Queer in Canton Launches Stark County’s First LGBTQ+ Resource Center with Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
For Immediate Release: Aug. 25, 2023 (Updated: Aug. 25, 2023, 6 p.m.)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
[email protected], (202) 417-0171
Canton Public Health Department, local nonprofits and businesses, and community leaders joined in celebration and support of LGBTQ+ Cantonians and their allies.
CANTON, Ohio—Queer in Canton, a nonprofit committed to cultivating community and creating a more equal Canton, celebrated their grand opening of Stark County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ resource center today alongside community partner Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH).
The launch event included remarks from Queer in Canton Founder Abby Henry and Co-Director of Youth Programming Wendy Woodson, as well as PPGOH President and CEO Erica-Wilson Domer.
“I started looking into the history of queer spaces in Canton for my college capstone project. It gave me hope that Canton could again be a place where a vibrant queer community could thrive,” said Abby Henry, founder of Queer in Canton. “I started getting involved in the community and kept meeting queer youth who reminded me of myself when I was in high school and trying to find where I belong. And with that, Queer in Canton was born.”
Queer in Canton works to cultivate community and belonging for LGBTQ+ Cantonians and their allies while also advocating for a more equal Canton. Their services include monthly peer support groups and social gatherings; safer injection kits for people going through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) who may not be able to access needles, syringes, and other supplies; community closets for people who are transitioning and others to get free, affirming clothes; and youth programming. These resources will now be available in their new community center, which is located inside PPGOH’s Canton Health Center.
“At Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, we believe that everybody should have the freedom to live an authentic life. We honor and celebrate the diversity, strength, and power of LGBTQ+ communities,” said Erica Wilson-Domer, president and CEO of PPGOH. “We’re proud to provide health care and and education to the LGBTQ+ community, and we know how important it is for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to feel safe, supported, and affirmed.”
“The incredible support we’ve received from our community partners will allow us to provide much-needed resources and services to LGBTQ+ Cantonians, especially young people struggling to find queer community and guidance,” said Wendy Woodson, co-director of youth programming for Queer in Canton. “We are thrilled to be able to open our doors and offer a safe, supportive space for queer folks and allies that so many of us lacked growing up.”
###
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 17 health centers throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.