LIFE SUPPORT Summer 2026
A newsletter
that does good!
Life Center Events: August 3- Men’s Life- HIV Positive Men’s Group @5:30-7pm, Norfolk location August 4- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location August 6- Trans Feminine Social Support Group (Virtual) @6:30-8pm August 7- Ace and Aro Affirming Space @ 6-8pm, Norfolk location August 11- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location August 13- Hampton: Trans Feminine Social Support Group (In person) @ 6:30-8pm, Hampton location August 18- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location August 20- Trans Feminine Social Support Group (in person) @ 6:30-8pm, Norfolk location August 25- 50+ and Thriving; LGBTQ+ Silver Pride group @ 2-3:30pm, Norfolk Location August 25- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location August 27- Reclaiming Safety & Self: An LGBTQIA+ Intimate Partner Violence support group @ 6-7:30pm, Norfolk location
In This Newsletter: Volunteer Spotlight with Shay by Kyle A.F.E. Pride 2026 Photo Collage Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Ari J. Red and Blue by Jacob E. Help Us Build a Playlist Dominion Derby New Skater Intake Your Gay Dads are Proud of You by Alex O. Creative Submission Flyer Gayming Section by Shay Trans Teaching Trans Flyer Ask Us About the Clinic - PEP and PrEP Meet Our Staff Gayming Answers
2026: Awareness dates August Birthday (Writer, Activist) August 2- James Baldwin’s Player) y (Canadian Trans Soccer da rth Bi ’s inn Qu 11 st gu Au ’s Birthday (Poet, Activist) August 13- Andrea Gibson g Day August 19- Transgender Fla ist) son’s Birthday (Trans Activ August 24- Marsha P John lity Day August 26- Women’s Equa
By Kyle A. F. E.
p o S t l r i g e h e t t n u l o V SHAY! Meet Shay (they/ them)- writer, newsletter game Shay and creator, and cat parent of Sylvie and Mongo Mongo, Age 2 (pictured below). Shay has been a long time contributor to the volunteer newsletter, having joined the team about a year and half ago for the 2nd ever edition of the newsletter. Since then, Shay has written about iconic lesbian heroes for Dyke Week, the Stonewall Riot, Drag Queens, the intersection of Indigenous Sovereignty and queerness, mental health over the holidays, and much much more (you’ll have to read older copies of the newsletter to find out the rest- tee hee). Outside of the Life Center, Shay works as a grant writer for For Kids, a charity organization aimed at serving families facing homelessness. After graduating college at the University of Utah, Shay moved to Hampton Roads, a place similar enough to their childhood in Georgia, but far enough to feel like an adventure. And once Shay was settled in, they knew the next step was to find community, something to give back to. Hampton Roads has plenty of animal shelters, which immediately drew Shay’s attention as an animal lover. But due to their cat allergy, they had to find something else to invest their time in. “’Im not allergic to gay people!” Shay, an active flag waiving member of the LGBT community themselves, said during our interview. “And that’s when I found the Life Center.”
Shortly after Shay completed their volunteer training, the first volunteer newsletter was published, sending out a Life Center- wide call for writers and designers. Shay saw this as the perfect opportunity to get involved. Not only would it help them utilize and sharpen their writing abilities, it would also allow them to give back to connect to their queer community. Some of Shay’s favorite articles to write were the ones involving interviews for this very reason. “Such a big part of life is hearing other people’s experiences. When we share and listen to each other’s stories, that’s what builds community. That’s how we connect with each other.” When asked what advice they have for new volunteers, Shay said “Just do it! It’s not as scary as it seems and people are nicer than you realize. Even if it goes poorly, the situation will end at some point and then you can get yourself a sweet treat.” Shay has shifted their focus from writing for the newsletter to creating our gaming section, which includes cross word puzzles and word searches. And be on the look out! Shay’s most recent interest has been writing about queerness in the animal kingdom. Thank you Shay for all your hard work and dedication! And here’s to many more newsletters with your name in the credits.
