they say on their site transafarm dot org.
(13:44):
Trans Affirm exists to expand access to life safing resources, farming, care, education, advocacy,
and community connection for transgender and gender diverse people in Idaho,
especially those in rural and underserved areas. As a pioneer
in trans gender firmiccare in Idaho, we are dedicated to
providing essential resources and support. At trans Affirm, we are
(14:06):
committed to supporting transgender and gender diverse individuals by offering
different resources and yeah, so they offer different services in
their community, including transitionwear Access, where they provide free clothing
including binders, and tucking underwear, and they do it in
a safe environment for everyone, including I believe they teach
(14:30):
how to wear these things without harming themselves as well.
They also do it where they feel safe, so they
do like measuring and everything to get their exact types
if they need to do ordering and such. So I'd
love to see that. They offer grants as well as
support groups, and then they offer community outreach and education
as well, So we love that. We love that they're
(14:51):
offering these type of services that are so often needed
because people don't know oftentimes how to even start.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
So this is beautiful Sea.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Some of their events include support groups providing safe bathroom lists,
which I'm not gonna lie after reading what they did
with this, it really made it kind of hurt my
heart a little bit because they're talking about how Idaho
and many of those so many places in the country
are starting to pull back on bathroom access for trans
(15:21):
people and taking away those rights again and really doing
that really harmful narrative about trans women and transmn and
different bathrooms. So they have started doing a list where
people from around the country or from around that area
can provide places that have safe bathrooms that they can
go to. So it's good that they have this, but
(15:43):
it's heartbreaking that they have to have this.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
So I wanted this to be an option on YELP
years ago, Yeah, where people could report like what kind
of is it a gender neutral bathroom or kind of Well,
the bathroom situation.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Yeah, we haven't talked about that in a while, and
we do need to come back and talking about a
lot of legislation when he comes to queer communities, including
the trans people, because we know what's happening. But just recently,
like there's a whole conversation not it had nothing to
do with trans people. It had to do with a
father taking his daughters to the women's bathroom and a
(16:19):
dude freaking out. He had nothing to do this, by
the way, do it this, by the way, He just
freaked out talking about he needs to get out of
the bathroom. And from what I can gather, both probably
are fairly conservative people, but he did not want to
take his girls into the men's bathroom with open ural
rules probably gross and dirty year because they were, like
you know, probably five or six years old, So that
made perfect sense, and like no one really cared outside
(16:43):
of him that one dude and like this is what
we're having, this conversation about why having this narrative is
bad for everyone.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
Yeah, and you and I talked about it forever ago.
But one of the I think I have someone that
we were in New York and you said, I'm realizing
one of the other reasons that the wait's always longer
for the women's bathroom is because women are usually tasked
with taking the kids to that bathroom, and so uh
(17:13):
to see the flip of that with a man taking
his daughters to to a woman's restroom, that's yeah, yeah,
it's a lot to unpack in this conversation.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
There's several but yeah, there's several points on this.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
It's like, we definitely need more options with bathrooms, Like
this is a whole thing.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
All that to.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Say is like it it's disappointing that we're having to
have this conversation in general book, you know.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
But moving on.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
They also do have things like coffee meetups and youth meetups,
and I love a.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
Good coffee meetup for anyone, so that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
And then also they in Idaho, they have an organization
called Clutch, which is an LGBTQIA plus youth community youth
community organization in Idaho, and this is from their site
Clutch Nampa dot org, which is the area. Clutch is
a volunteer led nonprofit committed to creating an affirming space
(18:09):
in Idaho for LGBTQ plus youth and beyond. Our vision
is for our LGBTQ plus community to be empowered to
live authentically. Our dedicated team of background checked adults is
passionate about fostering community. When you come to Clutch, you
can expect a friendly face, a meal, and a fun activity.
From crafts and movies to trivia and board games. There's
(18:31):
always something exciting happening.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
So I love that. I also love the term clutch.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Apparently they use that term specifically, like the clutch, like
it's clutch all those things or push you together, keeps
you together and keeps you moving. So it's like, ah,
I like that and a bit more information. They says
they were born out of desire to be better for
the LGBTQ plus youth in Nampa community. Initially the brainchild
(18:57):
of a local mom who wished for more safe places
for her transender daughter, this group became a laborer love
for a small team of queer adults and allies in
March twenty twenty two. So I love that, like this
came out of a need.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
I don't love that, but I love that they did
something about it.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Yeah, yeah, but the fact that they were able to
come together, they were able to do it is nice.
