Friendly City Safe Space
Harrisonburg has a deep need for safe spaces for LGBTQ+ folks. Since the closing of the Artful Dodger several years ago, there has been no place for queer people in Harrisonburg to go to feel safe, supported, and part of a community. The new Friendly City Safe Space aims to change that.
The Friendly City Safe Space will be a fully volunteer-run space where anyone is welcome, open 3-4 days per week. Any time the space is open, it will be staffed by a volunteer who will have basic training in dealing with trauma, de-escalation, and community resources. As well as serving as a space for important conversations and connections, the safe space will also have a resource library, a self-expression closet, free safer-sex materials, and important connections with community resources such as mental health resources, sexual health resources, and a crisis center.
Why support this project?
Inspired by the success of Shenandoah LGBTQ Center’s safe space in downtown Staunton, the Friendly City Safe Space aims to connect LGBTQ+ folx in Harrisonburg to a wide array of resources and connections that span the Shenandoah Valley. These resources include:
- A safe, community space to connect with other LGBTQ+ folx and relax
- Access to free safer sex resources
- Free monthly STD testing
- Resources on navigating identity and finding community
- Regular events for LGBTQ+ folx of all ages
- Groups and resources for LGBTQ+ high school students
- A self-expression closet to experiment with different styles and gender expressions safely
- Connections to essential local resources on mental and sexual health
- Connections to a broader network of LGBTQ+ folx and resources in the Shenandoah Valley
- (Long-term) Access to an LGBTQ+ friendly counselor in the space
- (Long-term) Essential advocacy work and connections to advocacy in the Valley and beyond
Meet the Safe Space Coordinator
Daniel Bellerose (he/they) began volunteering with the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center in January of 2021 out of a desire to connect more deeply with the LGBTQ+ community in the Valley. From the moment he walked into their safe space in Staunton, he knew that Harrisonburg needed a similar space. After connecting with some passionate locals, and gaining an invaluable partnership with the RISE community in Harrisonburg, Daniel and a team of community leaders set out to make this vision a reality. Daniel knew it was essential to the life of the Harrisonburg LGBTQ+ community, because when they came out they had felt a lack of the essential community and resources to support them. By building a Safe Space in Harrisonburg, Daniel aims to make sure that no one feels alone after coming out again, and that everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ in Harrisonburg feels that they have a place they can go and connect with others in the community. 
How can you help support this Safe Space?
By donating to the Safe Space GoFundMe campaign you are already making a huge difference. This initial $10,000 will allow us to open a physical location in Downtown Harrisonburg, fill it with comfortable and welcoming furniture and resources, and start doing our invaluable work in the community.
Your donation of $50 helps pay for print and physical resources for the community!
Your donation of $100 helps pay for furniture for the Safe Space!
Your donation of $200 helps pay for an event for members of the community!
Your donation of $1000 helps pay for our physical space for a full month!
Want to get involved with the Safe Space by volunteering, or sign up to receive updates?
You can sign up for our mailing list and indicate your interest in volunteering here . Also, check out our website, and social media at the links below!
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