A Sanctuary of Hope: Nurturing the Well-being of LGBTQIA+ Adults
At Sai Kripalu Foundation, we believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. Our commitment to compassion extends to all, regardless of identity or circumstance. We recognize the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in times when access to vital resources is threatened. Inspired by the spirit of selfless service, we strive to create spaces where healing, growth, and transformation can flourish.
This past spring, a beacon of hope emerged as Nourishing Hope, a partner organization, launched its inaugural in-person counseling group, "I have a Queer-y," dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ adults. This initiative, a testament to the power of community and shared experience, provided a safe and nurturing environment for participants to explore their identities, build resilience, and cultivate inner peace.
Cultivating a Space of Understanding and Acceptance
For ten weeks, the cohort gathered at Nourishing Hope’s Sheridan Market, guided by the compassionate facilitation of Abby Mayhue and Richard Campos, two dedicated mental health professionals. Abby and Richard, who recently completed internships with Nourishing Hope and earned their Master’s degrees in clinical mental health counseling at DePaul University, brought not only their expertise but also their lived experiences to the group. Abby now serves as a research associate for the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas.
The sessions, thoughtfully structured around themes such as labels, boundaries, intersectionality, conflict resolution, isolation, community, and queer joy, fostered deep self-reflection and meaningful connection. Abby described the group's structure as a funnel, beginning with broad topics and narrowing to specific skills practices, creating a safe space for sharing personal experiences, questions, frustrations, and joys.
Resilience and Resistance: A Testament to the Human Spirit
“I’m really inspired by this element of resilience and of resistance in the queer community,” Abby shared. “Mental health care is resilience, to me.” Richard echoed this sentiment, adding, “The next, however many years, won’t be the easiest. But we’ve done hard things as a community, and we will continue to do hard things together.”
The inherent acceptance and authenticity within the group, facilitated by queer individuals for queer individuals, created a unique sense of belonging. “Having a therapy group for queer people — specifically for us and facilitated by us — that, I think, is Pride,” Abby explained.
A Journey of Transformation
The "I have a Queer-y" group is more than just a counseling program; it is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, community, and unwavering support. It is a reminder that by embracing our shared humanity and offering a helping hand, we can create a world where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered to live a life of dignity and purpose.
At Sai Kripalu Foundation, we are deeply grateful for the dedication of individuals like Abby and Richard, and for the unwavering spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we can continue to build bridges of understanding, foster healing, and create a brighter future for all.
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