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Community Newsletter

Dearest Community,



Hello again.



This week has come with many overwhelming feelings. Take a moment - loosen your shoulders, relax your jaw, take a deep breath.



This is not the first time our community has felt this way - in all of its complexities. It can be so exhausting and overwhelming. But just as we have time and time again, we will continue to show up for one another and build our quilt of connectedness and security.



You have a home at Salus. Find community in one of our support groups, find joy in an interest group, or take a break from the heaviness of the world and celebrate who you are at one of our events. You will be welcomed with open arms in a place that is for our people, by our people.



We've begun hosting resource hours at the center on Thursdays and Sundays, along with joining the Gender Affirmation Project partnership. Please visit us during these times for free snacks, drinks, resources and togetherness in a safe, inclusive space.



Most importantly, stay connected. Keep seeking out community, especially when you are struggling. Protect each other. Protect yourself. These next four years are going to be tough - there is no way around it. But by being each other's keepers and not allowing our voices to be silenced, we will get through this. Together.



If you don’t know where to turn, please message us at info @ saluscenter.org. We have a plethora of resources and amazing community partners that share in our mission - to build and serve greater Lansing’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are here to serve you. We are here to build that bridge to belonging. We are here for you.



As the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the man whom today is truly for, once said - “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”



In Solidarity,

KC Garcia

Salus Board President

Donate to Support Lansing's 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Events at Salus

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We’re partnering with the Gender Affirmation Project to host their one-on-one meetings! The GAP offers financial and logistical support for trans and nonbinary people looking to change their names and/or gender markers. Go to http://trans-ilience.com/gap to learn more and to request services.

We'll be offering this Gender Affirmation Project hours (meetings are by appointment through the GAP) and Resource Hours (just come by!) on Thursdays from 9am-1pm and Sundays from 1pm-3pm!



What are Resource Hours?

The best time to come to Salus if you have questions for us, want to drop off donations, pick up resources, or if you want to hang out for a little while.



What resources can I get?

We currently have condoms, lube samples, emergency contraception, OTC birth control, at-home HIV test kits, Narcan, Sharps boxes, Hormone Injection Kits, Covid-19 tests, drug dispoal kits, menstrual products, hygiene products, dental hygiene kits, gender affirming supplies, and makeup/cosmetic products.



What can I donate?

Packaged/new menstrual products, packaged/new n95 or kn95 masks, hygiene products,

makeup/cosmetic products, new or gently used binders, and other gender affirming items like breast forms. We also take monetary donations through our CashApp ($SalusCenter) and donation link (above).



What else happens during Resource Hours?

Lot’s of wonderful services – our website and social media posts will include specific days/times for:

  • Additional harm reduction resources (injection kits for hormones and IV drug injection, safe smoking kits, sharps boxes, snorting kits, etc.)
  • support for applying and renewing passports
  • appointments for free tax preparation services
  • legal advice and more monthly guests and services to come!
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Come into the Salus Center to apply for your passport: Thursdays January 23, February 13, March 13, and April 10, 9AM-1PM. You can make an appointment or walk-in.

Emery, an employee of the Lansing City Clerk's Office, will be onsite to assist in the application process.
To apply for a passport, you need forms, proof of US citizenship, photo ID, and a check or money order to send with the application.

You can book an appointment here: https://calendly.com/emery-drever-lansingmi/30min

Questions? email emery.drever @ lansingmi.gov

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The Transfem Support Group meets tonight from 7-8:30pm at the Salus Center! We're adding a fourth monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month, though this first one tonight, Wednesday, January 22nd!

The Transfem Support Group is a peer support group created by and for trans women and transfem-identifying people. We hope to grow our sense of community to share connection, belonging, and support.

We meet in person at the Salus Center on the first Monday, second Wednesday, third Thursday, and last Tuesday of each month. 7:00-8:30pm.

Upcoming meetings are Tuesday 1/28, Monday 2/3, Wednesday 2/12, Thursday 2/20, and Tuesday 2/25.

For more information: https://linktr.ee/LansingTransfemSupportGroup
Email: transfemsupport @ saluscenter.org

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Here for You is back and the first meeting is Thursday, January 23rd at 6pm! Starting in

February, Here for You willl be meeting on the first Thursday of each month.

Here For You is a supportive space for the important adults in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.

Join us on the first Thursday of each month from 6pm-7:30pm at the Salus Center as we share the celebrations and challenges we experience showing up and holding space for the queer kids in our lives. Here for You is for any parent, grandparent, guardian, teacher, mentor, or important adult of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who is looking for an opportunity to be in conversation and community with others facing similar experiences. All are welcome!

