HCN has three decades of experience supporting LGBTQ+ families in accessing mental health services and needed supports. Dr. April Y. Silas, HCN's Executive Director, has been a thought leader and resounding voice for change in the Black/African American and LGBTQ+ communities in San Francisco for more than 30 years. Under the leadership of Dr. Silas, we are in the process of building a larger Black LGBTQ+ movement as part of our Ma’at Program.
Soul of Pride and SF Pride, reaching more than 1 million people annually, are longtime partners in HCN's outreach and community building. Soul of Pride has celebrated Black pride and worked to unite and represent the LGBTQ+ community of the African Diaspora in the Bay Area and beyond for over 20 years.
Why is this movement so important right now? Black/African American LGBTQ+ children, youth, families, and elders are living through the devastating impacts of multiple, ongoing crises. Our communities are disproportionately impacted by the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, we must contend with displacement, isolation, housing insecurity, and the generations of trauma wrought by anti-Black racism compounded by homophobia.
Black LGBTQ+ young people and families in San Francisco are in urgent need of healing and support. HCN's Ma'at Program is building this movement to be here for our communities.
Read more about the intersectionality of Black and LGBTQ