Lesbian Services Program Update

This post was submitted by Dawn Boutelle, Operations Manager at the Whitman Walker Clinic.

It has been a couple months since an LSP Update has been sent out. As you all know from information given on the LSP update and through the press, WWC has gone through some major changes in the last year. The administrative buildings at 1407, which included the LSP building and the Food Bank, were sold and all staff at those properties have been consolidated into the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center building, located at 1701 14thSt., NW, one block down from the old building. Due to the economy and a significant decrease in private fundraising, the Northern Virginia office and the Bridge Back program, our residential treatment program, will close by the end of March 2009. With all of the changes, we are working to incorporate the LSP information into the entire Clinic's outreach material to reach the greater community, making an LSP Update less necessary. Incorporating LSP programs and services into the Clinic as a whole is another step for WWC to continue to evolve into a high quality community health care center. However, from time to time, we may still send out information via the LSP Update list.

We have some exciting new peer support groups to tell you about, and we hope you will pass along the information to family, friends and colleagues. All the groups listed below the fold are Peer Facilitated Support Groups. Some we have had for a while, and some are new. There are groups below for everyone -- gay, straight, bi, and trans. Please pass them along!

Coming Out for Women
This 10-week discussion group starting in February is for women exploring their interest in other women. "Coming out" is not required but registration is. Please contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

Coming Out for Men
This eight-week discussion group starting in April is for men exploring their interest in other men. "Coming out" is not required but registration is. Please contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

Coming Out for Married Women
This ongoing discussion group is for married or divorced women, exploring their interest in other women. "Coming out" is not required but registration is. Please contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

Coming Out GID
This BRAND NEW (Trans) Gender Identity Discussion Group is for persons exploring/questioning their own gender identity. Join us for support, and to share struggles and celebrations as it relates to your journey of gender discovery. This group is looking to start in April. Please contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

Coming Out for Family & Friends of LBGT People
This eight-week discussion group is for people who have had someone close to them come out. The focus of this group is on healing bonds while still allowing a safe space to voice concerns. Please contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

Separation Support for All People regardless of Gender Identity & Sexual Identity
This eight-week discussion group, starting the beginning of April, is for people whose long-term relationship has ended. The focus of this group is on healing and moving forward. Registration is required. Please contact Dawn Boutelle at 202-797-3586 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

HIV+ for Newly Diagnosed
This ongoing discussion group is for anyone newly diagnosed seeking a safe place to talk with others who are newly diagnosed. Please contact 202-939-7671 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

HIV+ for Longer Diagnosed
This ongoing discussion group is for anyone that has been diagnosed for a while and is seeking a safe place to talk with others. Please contact 202-939-7671 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

HIV+ for Women
This ongoing discussion group is for women who are positive and are seeking a safe place to talk with other positive women. Please contact 202-939-7671 or dboutelle@wwc.org to register.

Didn't see a group that interests you? We have others! Check out our site. There you will find a list of all our groups. Have a suggestion for a group for LGBT individuals? E-mail Dawn (dboutelle@wwc.org) with what you would like to see!