Contact hereforyou @ saluscenter.org for any questions.

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We have a new monthly interest group!



Queer Nature Club is a group for connecting with nature - together! We meet about once a month year-round, sometimes focused on certain themes or attending events, other times just hanging out at a local park.



This group is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies of all ages, anyone under 18 must be with an adult at all times.



For questions/comments/concerns/suggestions: natureclub @ saluscenter.org



February Meet-Up:

Wednesday, February 19th, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Central Park South

1990 Central Park Dr, Okemos, MI

Meet by the Central Park Map signs next to the parking lot.



March Meet-Up:

Sunday, March 9th, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Crego Park

1600 Fidelity Road, Lansing

Meet near the Lansing River Trail sign just past the end of the parking lot.

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Would you like to be a community leader and help create a supportive space for other 2SLGBTQIA+ folks?

The Salus Center is seeking group leaders to facilitate peer support group meetings of the Transmasc Support Group and Vintage Pride 45+.

Peer support groups are informal discussion-based meetings where folks can connect and help each other based on shared experiences. Group leaders should be people who have lived experience with the identity/focus of the group, facilitation or leadership experience, and a desire to run a group at the Salus Center.

Transmasc Support Group
Second Mondays, 6-7:30pm

Vintage Pride 45+: Support Group for 2SLGBTQIA+ Adults over 45
Second Saturdays, 2-3:30pm

Support group leaders are paid a $100 monthly stipend and will require background checks. Email frank @ saluscenter.org for questions.

Application is due February 2nd.
Learn more and apply here: http://tinyurl.com/SalusGroupLeader

Groups at Salus

Support group meetings are for folks identifying or questioning within the stated identity group. Aside from TRUE, our teen group, support groups are for adults (18+) only.


Interest group meetings (anything activity-based, rather than identity-based) are open to allies and to all ages, but minors should have a trusted adult with them.

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Fiber Arts for Everyone



1st and 3rd Fridays, 6-9pm

Next Meetings: 2/7, 2/21



Fiber Arts for Everyone is a safe space for queer knitters and crocheters to gather, work on projects, make connections, share ideas, and chat! Open to knitters and crocheters of all skill levels, including complete beginners.



Contact fiberarts @ saluscenter.org for any questions!

Gayme Nights



1st Wednesdays and 3rd Saturdays, 5-7pm

Next Meetings: 2/5, 2/15



We'll provide board games to play and help with learning the rules. Come make some friends and learn some new games! Everyone is welcome and we'll provide snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own games to play and teach others!



Gayme Nights are sponsored in partnership with Tabletop Gaymers. Go to tabletopgaymers.org to learn more.

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Here for You



1st Thursdays, 6-7:30pm

Next Meetings: 1/23, 2/6



Here For You is a supportive space for the important adults in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.

Join us as we share the celebrations and challenges we experience showing up and holding space for the queer kids in our lives. Here for You is for any parent, grandparent, guardian, teacher, mentor, or important adult of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who is looking for an opportunity to be in conversation and community with others facing similar experiences. All are welcome!

Contact hereforyou @ saluscenter.org for any questions.

Neurodivergent & Queer



2nd Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm



This group is for anyone with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette's, Dyslexia, or any other diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or undiagnosed neurodivergent status who also identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+. We'll be meeting for general support and to discuss ways to advocate for ourselves and battle executive dysfunction as we navigate through a world that isn't designed for us. This will be a safe space for stimming, tics, and quirks!

Contact Aly at neurodivergent @ saluscenter.org for any questions

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Nonbinary Support Group



2nd Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, online



The Nonbinary Support Group is a place to get together with other nonbinary folks to chat, chill, vent, socialize, and get and give advice and support. Anyone who identifies outside the gender binary (nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, etc.) or is questioning whether they might, and is at least 18 years old, is welcome, whether they're out of the closet or not. Not for allies/family.

Meeting Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8480...
Meeting ID: 848 0151 2160
Passcode: salus

Email Kaspyr at nonbinary @ saluscenter.org for more information.

QTBIPOC Community Space



2nd Sundays, 3:30-5pm and last Mondays, 7-8:30pm



Join Salus's LGBTQIA2S+ people of color community space! This bi-monthly gathering space centers joy and community connections for queer and trans people of color. Topics are group negotiated and will include self and community-care, dating, making friends as an adult, daydreaming, hobbies, and crafting. There will also be dedicated time to "get things off your chest"! Bring your hopes for our community and let's do some scheming together!


