Queerly ME’s Mission
Queerly ME fosters strong support networks and strengthens community belonging for LGBTQIA+ adults in Maine by creating and increasing LGBTQIA+ visibility, resource accessibility, and community building outdoors.
Research shows that meaningful social connection and belonging lead to an increase in collective action and civic engagement, a reduced burden of disease and risk for all-cause mortality, the development of fundamental interpersonal skills, economic prosperity, and community safety.
Social connection is as fundamental to our survival as food, water, and shelter.
Queerly ME directly addressed widespread issues of social isolation, resource scarcity, and a lack of affirming outdoor spaces for LGBTQIA+ people in Maine. Our three initiatives work in tandem to build a robust, statewide community network where LGBTQIA+ can develop critical support networks and share safe, affirming resources.
Queerly ME’s Three Initiatives
Queerly ME’s three initiatives of LGBTQIA+ visibility, resource accessibility, and community building outdoors are vital in fostering spaces where individuals can form meaningful, long-lasting support networks and community connections while feeling supported and empowered to engage in nature as their authentic selves.
Our photo-documentary primarily meets our visibility initiative by documenting a moment in the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in Maine. Each featured person has a story to share with our community. These photos and stories get shared to our website as well as on our social media where the featured person and community members have the opportunity to connect with each other in the comments which deepens feelings of community belonging regardless of geographic distance.
Our directory of resources primarily meets our resource accessibility initiative. The directory is by and for LGBTQIA+ people in Maine; each featured person is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our directory categorizes resources into Wellness, Business, Performers & Writers, Creators, and Social Clubs; 113 resources are featured as of January 2025.
Our outdoor programming primarily meets our community building initiative and falls into four activity categories: walks and hikes, educational workshops and activities, overnight retreats, and socials. We offer 2-3 programs per month across Maine’s 16 counties with a focus on rural and underserved regions.
Queerly ME’s Values