After months of talks, the new non-profit, MHC Pride Coalition, has been established to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community and host events to connect those who are part of it. The coalition is hosting its first fundraising event at Blu Tattoo Studio in Uptown Martinsville, from noon to 8 p.m. on June 22 at 50 East Church St, Suite 4, Martinsville.
“It’s still a baby getting started, but it’s happening,” said Blu Tattoo owner Lara Blair. A board has been established, and its members are already hard at work creating events and a place of belonging. “I want to create a platform and a safe space, and I want to see this area have more support for LGBTQIA+ people.”
Blair said there are concerns for people who openly present as LGBTQIA+.
“There are people who are afraid, especially of this area. There are people who are afraid to be out and proud, afraid to just be themselves,” she said, adding that many think members of the community fear how their family and coworkers would react, which causes unfair stress.
“Just being a mother makes you not like that,” said Blair, who said she would be concerned with possible bullying if her children turned out to be trans or gay. The LGBTQIA+ has a few sparse events throughout the county and the city, but nothing concrete like a non-profit or consistent Pride event.
“There’s no agenda to make anyone gay. The agenda is to be seen and to be heard,” she said, and added that there are many interesting and talented individuals who don’t step into the spotlight simply because of who they love because “they fear that heat.
“Being able to meet in a space with like-minded people is important. I think being able to be a part of the queer community feels safe. Not only to those who are presenting as gay and queer but to those who haven’t quite figured it out yet. At least they can come and explore, at least they can come and listen,” she said.
Blair provides the space for the coalition to meet, and so far, the group hasn’t had any negative reactions.
“We are prepared for pushback,” said Blair, adding the group intends to have a police presence at its events, because while the coalition doesn’t intend to upset the community, it acknowledges there may be challenges.
“The point is that if we at least shine a light on the people who are hating for no good reason other than just for their purpose of hate, then all the other people who are on the fence about it, I feel like it will make it easier for them to choose a side,” said Blair.
“We don’t want there to be physical harm, obviously, but we don’t want there to be verbal abuse either,” said board member Elizabeth Bailey, adding that the coalition wants to create a united front against hate by promoting love and respect.
“It’s our mission statement,” said Bailey, adding the official statement of the non-profit can be found on its Facebook page.
“The MHC Pride Coalition is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space that uplifts and celebrates the voices and presence of the LGBTQIA+ community within Martinsville-Henry County and surrounding areas.”
The first event will do just this by inviting community members to get special flash tattoos, piercings, discounted haircuts, and try some rainbow cakes from a new local bake shop, Baby Cakes. A portion of the proceeds of all sales will benefit the coalition.
All are welcome to stop by the event. LGBTQIA+ people or their allies can reach out to the coalition on Facebook or call Blu Tattoo Studio at (276) 403-5055.
