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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

How do I navigate non-affirming family during the holidays without gaslighting myself or minimizing the harm being done? Our latest No Silly Questions video offers grounded, practical tools for protecting your mental health and your body while refusing to tolerate intolerance: : youtu.be/D2OgGomP-Qs

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How do I navigate the holidays with non-affirming family?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

White supremacy isn't just torches and hoods. It's a sophisticated political system that's been targeting our communities for generations. In this Protocol video, Willow breaks down how white supremacy works, from dog whistles to violence inspired by replacement theory. WATCH: youtu.be/9ld39yuiQy4

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Identifying and Resisting White Supremacy

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

In this video from our Protocol for an Inclusive Future, join Willow from OutCenter as we dive deep into toxic masculinity. Our vision is liberation for people of all genders through authentic relationships built on partnership rather than domination. WATCH: youtu.be/MPxArLAPc_o

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Dismantling Toxic Masculinity

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

In this episode of No Silly Questions, Gerik from OutCenter discusses what GSAs are and their purpose. Students have the right to form LGBTQ+ student groups in schools, and teachers and educational professionals can support these students through advocacy & organization. WATCH: youtu.be/ZWOfiER82Ps

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What is a GSA?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Learn about the rising issue of Christian Nationalism in the US. We trace the historical roots into modern evangelical politics that transformed faith communities into voting blocs centered around a militant, patriarchal vision of faith.

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Understanding and Undoing Christian Nationalism

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Trans kids are being abandoned by politicians on all sides, but why? In this episode of No Silly Questions, Willow dives into the real reasons behind the attacks on trans youth in sports. We'll talk about the "Overton Window" and break down the most common "excuses" used to justify discrimination.

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Why are Civil Rights for Trans Kids being Abandoned?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

In this episode of No Silly Questions, Willow explores the rich and complex history of the term “queer,” and how it was reclaimed by the LGBTQ community. It’s become a broad, inclusive term used to describe sexual orientation, gender identity, and even culture and media. youtu.be/rp8jh9u0KRU

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What Does the Word “Queer” Mean?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

In today’s No Silly Questions episode, Willow talks about what it means to be an ally. A real, active allyship is not about posturing or performing, it’s about real action and advocacy — even if it’s uncomfortable or difficult. youtu.be/Kfp8jQ_MdI4

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How to Be an Ally

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Willow talks about drag and its legacy of art and activism. Drag is a transformative performance art that defies gender norms through exaggerated costumes, makeup, and personas. WATCH: youtu.be/PBQ-UxUEm0k

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What is Drag All About?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

In today’s No Silly Questions episode, Willow discusses Pride, which blends celebration and confrontation — standing against anti-LGBT hate. Showing up isn’t just about parades; it’s a declaration that LGBTQ+ lives matter. WATCH: youtu.be/aOeOlvXc-Kw

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What is Pride Month All About?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

this episode of No Silly Questions, Gerik outlines practical strategies for educators to support LGBTQ+ students. Learn how to create a safe classroom environment here! WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcCV...

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How to be an Ally as a Teacher

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

For many people, understanding their own sexuality and gender identity doesn’t happen all at once. In this video, Willow unpacks introspection, self-disclosure, and common myths about discovering if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community. WATCH: youtu.be/zchfyHgmkYo

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How Do You Know If You’re LGBTQ+?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

In this video, Gerik talks about the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), a Michigan anti-discrimination law which was expanded in 2023 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. WATCH: youtu.be/-oSSqtmeTQ8

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What is the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA)?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

In this video, Willow invites listeners to see how everyday choices — like individual grains of sand — come together to shape a brighter future. WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZA1...

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Small Actions Build a Brighter Future

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Why do Pride flags exist? Because visibility matters. These bold designs represent real people and real identities across the LGBTQ+ community. In No Silly Questions, Willow explores 8 of the most searched-for Pride flags and breaks down what each means. WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9hq...

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What do the Pride Flags Mean?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Do you do advocacy or direct action, and want to make sure your communication with co-organizers and community members is secure? Then watch our latest video where Gerik walks through using Signal, the encrypted private messaging platform! WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=489z...

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How to: Use Signal for Secure Messaging

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

In this Advocate Oasis video, MaryJo from shares her thoughts on the importance of taking breaks and finding moments of peace amidst life’s challenges. WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yScO...

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Advocate Oasis - Planting Seeds of Rest

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Gender identity and sexual orientation can sometimes be confused, but they refer to two distinct aspects of a person’s experience. This video breaks down the key differences! WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar06...

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Understanding Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

In this Advocate Oasis video, Gerik discuss the importance of practicing mindfulness to process our experiences and build resilience. To practice this, consider taking time to walk outside, clear your mind, and connect with nature. WATCH: youtube.com/shorts/MEcGE...

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Peaceful Pathways: Embracing Calm in a Chaotic World

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

We delve into the importance of using correct personal pronouns for those we interact with. Gerik explains what pronouns are, including the use of "they/them," and highlights how pronouns play a vital role in respecting people's identities. WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6d2...

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What are Personal Pronouns?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Sex and gender: how are they different? Learn how sex is biologically assigned based on physical traits, and how gender is an identity shaped by culture, history, and personal expression. WATCH: youtu.be/2TnMtSczzA0

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What's the Difference Between Sex and Gender?

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

In this video, Willow talks about both self-care and communal care as forms of resistance against hyper-individualistic and so-called "efficiency"-driven ideologies. It's important to in rest and engage in "useless" activities that foster human connection. WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQu4...

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On Restful Resistance - Advocate Oasis

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

MaryJo answers the question, "what can I do?" It's a question many of us are asking in this time of policy and political upheaval. MaryJo provides three helpful plans of action that you can follow today! WATCH: youtu.be/HtZPBPC33MA

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What can I do to take action? - No Silly Questions

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Gerik walks through our new Protocol for an Inclusive Future resources — these are all about making public comments! Learn about what goes into sharing your voice at a town hall, city, or school board meeting. WATCH: youtu.be/Gz6DyKnp1L0 DOWNLOAD RESOURCES: www.outcenter.org/protocol

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How To: Attend Public Meetings and Share Your Voice

YouTube video by OutCenter Southwest Michigan

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

OutCenter Southwest Michigan Responds to Corewell Health Reinstatement of Gender-Affirming Care for New LGBTQ+ Youth Patients: "While we acknowledge Corewell’s reinstatement of care, the initial pause caused harm..." Read the full press release: www.outcenter.org/articles/out...

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan Responds to Corewell Health Reinstatement of Gender-Affirming Care for New LGBTQ+ Youth Patients — OutCenter

Benton Harbor, Michigan — On February 8th, Corewell Health announced a policy to pause gender-affirming care to new patients under 19 years old. OutCenter Southwest Michigan confirmed on February 12t...

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

In partnership with a coalition of Michigan LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, OutCenter has signed on to an open letter addressing Corewell's decision to limit gender-affirming care for young people: www.outcenter.org/articles/out...

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

In 2025, our communities face growing threats from an overlapping trio of harmful worldviews. There is a better path, there are things we can do — a protocol for an inclusive future that embraces the opposites of these destructive ideologies. Learn more at: www.outcenter.org/protocol

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OutCenter Southwest Michigan @outcenter.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

We're building strong and inclusive communities in southwest Michigan, and providing support to LGBTQ+ people and allies. Learn more here: outcenter.org

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