LGBTQ+ Resource & Supply Center
The Campaign for Southern Equality is distributing free health and wellness supplies, hot coffee, and good music.
The last few weeks have been devastating for Western NC, and many members of our community still lack access to critical infrastructure like water and power.
Many in our community need help as we all recover from the damage and trauma caused by the storm.
When natural disasters occur, LGBTQ+ folks can be impacted in compounding ways—because relief institutions and processes may not be built with our needs in mind, and past experiences can lead to discomfort with frontline relief institutions.
Many of our friends and neighbors in Asheville can’t get into their homes or have lost things in the flood, and getting in touch with therapists or doctors can be particularly challenging with reduced access to power, wifi, and cell service.
Many trans community members have reported particular challenges of feeling heightened gender dysphoria because of the hurdles to taking regular showers, washing gender-affirming clothing, and more.
The Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) is committed to helping Western NC through this crisis by opening a new LGBTQ+ Resource Center to help our community access essential supplies and support during this time. The center offers basic supplies and resources for LGBTQ+ and allied folks, queer-specific resources, and navigation support to help folks identify where else they can get help and better understand how our medical partners work. Plus, there will be fun music, coffee, and snacks to give folks an affirming, welcoming space to visit during this difficult time.
On top of this drop-in center, the center is assembling supply packages for local partners to distribute specifically to LGBTQ+ folks and allies in need. The CSE is working with Blue Ridge Pride, Tranzmission, and Youth OUTRight to coordinate a weekly schedule to amplify queer-led and queer-inclusive resource spaces. They’re also providing supplies to BeLoved’s Distribution Center and the Haywood Street Respite Center, both of which are working to get resources to unhoused, BIPOC, and low income folks.
The Campaign for Southern Equality Supply & Resource Center is located at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Visit southernequality.org/new-lgbtq-resource-center-at-cse for the schedule of events.
