POUGHKEEPSIE – Taconic Resources for Independence (TRI) will host its first LGBTQ+ ABILITIES Discussion and Support Group on March 10 beginning at 5:30 pm at its office on 82 Washington Street. TRI has partnered with the Kingston based Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center to form the group, which is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including people with disabilities. The group will meet at TRI on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30.
Agique Anderson (AJ), group facilitator says, “Topics range from disability identity, self-advocacy, gender Identity, to living independently. In addition to discussions, the group will present educational videos and incorporate games. We provide a safe space for everyone to express themselves freely and openly.”
30 percent of men and 36 percent of women who identify as LGBTQ+ also identify as having a disability (June 29, 2018 PRNewswire). This intersection of disability and LGBTQ underscores the need for more supports and services. However, both people who identify as LGBTQ and people who have disabilities traditionally face barriers to receiving the supportive services needed to stabilize them in their communities. According to a University of Chicago report, LGBTQ young adults had a 120 percent higher risk of reporting homelessness compared to youth who identified as heterosexual and cisgender.
“We are a group of people with different abilities and identities and together we strive to be productive members of our community,” notes AJ. We are not defined by our disabilities and identities, what defines us is our character and abilities. Our community is strongest when it is inclusive,” he adds.
The LQBQ group will meet at TRI on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to – 7:30. For more information and/or to request an accommodation, please call 845-452-3913.