For questions, contact QTBIPOC @ saluscenter.org

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Queer Nature Club



Monthly: dates, times, and locations vary

Next Meetings: Wednesday 2/19, 1-2:30 pm at Central
Park South

Sunday 3/9, 5:30-7pm at Crego Park



Queer Nature Club is a group for connecting with nature - together! We meet about once a month year-round, sometimes focused on certain themes or attending events, other times just hanging out at a local park.


This group is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies of all ages, anyone under 18 must be with an adult at all times.



For questions/comments/concerns/suggestions: natureclub @ saluscenter.org

Queer Women's Support Group



3rd Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm



All LGBTQIA+ women are welcome to join to share experiences, make connections, and support one another.

Contact hilari @ saluscenter.org to learn more!

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Questioning and Coming Out Support Group



1st Tuesdays and 3rd Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm

In person with a hybrid option for the 1st Tuesdays



The Questioning and Coming Out Support Group is a conversation-based group for individuals who are questioning or recently embracing their 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. The group is a share-space to encourage self-reflection and self-love in a community setting. Whether you're recently self-identifying as queer, or questioning your gendered or sexualized identities/labels, this space is a welcome space for you to come, make community, and explore.



Hybrid option available on the first Tuesdays: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81508551709


Contact questioning @ saluscenter.org for any questions

Sober & Out: Queer Lansing AA



Saturdays, 10-11am



Queer Lansing AA meets every Saturday at 10am at the Salus Center in Downtown Lansing. This is a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous for anyone who has a desire to stop drinking.



For questions, please contact Brian at lansing.lgbtq.aa @ gmail.com

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Transfem Support Group



1st Mondays, 7-8:30pm

2nd Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm

3rd Thursdays, 7-8:30pm

Last Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm



The Transfem Support Group is a peer support group created by and for trans women and transfem-identifying people. We hope to grow our sense of community to share connection, belonging, and support.



For more information: https://linktr.ee/LansingTrans...

Email: transfemsupport @ saluscenter.org

Learn More

Transmasc+ Support Group



2nd Mondays, 6-7:30pm, in person

4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, online



Join us for monthly conversations and connections with trans men, non-binary trans masculine folks and folks who may be questioning their gender. This peer support group is meant to explore important topics like self & community care, gender euphoria, arts/creativity, toxic masculinity, transitioning, love & dating while centering the importance of Trans Joy.



Bring your good vibes, energy, and positive intentions as we cultivate a meaningful community of care & self-exploration. Meetings are for ages 18+.

Contact: Layne @ saluscenter.org



Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82057031474  

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T.R.U.E.



Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm

**Meets bi-weekly, upcoming meetings: 2/4, 2/18



T.R.U.E. is co-facilitated by two adult mentors skilled in supporting young people as they explore their gender identities/expression and sexual orientation.



To sign up for the group, please contact the group facilitator at 725-222-TRUE (8783) or true @ childandfamily.org

TTRPG Gayme Night



Last Thursdays, 6-9pm, in person



LGBTQIA+ friends and allies are welcome to our table top role-playing game night! Whether you want to run a table or are brand new to playing, join us on the last Thursday of every month and let your imagination run wild. We'll be playing TTRPG classics like Dungeons and Dragons as well as independent games.

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Vintage Pride 45+



2nd Saturdays, 2-3:30pm



Join the Salus Center for a meeting of our support group for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults ages 45 and older.



Write Hear 4 Queer



Sunday, February 2nd, 11am-12:30pm



Write Hear is a generative writing workshop open to all levels who interested in literature, poetry, journaling and expressing themselves through writing.

Write Hear is an act of creating community through stopping time together to write from prompts and optional sharing. All are welcome.

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Community Bulletin

If you have something to add to our community bulletin board, email Frank at [email protected] with a flier and a description of the event or opportunity!

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Bundle up and get ready to show some love this winter! Join us on Friday, January 24th at 6:30 p.m. at A Novel Concept for a very special Open Mic: Winterfresh edition presented by the Capital Letters Eclectic Fiction Club in collaboration with the Salus Center!



This month we have teamed up with Salus Center in support of our amazing 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Lansing! Since, 2017 Salus Center has been a safe haven and gathering space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and we’re excited to raise funds to help them continue their important work.



Open to all genres, styles, and experience levels. First-time readers are welcome and encouraged along with our more seasoned readers. Sign up at the Google form linked in our bio and on our website!



Not reading? No worries! You can still join the fun and support our amazing writing community and 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Just show up—no need to sign up in advance. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event begins.



During the event, we will be taking donations of $5 (or more!) and all funds raised will go directly to support Salus Center! For more information visit our website anovelconcept517.com!

Tri-County Office on Aging

At the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. Since 1974 the TCOA has been the region’s one-stop-shop for information and services that older adults, persons with disabilities and their families need to live independently and remain active in their communities.



