In rural far Northern California, Queer Humboldt built a culturally rooted Stop the Hate program centering healing and resilience for local Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community members affected by hate crimes and hate incidents.
The program brought wellness resources to an underserved region, including safety planning, a hate reporting portal, mental health services and prevention education.
At the center of the work was Queer Humboldt’s mental health clinic, which offered free individual therapy and support groups to Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community members and their families. The Arts and Resilience Program created in-person and virtual spaces where dance, song, cultural practice and creative community-building became pathways to healing.
The program also strengthened regional systems. Health care providers, educators and partner organizations became better equipped to respond to the safety and care needs of Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community members, while youth were mentored into leadership. Queer Humboldt partnered with schools, municipalities and local organizations to advance recognition, sanctuary policies, listening sessions and community healing during moments of grief and crisis.
QueerHumboldt.org (opens in a new tab)