Shannon is an Appalachian OUTreach Board of Directors officer and serves as President.
She won awards for her work as an advocate and activist.
Shannon has been an advocate and activist for LGBTQ+ rights and justice since the 1990's. She is committed to conducting business and maintaining partnerships with LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses.
Gibran is an Appalachian OUTreach Board of Directors officer and serves as Vice President. Professionally, he has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal justice, is a retired police officer, and served in the Army. His career experience included Special Victims Unit, Narcotics, Human Trafficking, and K9 unit. Gibran's activism and advocacy has been geared towards child welfare, women’s issues, and LGBTQ rights. Gibran is currently retired and volunteers as a child advocate in abuse and neglect cases.
Rhonda is an Appalachian OUTreach Board of Directors officer and serves as Secretary and Administrative Coordinator. Personally, she is a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Rhonda has a great deal of motivation to for helping others in the areas of human equality, LGBTQ+ issues, veterans, and homelessness. Rhonda was born on a military base in Colorado, but considers Blount County her home. In her spare time, Rhonda is a domestic goddess extraordinaire who loves all things Betty Boop and she is a proud grandmother.
Kes is an Appalachian OUTreach Board of Directors officer and Volunteer Coordinator. Personally she is a wildlife rehab volunteer and has been working as Volunteer coordinator and public educator for wildlife rescue and rehab for the past 8 years. As a member of the LGBTQ + community, she is committed to advocacy and activism within the community, especially for LGBTQ+ disabled community. She has extensive experience working with physically and developmentally disabled children and adults in a medical and home setting and has a passion for ensuring they have a chance to engage with their community and find support.
Elizabeth (Elz) is an Appalachian OUTreach Board of Directors member and Operations and Community Engagement officer and assists in the day-to-day operations of Appalachian OUTreach. If you have visited our booth at any local event, chances are you have met Elz. Professionally, Elizabeth has a long history of Marketing, Leadership, and Training experience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, she is dedicated to advocating for the inclusivity and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Board Member Position filled
Board Member Position filled
In December 2015, Shannon founded the Foothills LGBT Center, which was then transformed into Appalachian OUTreach in May 2019. Both the Foothills LGBT Center and Appalachian OUTreach have maintained the same goal: empower and advance our LGBTQ+ communities through programs, education, resources, partnerships, and most importantly, love, kindness and a respect for all.
Shannon is especially grateful for the following badass LGBTQ+ women who influenced, challenged, fought for, and promoted equality and rights for this amazing community: Gladys Bentley, Anne Lister, Ruth Ellis (https://www.ruthelliscenter.org/), Roberta Cowell, Audre Lorde, and of course Jane Addams.
Shannon is also very grateful for these influences: The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland https://lgbtcleveland.org/, Jake Nash and Margie's Hope http://margieshope.org/, Case Western Reserve University https://case.edu/lgbt/, the Matthew Shepard Foundation http://www.matthewshepard.org/ and the Southern Poverty Law Center https://www.splcenter.org/
Empower, connect, & support the East Tennessee lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, ally, pansexual, polyamorous, and two-spirit (LGBTQ+) people through the provision of affirming and safe, inclusive and welcoming programs, services & partnerships, which promote community building, resource development, & education for all.
Appalachian OUTreach is committed to serving all members of the LGBTQ+ community in the East Tennessee region & beyond.
Our vision is to impact change for all LGBTQ+ individuals, families, children, teens, & adults living in the East Tennessee area.
Our mission & vision are carried out by passionate, philanthropic members of the LGBTQ+ community who have a strong desire to make a difference.
If you are interested in making a difference as a board member, volunteer, or through donations, please email us!
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