by Jessica Carreras
Jennifer Hsu is the executive director of the OutCenter of Berrien County, located in Benton Harbor on the west side of the state. But she's also a huge supporter of the center group Out Girls, which is dedicated to providing support and social opportunities for women in the southwest Michigan area.
1) How did Out Girls get started?
Out Girls began as a program of the OutCenter, then known as the YWCA Out and Affirmation Center, as a women's support group. Gloria Weberg, a retired social worker, was asked to take over the women's support group meeting once a week with attendance of four to 10 women weekly.
2) Why did the group decide to make the switch from therapy to a social group?
Gloria Weberg, the coordinator of Out Girls, answered this question by saying the following:
"The attendance of the women's support group was sporadic and the women felt that they needed more positive thoughts in place of all the negative input. The decision of the group was to go out to dinner once a month. I feel that it has accomplished more through related interactions than it would in a structured setting. Although it does not meet more serious needs, the co-ed adult support group continues to be available."
3) Why does the OutCenter feel that it's important to host this group?
It is important for the OutCenter to provide the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community with safe meeting spaces in which to share their experiences and build lasting relationships. Reducing isolation is important in rural communities such as ours to let all LGBT people know that they are not alone.
Out Girls provides southwest Michigan with a community gathering in which all women can be supported and affirmed.
4) What do you think the group provides to lesbian, bisexual and transgender women in west Michigan?
Out Girls provides women in west Michigan with a connection to the LGBT community. It is a place to build relationships and to be among friends.
5) How can people get involved with Out Girls?
Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied women are encouraged to contact the OutCenter at [email protected] , or check our website calendar for more details about upcoming Out Girls events. RSVP is encouraged but not required. We always look forward to welcoming new participants.
To learn more about this and other programs of the OutCenter of Berrien County, visit http://www.outcenter.org.
