Together, Finding Our Place
Our Reason
The loneliness epidemic refers to the increasing rates of social isolation and feelings of loneliness across various demographics, with a pronounced effect on marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population. Queer individuals often face heightened loneliness due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of acceptance, leading to significant mental health challenges. Heartwood Queer Collective is dedicated to addressing this issue by providing platforms for queer women, trans, and non-binary folks to connect, share experiences, and uplift each other in an often isolating world.
Our Mission
To empower queer women, trans, and non-binary individuals by nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community that addresses loneliness through connection, support, and mutual understanding. Our mission is to foster environments where friendships thrive, identities are celebrated, and no one feels alone.
Our Values
Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming space for all, celebrating diversity, and striving for an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
Empathy: Building a culture of empathy and understanding, where members are encouraged to share their experiences and emotions freely, knowing they will be met with compassion and support.
Connection: At the core of our mission is the belief in the transformative power of connection to foster healing, inspiration, and personal growth.
Empowerment: Supporting our members in embracing their true selves and living authentically, by providing resources and opportunities for both personal and community development.
Our Name
The name Heartwood Queer Collective was chosen with intention and purpose, symbolizing both the resilience and the central role of support that we aspire to provide within the LGBTQ+ community. Heartwood is the dense, inner part of a tree trunk, yielding the greatest strength and providing essential support for the tree's life. It represents the core from which growth begins and persists, even in the harshest conditions.
Similarly, our collective aims to be the steadfast core for our members, offering strength, support, and nourishment for personal and communal growth. The term 'queer' is embraced in our name as a celebration of diversity and a reclamation of our identities, reflecting the wide spectrum of individuals we welcome and support. 'Collective' underscores our commitment to community and collaboration, emphasizing that our strength lies in our unity and shared purpose.