The Q Corner: Supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community [web resource]

The Q Corner is a peer-driven, Behavioral Health Services Department dedicated to supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) community and their friends, families, and allies in Santa Clara County.

This safe, welcoming, and affirming team is committed to making community services and resources available to anyone.

The Q Corner, a peer-focused, peer-run program to connect LGBTQ+ folks with direct support, resources, and community connection, and other practitioners with opportunities to increase knowledge in LGBTQ+ affirming care.

Since its inception, the Q Corner has centered direct one on one and group peer support services and assistance to navigate LGBTQ+ affirming resources and referrals. This means LGBTQ+ community members can talk to people with whom they are comfortable sharing information without fear of rejection or judgment. A number of the groups and activities that the team offers are done in collaboration with Caminar’s LGBTQ Wellness Program.

The team also works closely with the Gender Health Center to ensure people connect to services for their medical and behavioral health needs and with youth programs like LGBTQ Youth Space and the Bill Wilson Center, so teens and young adults can be connected to youth focused programming and supports. They refer people to other community run LGBTQ+-focused support groups through LGBTQ+ community centers, youth programs, survivor support organizations, and culturally specific service providers. In addition to groups, referrals, and events, The Q Corner helps people with legal name and gender marker changes. It also provides the community with gender affirming garments like binders for chest compression and gaffs for tucking, as well as trans tape which can be used for either. Cost is often a barrier, but The Q Corner is able to provide them to the community for free.

The Q Corner also offers support and assistance to caregivers, services providers, and other allies to access information on resources and best practices. This allows more people to be knowledgeable about available services and affirming care, in order for them to share that information with others and treat everyone with respect. Additionally, The Q Corner provides training for County and County-contracted agencies so they can better support the LGBTQ+ community.

Learn more about the Q Corner and its current offerings. You may also browse a curated list of resources to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Sources: County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services | Resources to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, https://bhsd.santaclaracounty.gov/resources-support-2slgbtqia-community | ©2024 County of Santa Clara
Queersiliconvalley.org | The Q Corner, https://www.queersiliconvalley.org/organizations/the-q-corner | Retrieved May 31, 2024