Sylvie, Age 5
E D I R P 0 2 6 6 2 0 2
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Allow Me to Introduce Myself Written by: Ari J. I’m from Virginia, I was raised to only stick to my own kind, but kindness only shined on me when I met others who were different from my reflection. I’m from Hampton, I was taught walking down the streets of Buckroe was considered dangerous, but my hood looked out for me without ever knowing my name. I’m from Yorktown, I was told to keep my hair long, and my legs shaved, and my nails painted, and polos would make me attractive; I longed for purple hair and a short cut, and a flat chest, and a million piercings. I’m from God, I had a calling to help those that were considered lesser than me, but was treated lesser than for loving people for who they are instead of what society says they are supposed to be. I’m from Chesapeake, I worked 11 hour nights in a warehouse in steel toes and no air conditioning with two 30 minute breaks, and a stranger gave me $5.00 because my bus pass expired and the driver refused to let me on without paying. I’m from Norfolk, Where the city posts signs that instruct us not to encourage panhandling, says the city helps them, but the budget includes 76 million dollars to expand the Chrysler Museum and install 177 Flock cameras and demands us to work but never make more than 1690 in order to receive SNAP and medicine. I’m from Newport News, Where sharing my pronouns and individuality is welcomed, but single stall bathrooms are gendered and certain churches scream “ALL LIVES MATTER!” *Eye roll* I’m from Richmond, Where Abigail currently sits on a Governors throne of lies she built “I will protect the workingclass Virginians” and yet I’m working two jobs with no benefits and can be unemployed with no rhyme or reason on any given day. I still manage to give 100% of my wages to causes greater than me. I’m from America, Growing up I believed we were a melting pot despite being beaten for loving anyone who didn’t look like me, and not realizing the lies was created on stolen land. Who am I? I’m Ari. I picked the name myself. I am not genitals. I’m human.
I was born on 911 and my best friends were a dog named Sarah and a cat named Milly and a weird girl named Erin. I work minimum wage jobs if that means I can put food (and seasonings) in our Pride Pantry. And bus passes in commuters’ hands. And take my children to Disneyland. And provide funding for local theater. And help my fellow humans trying to make this world a better place. And give a child a chance to make something of themselves. I can survive on $5,000 a year without a roof over my head and a car to drive. I hand the cash in my wallet to the beggar on the street, Lord knows that was me once upon a time. I attend the council meetings millions of Americans are too busy chasing the American dream, or the patriarchy’s lie, to attend. I fight for the minors that have no voice, or nobody who will listen. Even if I have to stand on a step stool to reach the podium. My voice is heard. I speak for the veterans that are tossed aside once they’ve exhausted their lives giving to thankless Presidents that never bothered to learn their names. I, too, was caught in that lie. I learn Spanish so I can see my barber smile when I ask for a haircut, instead of using Google translate. I leave laundry cards at laundromats without anyone ever knowing it was me. Or gift cards at book stores so anyone with the desire to read won’t be stopped by the worshipped mighty dollar. No cameras. Youtube would never be able to capture that kind of beauty. Genuine love for my neighbors. I remind America that Anne Frank and MLK Jr. were born the same year. And Ruby Bridges is in her 70’s. Still alive. And history is never as long ago as the confederate sisters tried to make us think. I recognize my privilege even though I’ve faced horrors that make my therapist cry. “I admire your philanthropist heart, Ari,” my boss recently said to me. “Don’t.” I’m not a philanthropist; that’s for millionaires and billionaires that want a tax break. That’s not what I was put on this earth for. If I had money, no one would starve, everyone would have medicine, and I’d still have $0 in my savings account. I’m simply a mirror in human form. I’m Ari, I’m human. I bleed red just like any other human. Whether you’re dark, light, big, tall, thin, trans, cis, gay, straight, ace, or allo. Whether you speak in a language I don’t understand, or don’t speak at all. Whether you’re Neurotypical or Neurodivergent. Young or old, able to walk or in a wheel chair. [insert the plethora of differences, diseases, and adversaries some of us face here]. I have every right to take up space on this dying planet as anyone else. I deserve to be here. And until my last breath I will fight the system until you believe you have that same right.
Ari (Xe/Xem) I don't need accolades, an important title, or to be widely loved. I enjoy doing the work I do behind the scenes, because not everyone has a family, friends, money, or basic needs met. I raise awesome kids, and awareness for those who don't have a voice or time to give. As long as I'm breathing, I will continue giving my time and money to make this world a better place.
Red By Jacob E. Jacob E (he/they) Jacob loves spending time with his husband and two cats. When he isn't making pizza at his job, you can find him hiking, cooking, or watching sports. He enjoys writing about politics and culture.
blue By Jacob E.
HELP US BUILD A PLAYLIST
What are you listening to?
Help us curate your favorite songs into seasonal playlists. Right now, we're accepting submissions for Summer and Fall for the September and October LGBT Life Center Volunteer Newsletter. Add your favorite sunny Summer song or your cozy Fall soundtrack below!
tinyurl.com/LifeCenterPlaylist
Your Gay Dads are Proud of You By Alex O.
