Welcome!
Our Mission
Empower, Connect and Support all East Tennessee lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQ+) people
SHAME ON THE SUPREME COURT AND THE STATE OF TENNESSEE
Today is a very sad and scary day. Appalachian OUTreach obviously does not agree with the Supreme Court's decision to support Tennessee and other states in blocking medically necessary transgender healthcare. Today, it's about blocking youth. Tomorrow, it's about blocking more rights for all gender diverse people...and all LGBTQ+ people. This decision is morally wrong. It's reflective of how the courts continue to fail all of us.
Appalachian OUTreach absolutely supports our gender diverse communities and their supportive families. Let it be known that, in spite of politically motivated agendas that are laden with biases from beliefs that lean heavily on myths about our entire community, WE SUPPORT YOU. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU. YOU ARE NOT MENTALLY ILL. YOU ARE NOT DAMAGED, MUTILATED, NOR BRAINWASHED.
You all are human beings who deserve equal rights, human rights, and the right to exist. WE SEE YOU.
Do not despair. Do not give up. They will keep taking rights and care from us, and the days ahead may get darker with more resources being eliminated. However, it is necessary that you KEEP MOVING FORWARD. Find safe spaces. Protect yourselves. Move to safer states if you can. Connect with your queer elders....they have been here before.
Your tax money is power. Your spending income is power. Your voting rights are power. Vote in local elections, run for office. You deserve better than what this country is delivering right now.
And for members of the queer community who do not support our gender diverse community members....shame on you. SHAME on you. You are betraying a community that deserves your loyalty. And eventually, you are helping to erode the rest of our LGBTQ+ rights as well.
I rarely speak with anger and confrontation. However, this is the most appropriate time to feel angry. That's a NORMAL reaction to what has just happened. Especially with the LGBTQ+ suicide helpline through Trevor Project being taken away. I'm not advocating the use of violence to solve problems.
Shannon, President of Appalachian OUTreach
Help Kids & Their Families NOW
Please donate to this organization and/or any others that help people get out of Hate States, like Tennessee:
Trans Youth Emergency Project
PLUS1 via Bright Eyes’ Poison Oak Project
HEROES FOR LGBTQ+ RIGHTS AND FEATURED ARTIST
Appalachian OUTreach would like to give a huge thank you to Bright Eyes, Plus1 and their Poison Oak Project for supporting the LGBTQ+ people of East Tennessee.
Bright Eyes' Poison Oak Project is a charitable initiative dedicated to advancing equity for LGBTQ+ people, with a particular focus on supporting the trans community. The project supports both local and national organizations working to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals have access to the resources, care, and protections they deserve. By uplifting initiatives that provide mental health support, legal advocacy, community-building, and direct aid, the Poison Oak Project aims to foster a more just and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people in America.
Plus1, Bright Eyes & Poison Oak Project Mission to Help Our LGBTQ+ Communities Survive and Thrive
Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. With your help, we can continue to provide vital services and support to those in need. Every little bit helps, so please consider making a donation today.
Resource Spotlight
Trans Youth Emergency Project
This resource is here to help families navigate this complex and exhausting maze, offering logistical and financial support. Our team provides 1-on-1 custom patient navigation services to unimpacted providers and supports families of transgender youth with emergency grants to help them travel for care.
Featured Sponsor of Appalachian OUTreach
Rising Flame Candles
Our collection features a wide range of styles and scents to suit preference. From classic, clean-burning beeswax candles to indulgent, scented soy candles, we have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a subtle, calming aroma or a bold, invigorating scent, our expertly blended fragrances are designed to evoke emotions and transport you to a state of tranquility.
Queer Self-Defense Classes
Learn how to protect yourself in a positive and safe environment with a queer instructor. Classes are every Friday evening @ 6:00 pm and cost $10.00. Private group instruction is also an option. For more information, class location, and what to expect, contact Jacob by text/voice: 865-469-6614.