For Young LBQ Women
(the Chrysalis Project)

The Feminist Women’s Health Center is seeking to re-energize our Chrysalis Project program by recruiting a committee of young lesbians to review the program and identify program needs. The Feminist Women’s Health Center originally developed The Chrysalis Project to address a critical community health issue: the emotional and physical health of young women ages 18-29 whose sexuality is outside the heterosexual norm.

Lesbians and other women who partner with women may face unique barriers to receiving health care. These barriers include homophobia, compromised care from providers, the myth of “lesbian immunity” to STD’s, HIV, and cervical cancer, the lack of insurance (due to no coverage under a spouse’s policy), and the lack of accurate information about the medical needs of lesbians. In addition, the emotional health of young lesbians is impacted by feeling different from their heterosexual peers.

The Feminist Women’s Health Center believes that young lesbian, bisexual and questioning women need a safe space to explore both their burgeoning sexuality and their health care options. It’s a circular process: feeling better about yourself makes it easier to demand health care that truly suits your needs; knowing what those particular needs are and being validated for them makes it easier to feel better about yourself.

The Chrysalis Project was designed so that it was led by lesbians who taught interactive workshops. The workshops were three-hour interactive and empowering programs, frequently offered in collaboration with community partners, de-bunking common myths in the lesbian community (such as “not being at risk for AIDS” or “not needing gyn exams”) and addressing internalized homophobia (misinformation and stereotypes that lead to feelings of being abnormal).

If you are interested in participating in this review/assessment committee, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 404.248.5445 or email Janelle.