By Justin Cannon, LMSW

January 2022

Support. This is something we all need no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do. Especially those of us who are perceived as different or “other” from what society would expect you to be. Being a member of the LGBTQIA community is a constant battle for many people. Especially individuals who don’t have the big S. Support.

From my experience, being a member of the LGBTQIA community looks completely different for every individual. When we speak about support, or the lack thereof, we often default to the family structure. While the family structure is very important; support from your peers, community member, and many other groups can be just as important. We have all heard the stories about children being bullied, adults being fired from their job, or even being denied equal rights all because they are different from most. These things are real and often detrimental to a person’s wellbeing.

Working for Joan and Stanford Alexander Jewish Family Service has been the most inclusive and gratifying experiences for me. One of the most gratifying things about working for this agency is the culture of togetherness and the big S. Support. Alexander JFS would life to extend that support to people who may need it. We want to provide a weekly LGBTQIA support group for teens and adults who feel like they could benefit from learning, sharing, and growing with individuals like them who may have similar experiences.

With this LGBTQIA support group we want to empower individuals and offer tools that could help navigate their daily experiences. While understanding that every circumstance is different, we have hope that, with peer support, individuals can reimagine their experience.

Please know that you are never alone. Alexander JFS is a safe space where staff members are competent and capable of assisting member of the LGBTQIA community. We offer various services that include Employment, Case Management, Financial Coaching and Clinical Services. Alexander JFS is here to serve as a resource for various needs.

“You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for worthiness”
-Brene Brown

‍

Learn More about Support Groups at Alexander JFS.

Justin Cannon is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is also a LMSW who studied at the University of Houston. Justin believes strongly in empowering and uplifting black and LGBTQIA voices in his community. Justin is currently under clinical supervisor for his LCSW licensure.

‍