WAYOUT ATLANTA
ABOUT wayOUT ATLANTA
Welcome to the family Atlanta! Our newest Chapter was announced early in 2022 and we couldn't be more thrilled that we finally have some southern representation! When looking at new cities to expand to, Atlanta screamed to us. Not only is there a huge blue dot of LGBT representation in an otherwise conservative state, but we got some amazing individuals who were ready to jump at the opportunity to help those in need. Get ready, because we're about to raise some serious MNY in the ATL.
LGBTQ IN THE ATLANTA
Unlike many of our other city chapters, it took Atlanta much longer to develop an LGBT scene due to its geographic location and it's proximity to the Bible Belt. It wasn't until the mid-1970s and 1980s, that the Georgian government first realized the the LGBT community, and it wasn't until the late 1990s and even early-2000s that domestic partnership was recognized by the state. Today, Atlanta acts as an LGBT magnet for many queer youth in the South, with a diverse and growing community.
We must remember that our greatest strength is in our love of life and colors, beauty and music, dancing and joy. That is our secret weapon. That is something that the opposition does not have. Keep those things near and dear to your heart because in times of war that will sustain you.
— RuPaul Charles
BARRIER BABES | Kansas City, MO
MISSION:
To Change the Sexual Health Landscape of Kansas City for the Better.
VISION:
By providing crucial sex education and protection, we can tackle rising STI rates, as well as the stigma around sex and menstruation.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BARRIER BABES
VALUES
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Education: Barrier Babes' educational presentations include information regarding a wide range of sexualities and gender identities, destigmatized discussions of STIs and STI prevention, and local resources to support the LGBTQ community. In a region where abstinence-only sex education is commonplace and the LGBTQ community is intentionally removed from these conversations, their presentations play a large role in supporting and educating LGBTQ youth.
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Safe Environment: We aim to create safe environments for community conversations regarding sexuality, gender identity, and sex education for adults.
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Supplies: By distributing free safer sex supplies to diverse community partners across the metro area, we are better able to reach community members where they are at and ensure these supplies are distributed in an equitable manner.
IMPACT:
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Operate in a region where 97% of students do not receive LGBTQ-inclusive sex education.
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Provide one of the few sex education programs in the Kansas City region that isn't based on an abstinence-only approach.
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One of the only providers of comprehensive sex education (incuding abortion care) to students in Missouri.
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Directly combat STI spread in a region (Wyandotte County, KS) that is home to some of the highest STI rates in the country, including an HIV rate over three times that of the rest of the state of Kansas.
PROJECTS:
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Increase funding for dedicated sex educators
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Develop new sex education presentations
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Expand our offerings to include in-depth discussions of gender and sexuality
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Expand the educational component of the free condoms we provide to community partners. With the support of wayOUT, we plan to expand our packaging to include additional educational information and community resources for free or no-cost STI testing, resources for those with HIV/AIDS, and more
2022 GRANT RECIPIENT
The Atlanta Chapter is thrilled to be working with Barrier Babes for their freshman year as they destigmatize the conversation around sexual health. Their understanding that education leads to change, while also providing products to help queer youth, allows them to make real change within their community.
MEET OUR CHAPTER
Brandon Abbott
he/him
Maurine Kersale
Chapter Co-President
she/her
Kab Browley
he/him
Devon Carr
he/him
Tyler Collingbourne
Chapter Co-President
he/him