LGBTQ+ Advocacy

There are an estimated 382,000 LGBTQ residents (13+) of North Carolina and the percentage of adults who identify as LGBTQ in North Carolina (18+) is about 4% of the population (LGBT Demographic Data Interactive. (January 2019). Los Angeles, CA: The Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law.). Gender and sexual orientation can have significant impact on suicide risk, because of the social discrimination that LGBTQ youth experience. In North Carolina, 16% of high school students in 2017 reported seriously considering suicide. This figure included 12% of heterosexual students, and a staggering 43% of gay, lesbian, or bisexual students. (North Carolina Institute of Medicine, North Carolina Child Health Report Card, 2019). 

There is a regional gap in LGBTQ+ supportive services in Western North Carolina. By offering access to safe community spaces, wellness and therapeutic services, and queer-focused education, it addresses that need for the Jackson County community. Agencies in this area provide sliding-scale therapy services offered by LGBTQ+ clinicians to both youth and adults, they foster community building by hosting queer-focused events and support groups, and offer resources and education around LGBTQ+ issues. Sourced from Cornbread & Roses and Sylva Pride staff.

Community Partners that actively work with WCU in the LGBTQ+ Advocacy focus area are listed below. If you are interested in working on a project with one of these organization, please contact the CCESL office. For all volunteer opportunities, visit the CCESL Engage page.