At TCOA, we are part of the community. We serve our neighbors, friends, and family members every day. Our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. To accomplish this mission, we connect people who need help to service providers, volunteers, donors, businesses and governments throughout Eaton, Clinton and Ingham Counties and the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. Although TCOA’s Meals on Wheels is our best-known program our reach goes well beyond providing nourishing meals. Many of our services are provided at no or low-cost or have fees based on a sliding scale.



Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

MMAP is Michigan’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). We provide local help for people with Medicare.



MMAP counselors are certified and have been trained in health care benefits counseling. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance products. MMAP counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company, and they are not licensed to sell insurance. MMAP counselors provide free unbiased counseling at multiple sites across Michigan.



MMAP counselors can

  • Help beneficiaries understand health care options,
  • Compare or enroll in Medicare Prescription Drug Plans,
  • Review a beneficiary’s supplemental insurance needs,
  • Help beneficiary’s understand Meadicare health plans,
  • Assist beneficiary’s as they apply for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program
  • (MSP)
  • Identify and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and scams.

If you or someone you know would benefit from Medicare counseling contact MMAP

at Tri-County Office on Aging (517) 887-1416 or [email protected]

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The MSU Center for Survivors is now recruiting volunteers for our Spring 2025 Training Class!



The Survivor Advocacy & Crisis Intervention (SACI) Team provides essential support, advocacy, and crisis services to the MSU campus and greater Lansing community. SACI Volunteers gain knowledge and awareness about sexual & relationship violence and valuable crisis intervention skills. Last year our team of passionate volunteers dedicated over 25,000 on-call hours and you can be part of this community too!



· Hybrid training schedule includes online self-study and 4 in-person training sessions

· Flexible Scheduling – volunteers to schedule their own shifts and we ask for just 2 on-call shifts per month

· On-Call Shifts – no sitting at a call center, during your shift you can go about your life, just be prepared to step away to answer a call or come into the office if/when needed



Who: Volunteers do NOT need to be affiliated with MSU – we encourage faculty, staff, students, AND community members to apply!



How: Apply on our website HERE by 3pm on Friday, January 24th 2025



Learn More:

· Visit our website Volunteer Training Q&A page

· Email Kathryn Naber at [email protected] to learn more!

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About Our Work:

Our team is led by Dr. Brian Feinstein, a professor and researcher at Rosalind Franklin University. He directs the Sexuality, Health, and Gender Lab, where we conduct research to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and adults. Our team is deeply committed to this cause, and many of us are community members ourselves.



The REACH Study:

We’re currently recruiting LGBTQ+ teens across the U.S. for a study about identity, stress, and mental health. The whole study is online and just involves completing surveys. Participants are generously compensated for their involvement (up to $246).



What We’re Asking:

We’d love for you to share our eligibility survey with LGBTQ+ teens in your network. We’ll provide a link unique to your organization so we can track how many people complete the survey through your efforts.



What We’re Offering:

  • In the first month, we’ll give your organization a $25 Tango gift card for every 25 unique completed screeners from your link, up to $500.

  • If fewer than 500 screeners are completed within the first month, we may extend the incentive depending on our recruitment needs.



About Tango Gift Cards:

Tango offers thousands of e-gift card options. These can be forwarded to staff, volunteers, or members, making them a great way to show appreciation or offer prizes. You can read more about Tango Rewards here. We hope you’ll be interested in partnering with us to share this study information. I’d be happy to provide more details or answer any questions you may have.

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Penn State’s Physical Activity and Public Health Lab is conducting a survey to understand some of details about individual, social, communal, and environmental factors that influence physical activity, exercise, and sport participation among sexual and/or gender diverse (SGD) adults (i.e., lesbian, gay, transgender, etc.). We would like to use this information in the future to develop opportunities for promotion and advocation of meeting physical activity guidelines in SGD populations. Below you will find a link to an online survey. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and asks about your current physical activity levels and why you choose to be active. Please note that if you like, repost, or comment on this post, you may be publicly associated with this project, regardless of whether or not you choose to participate.



If you are interested in participating and/or have any questions about the survey or project, please email Keegan Peterson (PI) at kvp5394psu.edu.



Follow this link to the Survey:

https://pennstate.qualtrics.co...

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Attached please find a flyer describing a study examining life experiences of transgender

and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals aged 18 and above across the United

States. The aim of the study is to gather one of the largest nationwide samples of TGNC

folks and their experiences to ensure that the research reflects the diverse voices within

our community. The online survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and

participants can enter a raffle for $100 gift cards. The study has been approved by the

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institutional Review Board.



https://pletgnc.wixsite.com/st...

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