Alex (they/them) is a local writer and community activist from Atlanta, who grew up in the Southern Baptist Church and is processing that trauma.
b u m S e i s v s i i t o a n e r s C We want to publish your creativity! Hello reader!! Yes, I’m virtually pointing at you! We want to publish your creative pieces in our upcoming newsletters. Have a poem you’ve been working on? A painting you want to show off? Comic strips? Short stories? Photos? We want it! If you are interested, please read the submission guidelines below and submit your work by the 15th of each month. We look forward to reviewing your submissions =) Submission Guidelines: Topics can vary, but please use your best judgment 2 submissions per person Length for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction- 2 pages max Visual art- 2 photos/images max
Submit your writing and art today: https://tinyurl.com/LGBTQCreativeForm
G N I GAYM N O I T C E S y a h S y b
FINANCIAL INCENTIVE FOR ATTENING
DAY LONG RETREAT
TRUST. TEACH. THRIVE.
TRANS TEACHING TRANS EVENT DETAILS
22 AUG
START FROM 10.00AM-4.00PM 5360 ROBIN HOOD ROAD, NORFOLK, VA
Teaching Trans FolxtoThrive isafree, community-centered eventfocused onconnection, learning, and supporting trans people as they build the lives they deserve.
ENGAGING WORKSHOP REAL-WORLD SKILLS NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
Hosted by Anjeni’ Moore
RSVP
Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Services Manager amoore@lgbtlifecenter.org 757-640-0929, ext 321
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MEET OUR STAFF Editor Kyle Fillhart (He/Him) is a local 757 trans man and volunteer editor for the LGBT Life Center volunteer newsletter. He is also involved with the Hampton Roads Reproductive Justice League and trans advocacy group Men in Transition. You can usually find Kyle running between Norfolk's queer bars and spaces, or hanging out at home making collage art with his husband and two cat babies.
Designer/Writer Sarah (They/She) is a photographer, artist, and writer who enjoys getting out of their academic work and into creative ventures for local orgs. Coming from the Mexican borderlands to the 757, they bring with them their passion for disability justice, harm reduction, abolition, and land back movements. They keep grounded (and busy) thanks to their partner, four amazing human children, and four feline fur babies.
Writer Alex (They/Them) is a professional writer from Atlanta, GA, where they started their LGBTQIA+ community work in 2016. Moving to be near their chosen family, they moved to the 757 hoping to make it home. They earned their PhD researching how people tell stories using technology and learning obscure grammar and tech lore. In their free time, Alex is learning to play roller derby and making playlists for every occasion.
Writer/ Game Creator Shay Wilson (They/Them) is a proud parent of two cats, a grant writer at a local nonprofit, and an amateur harmonica player. After graduating last spring with degrees in Gender Studies and Writing & Rhetoric, they moved across the country from Utah to the South Hampton Roads area. Here, Shay continues to nurture their passions for writing, advocacy, video games, bad jokes, and spending time with their cats.
Writer Ari (Xe/Xem/Xyr) is from Hampton Virginia and a parent of two. Xe is passionate about xyr fiancé, community, and everyone having equality and equity to ensure a stable quality of life. Ari loves Hampton Roads so much and spends a great amount of time riding buses, visiting libraries, and learning about every resource offered within the community.
Writer Rowen (They/Them) is a wetland scientist and aspiring juggler. They spend most of their time trying to paint while their cat spends most of her time trying to drink out of the paint water cup. They are happy to be writing again and sharing space with queer community.
Writer Jacob Evans (He/They) loves spending time with his husband and two cats. When he isn't making pizza at his job, you can find him hiking, cooking, or watching sports. He enjoys writing about politics and culture.
Director of Communications Corey Mohr (He/Him) is the Director of Communications at LGBT Life Center where he has worked for nearly 9 years. He handles everything from press releases to web content to social media, ensuring the Center’s work and mission are clearly communicated. Corey’s background is in political and nonprofit communications, and he’s especially passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health. Outside of work, he’s a fan of Bob’s Burgers, everything David Attenborough, and finding any excuse to laugh.
For more articles and news check out our blog! https://lgbtlifecenter.org/blog
To help us make continue our mission, learn more about volunteering with the LGBT Life Center: https://lgbtlifecenter.org/volunteer
For employment opportunities: https://lgbtlifecenter.org/about/jobs
OUR MISSION LGBT LIFE CENTER IS A TRUSTED LEADER THAT STRENGTHENS THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES AND ALL INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV THROUGH IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS, SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY, AND PROVIDING TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY.
G N I M Y A G N O I T C E S S R E W NS A