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Friends,
I know it’s been a hard week. The combination of the physical changes of social distancing and general stress about the COVID-19 pandemic has been trying for everyone. We’ve also seen acts of love, kindness, and generosity both large and small as people navigate these waters together. Our hope is to bring more of that into the world right now.
Today we’re excited to announce the launch of The Front Porch: Virtual Gatherings for the #LGBTQSouth, a new initiative to support LGBTQ Southerners through the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual programming will include community support groups, skill-sharing and skill-building workshops, and presentations from practitioners in their fields. All members of the CSE community are invited to join, and all events are 100% free.
We’ve got a different virtual webinar every day this week. Click here to view the full calendar, detailed descriptions, and RSVP and dial-in information for the webinars, which will be hosted through Zoom. And please forward this message to anyone in your network who may be interested.
Here’s a snapshot of the first week of The Front Porch:
MONDAY – #LGBTQSouth Community Support Group
March 23 • 12:00 – 1:00pm ET
Gather with other LGBTQ Southerners for virtual time together without a formal agenda. As we all responsibly practice social distancing, it’s more important than ever to seek out new ways to get connected, get to know each other, share how we’re feeling during this challenging time, and build community together. Kick off your week with this regular lunchtime gathering, organized and hosted by CSE’s Community Health Program Director Ivy Hill. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.
TUESDAY – Southern Equality Studios’ Queer Artist Meet-Up Goes Virtual
March 24 • 4:00 – 5:30pm ET
If you’re a queer artist in the South, join us for a virtual discussion about art and identity as it relates to the COVID-19 crisis. How does social distancing affect your art? How can art bring people together at a time like this? Southern Equality Studios has worked throughout 2019 and 2020 to create a space for queer Southern artists to gather and connect – how can we navigate the challenges of being unable to physically gather while welcoming the possibilities it brings for broader regional connection? This discussion will be facilitated by Al Murray, CSE’s Director of Engagement and Organizational Development, and Liz Williams, CSE’s Artist in Residence. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.
WEDNESDAY – Strategies for Getting Grounded & Staying Principled in Uncertain Times
March 25 • 4:00-5:30pm ET
Isolation can be hard, stillness can be difficult, and the anxiety that folks are experiencing around COVID-19 is real. Join CSE’s Director of Healing and Resilience, Holiday Simmons, for tips and strategies for reducing panic and stagnation, and increasing compassion and community. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.
THURSDAY – Informational Webinar on Rapid Response Grants for COVID-19 Emergency Assistance and Crisis Response Projects
March 26 • 12:00-1:00pm ET
This week the Campaign for Southern Equality will launch a rapid response grant round to move resources to individuals, families, and community organizations across the LGBTQ South who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune into this webinar to learn more, ask questions of the grantmaking team, and brainstorm ideas for grants, which will be distributed through CSE’s Southern Equality Fund. CSE’s Director of Policy & Programs Allison Scott, New Southern Leaders Fellow Wynston Sanders, and Community Organizer Leila Barazandeh will lead this webinar. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.
FRIDAY – J. Chong Eats: A Cooking Show for These Times
March 27 • 2:00-3:00pm ET
Join professional chef J. Chong, a CSE board member, for an accessible and fun take on healthy eating and easy recipes you can make at home. J. will prepare a meal in real time, answer your questions, and teach you strategies for staying fed and healthy in this era of social distancing. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.
Learn more about The Front Porch by clicking here – and if you're not on Facebook, you can view dial-in information there! Please use the form to let us know other programming that you may be interested in from the Campaign for Southern Equality.
Sending love and strength to y’all,
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Campaign for Southern Equality
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