At last, we have entered an age where gay conversion camps are closing, and safe spaces are opening. Just a few blocks from the infamous gay bar, the Underground Niteclub, Buffalo’s Stonewall, tucked between Trinity Church and Chris’ NY Sandwich on Delaware Avenue stands Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of WNY, a quaint safe haven for the local queer community, operated by supporting staff with open arms and minds. Their center in the city is a comforting getaway, adorned with LGBT art and literature, with a beautiful Drop-In Center where teens can escape and come together after school and during…
Author: Catherine Keller
Catherine Keller
Born and bred in Buffalo, Catherine Keller published her first poetry chapbook, ‘Sonder’, in June 2018, which is available on Amazon. She has been published in literary magazines including Wilderness House Literary Review, Epigraph Press, Tipton Poetry Journal, The Stray Branch, and Hooligan Magazine, the Buffalo News, and Esperanza Magazine. When she’s not writing, she spends her time chasing sunsets, waterfalls, and free food, which you can view on her Instagram @catiekeller.
Buffalo’s recent revival has brought safe and supporting havens for wordsmiths and literary artists alike, to unite and share their work with others. Whether you’re looking for open mic nights or a comforting corner of a book shop to relax and read, this compilation of worldly-wise and writer friendly communities will satisfy your creative side. Reading Series Just Buffalo’s Babel Silo City Summer Reading Series The Canisius Contemporary Writers Series The Oscar Silverman Readings Peach Mag Episodes, and the Just Buffalo’s Studio Series. Pure Ink Poetry is one of the most active literary communities in the city. They have monthly…
Buffalo has a thriving LGBT community. From the fabulous Pride festival to the various LGBT-friendly events throughout the year, there is so much to offer queer folk in this city. Pride Center Apart from the event side of things, there are also plenty of services that are available to the LGBT community. Pride Center supplies a range of medical care resources, including HIV prevention, addiction therapy, dental and eye care, mental health counseling, and pharmacists. They also offer domestic violence support, transitioning resources, training and education, in addition to offering protection for sex workers. 200 S. Elmwood Ave | Buffalo,…
In a society that is predominantly Christian, it can be challenging to connect with others who are ‘spiritual but not religious’; those who drift away from conventional organized religion and prefer meditation, yoga, tarot cards, and various mystical experiences. Thankfully, as people evolve to become more progressive, communities and spiritual centers pop up where pagans, witches, agnostic, and non-Christians alike can unite. Buffalo has been blessed with many metaphysical shops and cultural centers. Herbal Magick is by far my favorite spiritual shop to visit. Located at 402 West Avenue in Lockport, they have every necessity for beginning your spiritual journey.…