LGBTQ+ WAE will be holding its’ first meeting of 2021, on Thursday January 21st at 7pm!
This group has come together with the express purpose of building a social community for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who identify as LGBTQ+. Additionally, the goal is to provide resources for families, caretakers, and allies to better understand and advocate for their loved ones who face a unique set of life experiences and challenges.
WAE Center member, Kristen I., lent her voice to its establishment in 2018 by expressing the need and benefits that such a group provides to members of the IDD and ASD communities. Regular meetings were suspended with the onset of Covid – 19.
Oscar Marin has been the leader of this group since its inception and is thrilled to begin holding regular meetings again. He is passionate about this work and planning new ways to collaborate with other educational institutions and groups to broaden the experiences of LGBTQ+ WAE. This first year, the group has decided to host a virtual art exhibit during “Pride” month, which is June 2021. The call to artists will be going out during the month of February.
As the gatherings become remote, the possibility for greater participation and diversity grows. All are welcome and questions are encouraged. Meetings are free and open to the public. Anyone who imagines that they are a good candidate or know of a good candidate to join in, is encouraged to reach out.
Go to https://www.jsddmetrowest.org/lgbtq-wae/ or more information or reach out to Oscar Marin at Omarin@jsddmestrowest.org with questions.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Beginning in February 2021, Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm:
February 16 | March 16 | April 20 | May 18th | June 15 | July 20 | August 17 |