As executive director of Tumbleweed Runaway Program in Billings, MT, Sheri Boelter understands the challenges of serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in rural places.
Residents may hold onto traditional beliefs about gender and identity, making it less likely to find a visible, strong-knit LGBTQ community. Typically, rural service providers are also more limited and spread out, a situation that makes it harder for young people to get the services and support they need.
Based in a community where “you’re not likely to see same-sex couples walk down the street holding hands,” Boelter’s agency strives to help young people and their families overcome these obstacles by presenting itself as a safe, supportive environment for everyone. That message begins at Tumbleweed’s door, marked by the universal pink triangle and green circle depicting a safe zone for LBGTQ people and their allies.
Boelter shared four steps rural agencies can take to make their services and their communities welcoming to young people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
1. Extend your definition of family. Tumbleweed staff often bring in aunts, uncles and other relatives when helping a young person come out to or seek acceptance from their loved ones.
For more information about the first step, and to read the other three, go to: http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/news/2...le-rural-communities
Comments (0)