They're actually currently looking to get a permanent space, so
building an area or a nest so they can expand
their services, including a kitchen to provide those meals, or
even teach cooking classes, which I think is really important.
Food plaanetry, clothing closet, counseling, and activity space for these youth.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
It would be lovely to see.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
I think they had a pretty big goal of five
hundred thousand dollars and it taste a lot of money
to build up an ideal situation for a nonprofit organization.
I think there are like thirty five thousand at this point,
So if you're interested in supporting that, you should.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
There are other ways to volunteer.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
But I love when I see organizations that's continue us
to grow. There's something heartening to know that people are
supporting that. So let's move on to Nevada. They have
(20:17):
the Pride Tree, which is a nonprofit located in Las
Vegas that provides services for the lgbtqia plus youth in
their area. So this is from their site, the prietrelv
dot com, in which they talk about their vision and
their mission and they write, our vision is a future
in which differences are embraced, valued and respected.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
We seek to build a world.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Where youth have the freedom to grow and thrive as themselves,
safely and without fear. Our mission is to create safe
environments where young lgbtqia plus people, genior nonconforming kids, and
their allies can build community while learning about themselves. We
strive to create programming that encourage growth and mental wellness
and community involvement. So one of the biggest programs that
(20:59):
they provide is called Camp Pride Tree, which they describe
like this. It offers LGBTQ plus youth and allies the
full joy of a traditional summer camp, minus the gender
norms that often come with it. It's a space where
campers can be their full, authentic selves while building space, leaderships,
and a strong sense of community.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
I love that. I think having.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
Those sleep away camps and go away camps have been amazing.
I'm sure that being young adults being with people that
wouldn't judge them and having a fun time and having
the regulation against of a camp must be amazing. They
did seem to offer kind of like a different one
for the transit and non gender conforming groups. So I
(21:46):
guess if you wanted something a little more to that,
you can choose to go there. I have a feeling
you also choose to go to the other ones as well,
but if you need a more of safe space in
a way, and then we have our center based out
of Reno and this from their site our center Reno
dot org. Our mission is to maintain a safe, empowering
(22:07):
and supportive center for the LGBTQ plus community and allies
that addresses advocacy, education, and services. We seek to build,
connect and strengthen the LGBTQ plus community through the community building,
art and cultural programming, and inclusive activities. So this was
grown out of the closure of another program in that area.
(22:28):
The center was founded to help fill that gap after
that center closed down in the community and they gathered
a lot of support for the queer community with that.
So some of the programs include trans Youth Support, TRANSPEED
to peer groups, Queer student unions, coffee time and social
gatherings for senior queer community members, and health initiatives like
(22:50):
sci testing and recovery for those who may have addictions
and such. I did see. I think it is interesting
because we know Nevada and like Las Vegas, they're pretty
like city growth type of community, so they did have
a lot of like alcohol abuse, drug abuse, any of
those type of addiction recovery centers and specific to the
(23:12):
LGBTQIA plus community that's geared specifically for them, which I
think is important because it does provide a safe space
for them to talk about something that is very vulnerable
on top of being a vulnerable community. But I did
find that interesting and it's good to see that they
are addressing the issues of their specific area, which is
why we're talking about these things. They also offer different
(23:35):
groups like Rainbow Rangers, which encourage outdoor events like plant
walks and nature walks and outdoor exploration, so that's something
that you want to do outside of the lot is huge.
Speaker 1 (23:48):
A lot of our states are huge. Yeah, I've enjoyed
there are many things I've enjoyed about tourists, World Cup,
tourists reacting to America, but one of the ones I've
enjoyed is they're like, how.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
How long have we been driving through this one state? Yes?
Long time welcome.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
Yes, some of them have two time zones year, well
if not three. So now we are headed down to Arizona.
Down over over.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
It's kind of it's down from Nevada. Yeah, okay, it's
the top of the Grand Canyon, miss Set, Nevada and
the southern part of it is in Arizona.
