MCA launches LGBTQ support meeting

Alycia Douglass
MCA launches LGBTQ support meeting
The MCA recently launched a support meeting through their Safe Zone program

AKWESASNE, Ontario – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) recently launched a new Safe Zone meeting to support the local LGBTQ community.

The Safe Zone program began in 2013 as a response to residents’ request for a local advocacy group. Wholistic Health and Wellness Program’s Kyle Thompson says that with Pride Month in full swing, he felt this was as good a time as ever to kick off the support meetings.

Thompson says that the first meeting was a success, with 15 people coming out.

“The goal is to bring people out and offer a safe space for discussion,” said Thompson. “It’s open to all ages, and includes members of the LGBTQ community, as well as allies.”

The support group strives to put an end to homophobia and heterosexism within the MCA, provided support to those who need it.

“Akwesasne has a fairly large LGBTQ community, and for a while, there was nothing available for them,” said Thompson. “The idea of the Safe Zone was to provide services and resources for support and awareness.”

The program hopes to create a better understanding of LGBTQ issues through education and advocacy, thus creating a safe and accepting community.

“I really feel that LGBT awareness has gained so much traction lately,” said Thompson. “There’s a lot of change that’s been happening, and our attendance has been steadily improving.”

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