Author: Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

At The Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition, we are committed to building a supportive and enriching community abundant in opportunities for LGBTQQIA+ individuals and those with a stake in creating a more inclusive Lancaster County.

Free Twice Weekly Drop-In Rapid HIV Testing Clinic – Get Tested Today!

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

September 15, 2023

Get peace of mind and prioritize your wellbeing by getting tested for HIV at our new Free Rapid Walk-In HIV Testing Clinic in partnership with Alder Health Service.

When: 2nd and 4th Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: The Loop; 117 E Chestnut Street, 17602

Know your status within minutes with Alder Health Service’s rapid testing technology. Our trained professionals provide a safe and comfortable environment for free and confidential testing.

Spread the word and empower our community through knowledge and awareness. For more information about the Coalition, visit lgbtlancaster.org

Note: This service is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for concerns or questions.

Affordable Mental Health Therapy through Touchstone Foundation Fellowship Program

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

September 15, 2023

Seeking affordable mental health therapy? Look no further! Our partnership with the Touchstone Foundation Fellowship Program offers sliding-scale, 1:1 outpatient therapy!

Cassie Ellison (she/they), a compassionate expert, provides personalized support. Don’t let finances hold you back.

Schedule an appointment with Cassie today at 717-288-7926. Prioritize your well-being, because it matters.

Empowering the Community: Level Up & Launch Lancaster LGBTQ Coalition

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

September 15, 2023

As an integral part of the vibrant Lancaster community, Lancaster LGBTQ Coalition is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a recipient of the Level Up and Launch grant! This incredible opportunity, provided by One United Lancaster, recognizes our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ individuals in our city.

We are immensely grateful for the support that One United Lancaster has shown us. With their generous matching grant, they are doubling the impact of each donation made to our cause. We invite you to join us in making a difference by contributing to our efforts. You can donate directly by visiting this link — Make sure to check the “Apply this gift to your preferred Level Up & Launch fellow” checkbox, and select Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition!

Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting Lancaster.

Upholding Our Mission: Equality, Education, and Advocacy

At Lancaster LGBTQ Coalition, our mission has always been clear; to create a safe and equitable Lancaster County community where everyone is free to life courageous, full, and authentic lives. We strongly believe that our community deserves a safe, inclusive, and accepting environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms.

We are proud to share that our efforts have recently been recognized in a feature by One United Lancaster. The spotlight they have cast on our coalition and our goals has provided us with an incredible platform to share our story, and you can read the feature here.

We are thankful for the opportunity to share our message and accomplishments with the wider community. Through this feature, we hope to inspire others to join us in this vital mission of creating a more inclusive society for all.

Join Us: Make an Impact, Make a Difference

Creating change and fostering inclusivity is not a solo journey—it requires the collective effort of the entire community. Here are a few ways you can get involved and make a real difference:

  1. Donate: Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant impact in furthering our cause. Visit this donation link to support our initiatives and have your donation doubled by One United Lancaster.
  2. Spread the Word: Help us amplify our message by sharing our mission and accomplishments with friends, family, and on social media. Together, we can create a ripple effect of acceptance and understanding.
  3. Volunteer: We welcome passionate individuals who share our vision. If you have skills, time, or resources to contribute, please reach out to us at info@lgbtlancaster.org to explore volunteer opportunities.

By actively supporting the Lancaster LGBTQ Coalition, you become an essential part of our journey towards building a more inclusive and accepting community in Lancaster. Together, let’s empower each other, celebrate diversity, and create a brighter, more equitable future!

Join Lancaster Stands Up in Penn Square August 20th!

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

August 17, 2023

Lancaster Stands Up is organizing a rally in Penn Square to talk about the significance of The Fairness Act!

Join LSU downtown this upcoming Sunday, August 20th!

Speakers will include Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition’s Shannon Haley-Mize, and various LGBTQ+ LSU members.

Parents & Guardians of LGBTQ+ Children Are Invited to Our New Group!