Speaker 3 (24:33):
Geography.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
So we are now headed down to Arizona starting with
Trans Queer Pablo and then this is from their site
tq Pueblo dot org. Trans Queer Pablo is a base
building racial engineer justice organization that is collectively governed by
a growing membership of three hundred plus trains and queer,
undocumented and documented migrants and people of color in Phoenix
(24:56):
who organize to transform our city toward a fellowship family, community, autonomy,
self determination, and liberation. So obviously this is one of
those organizations that did have like trans communities, but they
have become even bigger. They have gone beyond with that
intersectional net level of need understanding they're going to have
to address so many issues, so they're quickly adjusting as
(25:19):
the needs are changing, and they've been doing some great
work for the queer migrant community, including medical clinics for
undocumented migrants, legal and direct support for incarcerated queer focus
including those in ice detention facilities around the area. They
offer different services including clinics, information sessions, educational sessions, and
(25:39):
even picnics so when they can go and actually enjoy
their time, they can do things like this and gatherings
for the LGBTQIA migrant communities. So some of the things
that I've been seeing on there that they have tried
to focus a little more on the ice, the tensions
as well as those being incarcerated, because we know when
(26:00):
it comes to the statistics, incroceration for migrant and people
of color are ridiculous. So with that, seeing organizations like
this do their work has been phenomenal. Next, we are
talking about the Arizona one in ten, so one inn
(26:20):
ten like the letter in just in case because I
can't show you what it's written on my outline, which
is a youth and young adult organization. So from their site,
one in ten dot org founded in nineteen ninety three
by a group of volunteers, One in ten has been
a beacon of hope for LGBTQ plus youth in Arizona
(26:40):
for over three decades.
Speaker 3 (26:42):
Which is a really long time.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ plus youth,
One in ten began offering essential support through group of
meetings and resources. Over the years, One Intent has grown
alongside the needs of LGBTQ plus youth and young adults,
expanding our programs and reach. From humble beginnings, One Intent
has become a state wide leader in fostering safe spaces
(27:04):
and empowering LGBTQ plus youth. Today, One Intent's legacy continues
to grow, providing critical services through the Downtown Phoenix Youth Center,
statewide satellite sites, outdoor venture programs, as well as the
housing and workforce programs. As our story continues to unfold,
one thing remains constant, our unwavering dedication to empowering LGBTQ
(27:25):
plus youth to thrive and reach their full potential. So
their organizations offer different programs as well, including life skills workshops,
housing assistants, and they also offer a camp. Their camp
is called Camp Outdoors, which is a subber camp that
gives youth opportunities to go out and develop leadership skills
and be able to hang out with the youths like
(27:46):
themselves and do a lot of creative tasks, and they
get to really explore and just live a good childhood
and childhood experience, those teenage experiences, and I love that
for them.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
I've only gone to a few church camps.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
I remember to enjoying them, also being embarrassed because of
the religious religiosity of it all.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
But it's okay, that was dramatic. I'll tell you the
other stuff.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Yeah, Like I've went to one religious one. I wasn't religious,
but my friend was and it was awkward, and I
went to one I went to space camp. I loved,
but I do think, you know, it's really fun doing
these things, but it's also awkward when your body is
like changing, and because I remember my pajamas got soaked
(28:32):
at space camp and they smelled strange after they dried,
and I couldn't do anything about it. So I was
like the girl who kind of smells change at night.
So it's one of those things, and it is kind
of a quintessential.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
This stose experience.
Speaker 2 (28:48):
Hopefully you're not bullied, but you're having a kid tab
with new friends that you make.
Speaker 3 (28:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
I think there's some really beautiful memories to be found
and friendships to be found, but a lot of awkwardness.
Speaker 3 (29:00):
Can have Yes, yes, yes, old of that space camp.
I trying to remember if I went to a four
he camp. Maybe I really don't.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
There's a small bitom bag in my head think that
tells me I might have gone to.
Speaker 3 (29:12):
A fourage camp. I could, I could see it. I
was being in fourge for yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:19):
Anyway, moving on, then we have Utah and we were
talking about Project Rainbow and this is from their site
Project Rainbow Utah dot org. Project Rainbow Utah PRU began
as an initiative to bring LGBTQ plus visibility to Utah
by distributing rainbow flags. It was founded by Lucas Horns,
(29:40):
inspired by the idea of creating a visible symbol of
support during Pride Week. The project expanded from staking flags
to a broader mission of fostering inclusion and supporting LGBTQ
plus groups through the community fund. PRU partners with local
organizations and schools, raising funds to promote lgbtqu plus visibility
across the state. Now delivering thousands of fl and awarding
(30:00):
grants to community initiatives. So we have talked so much
about representation and just identifying markers that can be a
pretty huge deal. And I don't mean like in a
way of like ostracizing, but understanding that when we see
a rainbow flag, it kind of gives you a moment
of relief because you know what that represents that there's
at least someone who sees beyond the conservative side.
