Another hello from Lynchburg

[Jlkhollins]

Hello from Lynchburg, VA! My name is Jennifer, I am 28, and very interested in the work that Soulforce does. My family moved to the area when I was in high school and my family began attending Thomas Road Baptist Church. Even during high school I knew I was gay (my family didn't) and being in such a stifling environment was difficult. I broke lose when I went to college (Hollins University in Roanoke, VA) and was finally able to find support and positive role models in the LGBT community. However, now I am back in Lynchburg attending graduate school and cannot find the supportive atmosphere that was present in college. I am beginning to think I am the only gay person in Lynchburg.....

I would really like to get involved in Soulforce and see a local group started here in Lynchburg. But, for now I would be satisfied with meeting other people in the LGBT family!

[Jennifer5]

Welcome! Glad to have you here! I think you'll find what you're looking for here, I think there are several people on this forum from Lynchburg Hope you find what you're looiking for here!

[Rainbow kittens]

We are pleased to have you here with us! We also are new here. We have really enjoyed everyone here!
Jade, Angels and Mick

[Emproph]

Originally Posted by Jlkhollins

I am beginning to think I am the only gay person in Lynchburg.....

Aw (I remember the days, all too well)

I don't know how big Lynchburg is but I have this idea that if you live there you could just walk down and tour to the Soulforce headquarters and meet everybody.

I'm in a conservative town in Florida, as new as it is (Naples), I tend to do my share of imaginining elsewhere...

Well, Welcome to Soulforce.

[Zerbie]

Hello Jennifer. Welcome!

I am sure you're not the only one in Lynchburg! One of our regulars is from there (isn't it schoolboi, who just left Lburg last week?). Anyway, I'm sure you will meet other LGBTs in Lynchburg, and this forum is a good way to commune with like minds in the meantime.

Just a few weeks ago a brand new PFLAG chapter opened in my city, which has a reputation for being SOO conservative and anti-gay, and we were very excited to have a turnout of about 10 people at the very first meeting. It was a big deal for all of us to start a PFLAG chapter there. So, if there is a PFLAG in my town, there are LGBTs in Lynchburg too - that's my reasoning anwyay!

[Jennifer5]

Yeah, schoolboi just left.... but if I remember correctly, that's where Mel and Gary are at... you'll have to check. Good luck!

[Lydia]

Welcome, Jennifer.

What are you studying?

[Jlkhollins]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

Lydia, I am working on my masters in community counseling at Lynchburg. When I graduate I will be a licensed therapist. I hope to stay in this area and be able to start some sort of support program for the LGBT community and also to work in a private practice.