LGBTQIA Task Force Kicks Off!
Written by Victoria Berryhill
Violence and abuse is more pervasive in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) community as it is in other groups. The CDC’s 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found that the lifetime prevalence of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner was:
- 43.8% for lesbians
- 61.1 % for bisexual women
- 26% for gay men
- 37.3% for bisexual men
(Compared to 35% for heterosexual women and 29% for heterosexual men)
SAFE is committed to providing counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, and shelter for any individual who experiences violence and abuse, including those in the LGBTQIA community. SAFE has created a task force dedicated to ensuring survivors of the LGBTQIA community have a welcoming space on our campuses!
The LGBTQIA Task Force kicked off 2016 in a spectacular way: with a party in the SafePlace Community Room aimed at introducing more SAFE employees to the task force and increasing engagement. And it was by far a success! We revealed our new rack cards, created subcommittees, discussed yearlong goals, and had an overwhelming turnout. We were also lucky enough to have our LGBTQIA Task Force Kickoff Party sponsored by Celeste’s Natural Kitchen! Celeste prepared a delicious lunch for us, with vegetarian and gluten free options. We are so appreciative to Celeste for supporting us in our outreach and education efforts.
LGBTQIA rack cards were created to be shared during community education events and with our community partners. They include information on abuse tactics specific to LGBTQIA persons as well as resources at SAFE and in the community.
If you are a SAFE supporter or volunteer that would like to be more involved with the LGBTQIA task force, please email Erin Goodison at egoodison@safeaustin.org for more information! We have subcommittees focusing on internal training, community outreach and accessibility/inclusiveness. We would love for you to bring you expertise and passion to our taskforce!
SAFE also has a Black and African American Task Force, if you would like more information on that please contact hwashington@safeaustin.org.
