#MeTooLGBTQ
It was five years ago when I became the victim of rape, right here in my own community. In my journey to find support and treatment, I kept bumping into the lack of LGBTQ culturally competent care and information. As I began to share my story with friends, family, and community I heard from too many an ever-growing chorus of voices saying, “Me too.”
What started with a small group of bisexual and gay men grew into the GBTQ Survivor Task Force as we attempted to bring better more culturally competent care to our community.
Next month, April, is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and about five years from the day I woke up to find my body in ashes, Pride is partnering with The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Center for Community Solutions, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists – San Diego Chapter, North County Lifeline, and 211 to host the #MeTooLGBTQ conference that we may all rise to acknowledge the issues of sexual assault in the LGBTQ community. Survivors and community members will learn about services, care, and intervention methods, while service providers will be better trained on how to address the needs of LGBTQ survivors. Together we will Persist with Pride.
Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
