Celebrating Pride, Healing Together: The Power of Community
Why Community Matters
Community is about more than just meeting people who share your identity – it’s about finding a place to be seen, accepted, and loved for who you are. Research shows that supportive communities can lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide for LGBTQ+ folks (The Trevor Project, 2023).
In rural spaces, building that sense of connection can take creativity and courage, but it’s worth it. A supportive community can help you:
✅ Feel validated and understood
✅ Share resources and knowledge
✅ Build resilience and hope
✅ Heal from shame or stigma
Finding or Building Community in the Holler
Here are some ways to find or create community, even if you’re in a rural or isolated area:
💜 Online spaces – From Facebook groups to Discord servers to LGBTQ+ subreddits, there are countless ways to find others who share your journey. Online spaces can feel just as real and supportive as in-person ones.
💜 Small, trusted circles – You don’t need a huge group to feel connected. Even one or two people who “get it” can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or someone you meet online, connection starts small.
💜 Local groups or events – While they might be rare, many rural areas have Pride events, PFLAG chapters, or LGBTQ-friendly faith communities. Check with local libraries, community centers, or online event calendars.
💜 Therapy as community support – Counseling can be a safe space to explore your identity, find validation, and build coping tools. It’s one-on-one, but it can be the foundation for feeling supported and seen.
Resources to Help You Connect
Here are some resources that can help you build resilience and find community:
🔹 National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network – Therapy resources and support for QTPOC
🔹 The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and resources for LGBTQ+ youth
🔹 Trans Lifeline – Peer support hotline run by and for trans people
🔹 PFLAG – Family and ally support to help navigate the challenges of coming out and living authentically
🔹Camp Beacon – https://www.campbeacon.org/ – Kentucky’s first summer camp for LGBTQ youth, fostering belonging, acceptance, and leadership
🔹CenterLink’s list of LGBT community centers in your state: https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters
🔹Lambda Legal help desk for legal assistance: https://www.lambdalegal.org/helpdesk
🔹Learn more about the laws and policies in your state: http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps
🔹 Q Chat Space – Live chat groups for LGBTQ+ teens, led by trained facilitators
🔹 Appalachian Queer Youth Summit – A space for queer youth to connect in Appalachia
🔹 Counseling in the Holler – My practice is here to offer a safe, affirming space to explore these topics and build resilience together.
A Personal Reflection
As someone who grew up in Eastern Kentucky, I know how hard it can be to feel like you’re the only one. But time and again, I’ve seen how community can heal – even when it’s just a small group of folks in a kitchen or a Zoom room, swapping stories and holding space for each other.
At Counseling in the Holler, I’m committed to creating a safe place for you to be fully you, and to helping you find the community you deserve. Healing doesn’t have to happen alone – and it shouldn’t.
Want to explore what safe, affirming support could look like for you?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health, addiction, discrimination, identity challenges, or just navigating life’s changes, please remember: you’re not alone. At Counseling in the Holler LLC, I’m here to offer compassionate support for folks across Kentucky—children and teens (ages 7-17), and adults (18+). Don’t hesitate to reach out. Healing and hope are possible, and I’m ready to walk alongside you.
“Together, we rise. Together, we heal.”
