OutCenter Moves Programming Online

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The OutCenter in Benton Harbor has moved to online programming and is making efforts to ensure LGBTQ residents of southwest Michigan are safe in their homes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News many LGBTQ people face extra hazards.

“There is added stress, there are impacts on the body, there are impacts on mental health,” Schnell said. “We also have kids now, some, that are staying ta home 24/7 with a family that’s hostile about who they are.”

Also, there could be discrimination for some seeking medical care, especially those who are transgendered. Schnell says the OutCenter was able to move online within days of the coronavirus crisis beginning. Someone who wants to attend a virtual meeting can do so easily.

“All they have to do is go to our website, go under Programs to the calendar page, and there are links to all of our programs that are now being run virtually.”

Schnell urges LGBTQ people in need of help to look up its website. She notes the OutCenter was able to move to online programming within a matter of days when the coronavirus crisis began.