Speaker 3 (30:25):
We also know what we.
Speaker 2 (30:25):
See sometimes when we see mega flags. We know that
when they have Donald Trump, like the visualizations like this
are very very important and tell you kind of what
you might.
Speaker 3 (30:37):
Expect in that area.
Speaker 2 (30:38):
And so especially if you're in a very conservative area,
finding something like a rainbow flag, finding something like a
trans flag, finding something like asexual flags is nice to
see because it feels like you're being seen if you're
identify as one of these things. And so projects like
this are so important. We don't talk a lot about
this because it seems unlike the initial scale of like,
(31:01):
oh huh, interesting, this is what they're focused on, but
also remembering what this actually means. And then when people
find an acceptance level, especially in Utah, to be able
to identify people who may feel make you feel welcome,
that this may be a safe space for you, which
is hard to find sometimes. And again I think we
(31:23):
have to talk about how these types of campaign it's
important to help with the visibility and solidarity with a
queer community and why that is so important when oftentimes
we see big corporations who once upon a time use
that and then all of a sudden backed off real quick,
you know, And so be able to see someone who
actually sticks with that and sees that during times like this,
that is really flippit important.
Speaker 1 (31:46):
Yeah. Yeah. A couple of years ago, because there's been
a lot of pushback lately, we did a whole episode
about it against the Pride flag or any kind of
like queer flag. A couple of years ago. There was
a big conversation too about it was written by a
gay author and she was saying, one thing I cannot
(32:07):
stand is during Pride months, when I see a Pride
flag that's hanging and it's clear that it's just been unwrapped,
like it still has the creases in it, you know.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
Yeah, like keep that out all all year like yeah, time.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
So, yeah, having having those identifiers and having them remain
outside of like this one time period. It is really important,
it is.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
And yeah, so again I think it's important we have
organizations like this that make it their mission that people
know where their safe spaces are them And then also
(32:59):
from Utah we have in Circle and this is from
their site in Circle together dot org.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
At Incircle, our.
Speaker 2 (33:05):
Goal is to provide support to every LGBTQ plus young
person in Utah. In order to accomplish this, we focus
on loving and accepting all of our guests without judgment
wherever they are at their journey. So part of their
stories talks about how a mother was looking at the
suicide rate of the queer community and how appalling was
(33:27):
to see such a large amount of numbers for the
lgbtq I A plus youth who increasingly have no support
and are often times suicidal and die by suicide. And
so she really wanted to make an impact with groups
like this and ensuring that they have programs that help
and offer treatment for these kids. So a lot of
(33:48):
this offers not only support group and activities for young kids.
It helps connecting families and allies, gets resources to adults.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
It has therapy. They have different levels of their.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Support with including one on one sessions, crisis resources. They
have scholarships for those who need the assistance in order
to get therapy. It's really good to see these types
of programs and people understanding out of like working out
of compassion and able to save lives. So these are
things that are saving lives and doing it in a
(34:21):
way that benefits a whole community and a group of people.
It's really beautiful to see. And if you go on
their side, they do have a gallery that offers different
types of artwork that you can buy. I don't know,
I'm assuming.
Speaker 4 (34:38):
It's from the LGBTQ artists and there's some expensive art
right here, but there's some really gorgeous art and I
kind of want it, and the one I picked out
is too expensive.
Speaker 3 (34:50):
For me good taste. Well, I can't afford that one
that was a good one.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
But yeah, there's some really beautiful art that I should
to help support them as well in their work. So
you should definitely go and check it out. Uh, it's
gorgeous to see. I love seeing that they have different
organizations like this again and then having artists from their
community being profiled and being able.
Speaker 3 (35:16):
To buy their arts. It's nice. That's one of those
nice moments.
Speaker 2 (35:22):
And then we also have Wyoming and that is we
got an organization called Wyoming Equality, which I'm trying to
figure out. Maybe y'all can tell me because a lot
of them are like Wyoming Equality or alliances at the blot.
Speaker 3 (35:35):
I'm like, is that a bigger chapter the national chapters? Maybe?
