Art & Heal

Art and Heal is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people to gather biweekly to explore their creative and emotional landscapes. Each week we will offer a guided meditation, prompt, time to create and a group discussion. No previous art experience is necessary, this group is about expressing and loving our inner creative selves. Basic craft supplies will be provided such as paint, glue, scissors, paper and collage materials but feel free to bring any supplies or any art projects you are working on.

This event is free and open to the public. However, due to capacity limitations, a ticket will be required.

GENERAL GROUP GUIDELINES: In order to help make these gatherings a positive, supportive and affirming experience for all, we remind interested participants that by securing a ticket and attending a group, you are committing to following the below listed guidelines. This list is not exhaustive and please let your group facilitator know if you have any questions/suggestions.

RSVP: We kindly ask that you RSVP only if you actually plan to be in attendance. If your plans happen to change, please take a moment to update your RSVP status so that others may attend.

Be Kind, Courteous and Tactful: We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let's treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. While members are allowed and encouraged to be open and frank, we will remove any members who use offensive, slanderous, harassing, threatening, or abusive/untoward language toward another member or the group.

Absolutely No Hate Speech or Bullying: Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.

Give Space: Please allow each member to fully develop and express their thoughts before forming your own response/input. Questions, offering relevant personal experience, and words of support are welcome as peers, but we are not here to diagnose or treat anyone.

Respect Everyone's Privacy: Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared in the group should stay in the group. Your peer group leader and other participants will also agree to keep sensitive information confidential.

If You are Going Through a Tough Time: Members are welcome to express how they feel and inquire about local mental health services. We as peers are here to support you and provide a safe outlet for your thoughts. While your peer facilitator may be able to help connect you with resources, we strongly recommend that members in acute mental distress to seek immediate professional assistance.

Austin - Integral Care Crisis Services provides assistance 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 512-472-4357. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or by text at 741741. The Trans Lifeline is another crisis line available at 1-877-565-8860.

PERSONAL RISK DISCLAIMER: All participants are responsible for and should be aware of their own physical, mental, and emotional safety. At times when we take the time to care for ourselves and create, sometimes we can become overwhelmed with emotions or thoughts that arise, which is very normal. These experiences can be invitations to acknowledge and process hidden things that are calling out for attention. It is encouraged that you please be mindful of your needs during and after each meeting and take care of yourself. You are under no obligation to answer questions that make you uncomfortable, nor disclose any information that you would prefer to keep private. Please understand that this program does not involve treating mental health disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.

By enrolling in this meeting and attending, you have read the personal risk disclaimer and understand the potential risks and that you as the participant will be responsible for your own safety and well-being.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Kind Clinic Austin — Koenig, 101 West Koenig Lane, Austin, United States