OutCenter Southwest Michigan today announced that Executive Director MaryJo Schnell has concluded her tenure with the organization after more than a decade of service. Program Director Gerik Maverick has been named by the Board of Directors as Interim Executive Director. The OutCenter Board is grateful to MaryJo for her contributions during a pivotal chapter in the organization’s history and…
In our No Silly Questions series, we’ve spent three episodes talking about conversion therapy: what it is, how it has evolved into softer, more coded “conversion practices,” and the severe harm it causes to LGBTQ+ people, especially young people. We’ve looked at survivor stories, clinical research, and the many ways these efforts can hide behind friendly language and licensed titles. That…
Conversion therapy — also known as SOGICE, or Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts — is still happening in homes, schools, churches, and therapists' offices across the United States, including right here in Michigan. Whether you're a young person being pressured into these practices, a parent trying to protect your child, or a community leader who wants to do better, you don't…
Conversion “therapy” causes real harm. In this episode of No Silly Questions, we’ll learn about survivor stories. In this episode, we walk through real stories from well-known survivors of conversion practices, and connect their experiences to what the research shows about: – Severe and long-lasting depression – PTSD and trauma symptoms – Internalized shame and “learned self-hate” – Increased risk…
Conversion practices don’t change sexual orientation or gender identity. They do create shame, trauma, and higher risk of suicide. Conversion therapy and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE) are condemned by medical and psychological experts, and yet it remains a practice carried out by anti-LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn more about how to identify conversion therapy, what…
For many LGBTQ+ people, going home means walking back into spaces that deny their humanity, erase their identities, or outright abuse them. This No Silly Questions episode asks a tough, necessary question: How do I navigate non-affirming family during the holidays without gaslighting myself or minimizing the harm being done? From a trauma-informed perspective, this video names the harms of…
White supremacy isn't just torches and hoods. It's a sophisticated political system that's been targeting our communities for generations. In this Protocol for an Inclusive Future video, Willow breaks down how white supremacy works, from dog whistles and plausible deniability to violence inspired by replacement theory.
In this video from our Protocol for an Inclusive Future, join Willow from OutCenter as we dive deep into toxic masculinity. We trace patriarchy's historical roots and explore how toxic masculinity intersects with Christian nationalism and white supremacy to cause harm. Drawing on feminist and queer scholars like bell hooks and Judith Butler, we provide practical guidance on recognizing and…
In this episode of No Silly Questions, Gerik from OutCenter discusses what GSAs are and their purpose. Students have the right to form LGBTQ+ student groups in schools, and teachers and educational professionals can support these students through advocacy and organization.
Join Willow from OutCenter as we learn about into the rising issue of Christian Nationalism in the US. We trace the historical roots into modern evangelical politics that transformed faith communities into voting blocs centered around a militant, patriarchal vision of faith. The video provides practical guidance on identifying and countering Christian nationalist rhetoric in your community, from…