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

August 14, 2023

Are you a parent of an LGBTQ+ child? Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition is starting a new parent group at The Loop community center downtown at 117 E Chestnut St.!

We will be meeting the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, starting August 15th — that’s this Tuesday!

Any parents, guardians, or caregivers of LGBTQ+ children are welcome to join us…. we hope to learn from and encourage each other as we love and support our children!

Behavioral Health & Wellness Clinic

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

July 13, 2023

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition is gearing up to launch a new behavioral health and wellness clinic; a much-needed addition to Lancaster’s healthcare community! Here’s some more information about the partnerships we’re forging and the health resources we’re planning to have on-site:

In partnership with Touchstone Foundation, we have the opportunity to offer therapy on a sliding scale. Funds will go directly to the clinician.

Valley Youth House will offer case management and housing services for LGBTQ+ youth up to age 24 one day per week!

We’re also thrilled to begin offering free walk-in rapid HIV testing provided by Alder Health starting September 18th!  Walk-in testing will be available from 2-6pm. From then on, we will continue to offer walk-in testing on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month:

  • September 18th
  • October 2nd and 16th
  • November 6th and 20th
  • December 4th and 18th

In partnership with Family Health Council, we will launch our Sexual Health and Wellness Program starting with our Prep program. The Prep program will focus on health education and outreach for LGBTQ+ teens.  

Finally, In partnership with AARP we will host a “Coffee and Conversation” series! Join us July 30th for Death Cafe: discussion around end of life planning and presentation from Melissa Ressler, Death Doula and ED of Lancaster Downtowners. Stay tuned for more info soon!

Wrath Month Open-Mic Recap

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

July 10, 2023

What originated in 2018 as a meme on the Queer internet, “Wrath Month” now represents a hopeful reality. Queer existence does not end in June. Wrath month is a time to continue the momentum of emotional acknowledgment, vulnerability, comfort, and energy we built during Pride. Wrath is personal, it is not in our calendars, or our history books, but is equally as important to acknowledge. It is opinionated, free thinking and free flowing. 

Last Friday, July 7th Kearasten Jordan hosted a QUEER WRATH MONTH OPEN-MIC; featuring performances from different artists of diverse backgrounds. This event raised awareness about issues that still need to be addressed such as discrimination, accessibility, the commercialization of our bodies and identities, and free access to information about gender and sexuality. 

What does Wrath mean to you? It’s all correct; this is what made an open-mic night fit so well with the concept of this Month. Wrath is whatever you, whatever I, whatever WE want it to be. July 7th was an opportunity to experiment, test the waters, and free your mind. Release your Wrath, whatever form it may take.

The open-mic took place at the Ware Center and was free and open to the public. We thank the Ware Center and fellow performers for granting us such a safe, comedic and enjoyable night. Thank you Kearasten, Audrie Marsh and Kyle Shahan for some phenomenal stand up. We would also like to thank and spotlight local artists Matty Geez and Dorrin Gingerich for presenting and sharing their artwork with the greater community.

Thank You Camaraderie Salon!

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

July 10, 2023

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition wants to send our gracious thanks to the (Queer-owned!) Camaraderie Salon for their generous fundraiser!

Check out their website and insta to learn more about this local barber + beauty stop in Downtown Lancaster!

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition Receives Generous Grants to Support Operations

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

June 28, 2023

The Lancaster LGBT Coalition is thankful and overjoyed to honor the following organizations who have granted funding to the Coalition’s cause for a more equitable Lancaster community.

We’d like to recognize the following organizations for their generosity:

  • Acts of Generosity
  • United Way’s “Level Up and Launch” Grant Program
  • AARP
  • And we’ve received joint funding from:
    • United Way
    • City of Lancaster
    • And others!

Combined, these organization have granted us over $125,000 dollars! These contributions will continue to provide the local Lancaster LGBTQ community with our Emergency HEART Housing program, Social Groups, and general operations!

To continue our efforts to creating a more equitable Lancaster consider Donating here!

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank these organizations and our community for their support. Through their combined generosity, we’re able to keep our doors open and our care flowing.