Oasis tacoma lgbtq
Oasis Youth Center: A safe space for LGBTQ+ youth
When Phoenix Ramsey (they/them) first walked through the doors of Oasis Youth Center six years ago, they couldn’t imagine what a powerful collective they were about to join.
Ramsey had recently moved from the Midwest and attended high academy online, making it difficult to discover connections in their new town.
Not only did Ramsey search to build friendships, but they also wanted a place that could assist them navigate gender dysphoria and questions about their persona. That’s when they heard about Oasis.
“I was dealing with a lot,” says Ramsey. “Once I started going to Oasis, it was a huge adjust in my animation, and I’m so glad I connected. It’s extremely valuable to have a place where you feel like you belong and you can be yourself.”
Oasis Youth Center is the only gay youth center in Pierce County, and it serves Gay youth through direction, advocacy and prevention programming.
Oasis was founded in 1985 to address many of the same issues LGBTQ+ individuals still face today: family rejection, bullying, HIV and needing a place to study about healthy relationships, explains Executive Director Matthew Wilson.
Today, Oasis helps youth
Celebrating queer youth management, every day.
An oasis is defined as a, “peaceful area in the midst of a hard or hectic place.” For LGBTQ youth in Tacoma, Oasis Youth Center is just that. For more than 36 years it has been a place of joy, society, and understanding. Their mission is to, “transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive.”
“Oasis believes that queer youth are amazing leaders that have the ability to change the world,” said Siggy Frank, Program Manager at Oasis Youth Center. Frank was introduced to Oasis at 14 years old and participated in their programming until “aging out” at 25. He came back as a volunteer and joined the staff at Oasis almost six years ago.
“I’m not alone in my experience. There are a number of staff here that also disseminate that passion. The people that supported us at Oasis when we were young really made an impact,” said Frank, “We hope for to be capable to come endorse and do that for future generations as well. We want to hold a place where folks feel welcome and their uniqueness is celebrated.”
Oasis suggestions youth a variety of programming including yoga, week
Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Tacoma People College welcomes and principles all people who distinguish as LGBTQ+. We need to provide resources and support for you, no matter what identities you hold. We are committed to making TCC an inclusive space for all individuals.
What does “LGBTQ+” mean?
LGBTQ+, sometimes abbreviated LGBTQIA and LGBTQIA2S+, is shorthand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual , queer and questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit people. The + represents the many genders and orientations not already included in the acronym, and honors the frequently changing and expanding terminology representing the queer and trans communities. We recognize that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are fluid concepts for any individual to self-define at any time in their lives.
About the Rainbow Action Committee
The Rainbow Action Committee is comprised of Tacoma Group College faculty and staff who advocate for the rights and concerns of TCC community members of marginalized genders and sexualities, and work with the college to inform institutional policies and practices. We work to create a welcoming and inclusive collective by foster
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