Public input is being sought from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on what services they’d like to see offered at a planned LGBT center in Suffolk.
The new center will offer services to the underserved Western Tidewater region, including the cities of Suffolk, Franklin, and the counties of Isle of Wight, Southampton County and surrounding areas.
“The closest center for those in Western Tidewater could be up to an hour drive or
longer in places like Norfolk or the peninsula,” said said Colby Miller, a partner in developing the community center. “We really want to bring those same services closer to home and offer support for our LGBT brothers and sisters right here in the Western Tidewater area,”
A needs assessment study is currently underway to provide input on the type of services the new community center should prioritize, such as free HIV/STD testing, access to PrEP (HIV prevention pill,) PEP (Post-Exposure Treatment,) primary care services, on-site pharmacy, and community/support groups.
LGBT centers are the most visible institutions and advocates for people in the LGBT community in areas where gay villages aren’t established. The centers help those that are discovering their sexuality or gender identity, people who suffer from AIDS/HIV and other STD’s, plays host to local pride events and cultural gatherings, town halls for
LGBT residents, and some are youth-centric “drop-in” locations for younger LGBT people under 30.
To continue following the progress of the Suffolk LGBT Center of Hampton Roads,
follow the center on Facebook.