Speaker 2 (35:41):
Anyway, Okay, but anyway, coming back, uh, one day y'all
have I'll have all of those answers. But Wyoming there
we Wyoming Equality. Their mission is to strive to achieve
equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgend or two BID
and queer Wyoming Nights by building broad and inclusive communities,
(36:03):
shifting the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieving
policy victories. It started in nineteen eighty seven when a
group of LGBTQ Wyoming Heights in Cheyenne and Laramie planned
an annual camping trip called Rendezvous. They sought to create
a space where they could be authentic, welcomed, and enjoy
the outdoors in their states. Again, I love the outdoors
(36:26):
aspect of those because even though we're in Georgia, I
don't do a lot of outdoor stuff. But I guess
if you're in the Rockies, it's inevitable.
Speaker 1 (36:35):
Well yeah, and we did a whole episode on an
organization from here. We had to heal about just the
importance of getting outside if you have any I mean
in general, but if you have any anything that you're
struggling with, it's just yeah, it's good for you.
Speaker 3 (36:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (36:56):
And if you want to be a part of Rendezvous,
because they still do it. It is a five day
LGBTQ camp out in the Medicinal Bow National Forest between
Laramie and Cheyenne and Wyoming is a friendly, safe, LGBTQ
in affirming environment for all adults from everywhere. Pitch a tent,
bring an r V, and get ready for five days
of making new friends with celebrating pride Wyoming style. So Anie,
(37:22):
if you want to go into your camping phase again.
Speaker 3 (37:27):
Or just start one. I guess I was in it
for like two days. You're in you should do this one.
This is the one.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
But they also have different events like comedy showcases, they
have music fests, they have DJ party, see a dance party,
so really fun times on that if you all want
to join. And then we come to New Mexico, which
we're going to talk about both features, but within their organization,
(37:59):
we actually want to talk about the Queer and Trans Circle.
So here's what they write on Bold Futures. So Bold
Features inm dot org writes this Queer Trans or QT
Circle is a leadership group created to provide a safe
space for healing, sharing and joy for queer and trans
communities in New Mexico, with a focus on Black, Indigenous
(38:20):
and people of color.
Speaker 3 (38:21):
Communities or by BOCK.
Speaker 2 (38:23):
Our leaders are experienced and knowledgeable individuals who are active
in their respect to communities. We offer a reliable meeting space,
both virtual and person to ensure that our leaders feel
supported in derogating their daily lives. So this is a
specific organization within Bold Futures, which is an intersectional group
that specifically focuses on women, native and in marginalized communities
and people of color that work in New Mexico.
Speaker 3 (38:46):
So we'd love to see it.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
They have a lot of collaborations that work with the
Transgender Resource Center and Equality in New Mexico, Levito Project
and Las Cruz as well as New mexicowomen dot org.
It's really cool to see when you see like giant
organizations or good organizations like this built up and build
even more within their communities and making a specific like
(39:11):
for trains and queer people in this type of bipod community.
So we love to see it. You should definitely check
them out. They have again that they have those leadership
meetings and virtual meetings. They have the collaborations which is
really really important. If you want to go look at
Bold Futures themselves again Bold Futures in dot org. They
(39:34):
talk about what they do and the policy changes that
they are seeking to make in New Mexico. There's a
lot happening in New Mexico for sure, and this organization
has been around for like twenty five years, so they've
been doing a lot of good work and.
Speaker 3 (39:48):
We love to see it. We do.
Speaker 2 (39:53):
Again small lest any So if y'all have some more
organizations that you want to talk about or tell us about,
please send them in.
Speaker 1 (40:01):
Yes, we are planning on shouting out those organizations soon.
So yes, thank you to the people who've already written us,
and we'll continue to do so. But if you want
to get it in soon this edition, yeah then I
would I would write soon is what I would say. Yes, well,
(40:26):
thank you so much to the work all of these
organizations are doing and to you listeners. As always, if
you would like to contact us, you can email us
at Stuffwenever Told You dot com. You can find us
some Blue Sky at mom Stuff podcast or on Instagram
and TikTok at stuff We Never Told You. We're also
on YouTube. We have some merchandise at comp Bureau, and
(40:47):
we have a book you can get wherever you get
your books. Thanks as always to our super producers Casey
Chandler and Rema and our executive producer Maya. Thank you,
and thanks to you for listening Stuff I Never Told
you this ptiction.
Speaker 4 (40:59):
I Heart you.
Speaker 1 (40:59):
For more pcast from my Heart Radio, you can check
out the heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or if you
listen to your favorite shows,
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