MSW Clinical Intern

(they/she)

Amy is joining the SQSN team as this year’s MSW clinical intern. In their role they offer virtual and in-person therapy services and collaborate with  the creation of support groups.  Amy’s liberatory and relational values in their work are tied closely to their queer, non-binary and white identities and their experience in advocacy for survivors of sexual, interpersonal, and domestic violence, as well as end-of-life support. They are passionate about holding the complexities of the difficult chapters of life, and believe in keeping each other in good company as we move through grief and change. When not working, they love to cook, hike, bike, look for cool rocks, and goof around with their partner and two kiddos.

SQSN Assistant Director

(he/him)

SQFN Violence Prevention Specialist

(she/her)

Laurel is the head of the Southern Queer Families Network. Her identities as a white queer trans femme lay the foundations for her over 14 years working in advocacy, organizing, direct service, and systems work. She has fought to improve services and safety for trans clients, staff, and volunteers in every job she’s had. Laurel is excited to decrease rates of violence among queer and trans people by increasing community resilience, connection, and political power among q/t families with kids. She is a mom in real life and in all group projects. In the rare moments when she’s not working or parenting she enjoys being in motion through climbing, cycling, or hiking and chilling with friends and chosen family.

Email Laurel here

Queer @ Home Housing Case Manager

(they/them)

Ruby supports queer/trans survivors of interpersonal violence in the ever-shifting landscape of the South. Their art and advocacy live side by side: zines, fiber arts, and handpoke become extensions of the same liberatory practice. Both pursuits (professional and artistic) are deeply intertwined– the two rooted in joy, grief, and imagining freer futures.

Email Ruby here

SQSN Program Director(they/them/theirs)

As a southern, queer survivor, Shaye is dedicated to contributing to a safer, more equitable world for marginalized communities. Throughout the last 10 years they’ve been working & learning in a variety of settings but have found deep roots in the Durham Queer community & serving LGBTQ+ survivors. Being a queer bisexual lesbian with Big Libra Energy informs much of their commitment to social justice and how they move through the world. Shaye is a multifaceted crafter, enjoys hanging downtown, and watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer cuddled up with their two black cats, T'Challa & Cyrus!

Email Shaye here

Survivor Services Coordinator

(they/them)

As a Borikua, southern artist & organizer, Téoshay’s deepest commitments are rooted in collective liberation ~ through abolitionist community building & expansive movement facilitation for QT/BIPOC. Being a mixed, neurospicy, queer survivor has shaped their dedication to carving paths for belonging within intra and interpersonal relationships. Some of their outlets for connection & play are astrology, dance, dreaming, cooking and cuddling their boxer/pittie baby! Téo’s goal is to use their role as Survivor Services Coordinator to support our communities in accessing more levels of safety, mutual aid, connection and joy.

Email Téo here