THE LOWER SHORE LGBTQ COALITION (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning)

The LGBTQ Coalition was founded in May 2013 by several local agency workers and Salisbury University students after attending the Annual Conference, “Issues Impacting Mental Health of the LGBT Population” sponsored by Wicomico County Health Department, Minority Youth Outreach Project, and Wicomico Somerset Regional Core Service Agency. The conference generated dialogues regarding the lack of resources and support on the Lower Shore for this population and the need to address this concern. The coalition meets monthly with the primary goals of supporting LGBTQ youth and young adults, reducing intolerance and enhancing acceptance within the community, and increasing the wellbeing of LGBTQ youth and young adults. The LGBTQ Coalition is continually in search of supporters of our mission. New members are always welcome to join in the efforts of advocating, educating, and supporting the LGBTQ youth in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month and alternate between daytime and evening. The location of the meetings vary. For more information, if you would like to attend a meeting, or would like to be identified as an LGBTQ ally, please contact Jennifer Riebe, Community Resource Specialist with Maryland Choices at jriebe@mdchoices.org or Chalarra A. Sessoms, Child and Adolescent Coordinator with Wicomico Behavioral Health Authority at chalarra.sessoms@maryland.gov.