LGBTQ Task Force and Resources

Information for people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ).

Page updated on Mar 14, 2019 at 1:24 PM

LGBTQ Task Force

The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force is a space where LGBTQ people and allies gather quarterly to network, share ideas, and plan training and community events. The goal of the Task Force is to create safe and inclusive service provision to LGBTQ people in the City of Alexandria.
 
The Task Force began in 2007 as the Alexandria LGBTQ Victim Services Advisory Board and has always been supported through the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program and Sexual Assault Center.  The Task Force has partnered with a number of City agencies and community organizations to train thousands of service providers on how to create a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ community members. Service providers include law enforcement, social workers, counselors, advocates, attorneys, teachers, administrators, supervisors, clergy, healthcare professionals, firefighters, and other City employees. What began as a goal within the sexual and domestic violence programs has grown into a City-wide effort.  The overarching aspiration continues to be improving services and access to services for LGBTQ people throughout the City.  The Task Force trains service providers and also organizes local awareness events geared to LGBTQ community members.
 
For more information or to join the Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force as a community member or service provider, please contact the Division Chief for the Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program, Debra Evans debra.evans@alexandriava.gov.

Creating Safety
People who identify as LGBTQ often face additional barriers to accessing services.  For example, research shows that intimate partner violence exists in LGBTQ relationships at the same rate as in heterosexual and gender conforming relationships.  Abusive LGBTQ relationships have similar dynamics of power and control as other abusive relationships; however, abusers can also take advantage of a heterosexist and homophobic society. For instance, some abusers threaten to "out" the survivor to parents, friends or employers, which could have detrimental consequences for the survivor.  In addition, people who identify as LGBTQ are often targeted for sexual violence and hate crimes perpetrated by family members, acquaintances, partners or strangers. Since many service providers have historically not been culturally competent and equipped to serve LGBTQ survivors, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and hate crimes against LGBTQ people have frequently gone undetected and unreported.  The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force is working to help remove barriers to services and create emotional and physical safety for all people in Alexandria, including LGBTQ people.

If you or a friend have survived or are surviving sexual or intimate partner violence, please call our trained hotline staff for support.

LGBTQ Resources


Anti-Violence Resources

General Resources

Resources for Youth and Parents

Education Resources

Health Resources

Older Adult Resources

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