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. 

We invite all people who believe in equity for the LGBTQ+ community to join the Task Force! The Task Force is governed by the Leadership Team:

Interested in joining the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force and attending quarterly meetings? For more information and to join as a community member and/or service provider, please contact members of the Leadership Team and/or the staff facilitator, Erika Callaway Kleiner (she/her), at Erika.Kleiner@alexandriava.gov.

Are you interested in having members of the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force provide training on building LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces to service providers/staff/employees/community members/parents at your organization? The Task Force has trained thousands of service providers, and our trained facilitators tailor each workshop to your audience. Contact Erika Callaway Kleiner (she/her), at Erika.Kleiner@alexandriava.gov.

This group is for parents of LGBTQ+ youth who are looking for support along their journey to be the best parent they can be for their kid(s). We discuss topics such as:

• dealing with family members who are not supportive
• building a trusting relationship with your youth
• coming out as a parent of an LGBTQ+ child
• supporting your kid as they find their identity
• helping your child to navigate social media influences
• learning LGBTQ+ terms and definitions
• reconciling your faith with your LGBTQ+ child
• locating safe spaces both for you and your child
• and much more! 

We are a diverse group of parents and facilitators who are committed to self-growth. We may not feel like we have all the answers but we know that we’re not alone. We meet virtually on Fridays during lunch hour, 12-1 pm and are now accepting new participants. If the time/day of the group does not work for you, please let us know! Please email vaparentsoflgbtqyouth@gmail.com for more information and/or to complete a screening.

A 2018 redesign of the Rainbow Pride Flag, the Progress Pride Flag is designed by Daniel Quasar and highlights black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), transgender and nonbinary communities. The flags are displayed throughout June to show support for Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ community and the City’s ALL Alexandria commitment to reduce and eliminate disparities and inequities experienced by all residents, especially those in communities of color and other groups who have been historically and systemically marginalized.

The City offers residents a variety of events and opportunities to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer + (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in June and to recognize LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to Alexandria’s diverse community and the nation. The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force in partnership with the Alexandria Library, Department of Community and Human Services, and many community partners hosts an annual Alexandria Pride fair. Previous Fairs have provided information about LGBTQ+ inclusive services in Alexandria, free and confidential health testing and vaccines, LGBTQ+ Family Storytime, art and poetry workshops, music, refreshments and LGBTQ+ Pride swag. For more information or to register your organization as an exhibitor at a future fair, contact Erika Callaway Kleiner at erika.kleiner@alexandriava.gov.

Since 1970, Pride month has been celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which precipitated the first major demonstrations for LGBTQ+ rights in America. On June 28, 1969 police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, but bar patrons fought back. This resistance is now viewed by many as the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.

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.

• Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence Program

     Hotline: 703.746.4911   

• Sexual Assault Center

     Hotline: 703.683.7273