BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Pride Center of Vermont wants to deploy more services to rural areas.
The center this fall sent out a survey to the public to collect data on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. It included questions about mental health, access to health services, gender-affirming care, and topics like substance use and identity words.
The results show many LGBTQ+ Vermonters expressed feelings of sadness and lack of belonging. To address that, the pride center will engage community partners in rural areas of the state to keep people connected. “For example, there have been individuals out in rural areas who wish they could get to Chittenden County. Where everything is happening, but unfortunately they are not able to,” said the group’s Richard Elliott.
The center says they will also ramp up their online events to connect with more people.