Belonging-centered spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and caregivers.

At Southern Queer Collective, we build gentle, non-clinical community circles, practical trainings, and program design support for schools, youth orgs, and families—so queer and trans young people can thrive close to home.

Belonging is the place where identity can rest and grow.

About Us

Hi, I’m Will — a clinical social worker, facilitator, and community builder. I’ve spent over a decade supporting LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and families in clinical, school-based, and community settings. My work has always been guided by one belief: we heal and grow best in community, in spaces where we can show up as our full selves without explanation or performance.

I founded Southern Queer Collective to create those spaces on purpose.

My background includes leading adolescent health programs, developing trauma-informed youth services, supporting caregivers of queer and trans young people, and training educators, clinicians, and community organizations in affirming, relational practice. I’m especially interested in belonging-based support — the kind that doesn’t fix or diagnose, but accompanies.

What We Do

  1. Community Circles- Free, non-clinical belonging spaces for LGBTQ+ teens, young adults and caregivers, sponsored by partner organizations.

  2. Trainings & Workshops — Practical, relational, and affirming training for schools, youth programs, and community organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

  3. Program Design & Consulting — Support for organizations building or strengthening LGBTQ+ youth programs, peer support models, and affirming care practices.

  4. Intentional Clinical Support — A small, private-pay therapy caseload focused on identity, grounding, and connection—offered slowly and with care.

Our Values

  • Equity- Challenging systemic barriers to fairness

  • Inclusion – Celebrating diversity and affirming LGBTQ identities.

  • Resilience – Building strength and adaptability in individuals and organizations.

  • Collaboration – Partnering for sustainable change.

  • Integrity – Grounding our work in transparency and accountability.

  • Compassion – Centering human dignity in all we do.

FAQ

Are the Community Circles therapy?

No. The circles are non-clinical, community-based support spaces.
There is no diagnosing, treatment planning, or expectation to process deeply.
The focus is on belonging, identity support, and shared community care.
If someone needs therapy, we can discuss referrals or my limited clinical availability.

Who are the circles for?

We currently offer circles for:

  • LGBTQ+ teens (13–18)

  • LGBTQ+ young adults (18–29)

  • Parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth
    No prior experience in support spaces is required — just a willingness to show up gently.

How are circles funded?

Circles are free for participants.
They are sponsored by schools, youth organizations, community groups, and universities or funded jointly through grants.
This ensures access, reduces financial pressure, and keeps the spaces community-centered.

Are circles virtual or in-person?

Circles are virtual-first, which expands access across the Southeast and allows continuity even when life shifts.
In-person circles and pop-up gatherings can be coordinated through partner organizations when space and support allow.

What makes these circles different from support groups or therapy groups?

  • No pathologizing language

  • No forced sharing

  • No advice-giving unless requested

  • No “working on” or fixing
    The circle is a relational space, not a clinical session.
    The goal is to feel connected, seen, and supported — not to perform emotional processing.

What happens in a typical circle session?

Each session follows a gentle, predictable rhythm:

  1. Arrival & grounding

  2. Community agreements

  3. Opening check-in

  4. Themed conversation (identity, belonging, expression, community care, etc.)

  5. Optional creative or reflective moment

  6. Closing round to reconnect and leave grounded

Can parents or caregivers attend with their child?

Parents and caregivers attend their own circle, separate from youth spaces.
This ensures that each group has room to speak honestly and build trust with peers.

Do you provide individual therapy?

Yes — therapy is offered in a very limited, private-pay, identity-affirming format.
This allows clinical work to remain grounded, relational, and sustainable — not rushed or high-volume.
If therapy spots are full, we maintain a short waitlist and offer referrals when needed.

Can we host a circle at our school, campus, or organization?

Yes.
We partner with:

  • Public & independent schools

  • Colleges & universities

  • Youth-serving nonprofits

  • Community centers and libraries

We work with you to determine:

  • Which circle type fits your community best

  • Meeting schedule & facilitation details

  • Communications, sign-ups, and continuity

How much does it cost to partner?

We use sliding partnership tiers based on organizational size:

  • $600/month — small or grassroots orgs

  • $800/month — standard youth/community orgs

  • $1,200/month — universities or large institutions
    This includes all facilitation, planning, continuity support, and communication.

What type of trainings do you offer?

We offer practical, relational, and affirming trainings for:

  • Educators & school staff

  • Youth program staff

  • Clinicians & student services teams

  • Parent organizations

Examples include:

  • Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth with Care (not fear)

  • Creating Belonging-Based Youth Spaces

  • Affirming Communication for Caregivers & Staff

  • Peer Support & GSA Facilitation

Contact us.

Southern Queer Collective
(917) 652-6448

Charleston, SC