Tuesdays, September 9–October 14

We all carry stories about who we are and where we’ve been. Sometimes, healing begins when we learn to see those stories through a new lens. In this group, we’ll use short stories that explore mental health themes rooted in resilience to reflect, reframe, and reconnect with our own strength. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Jada L. Edwards, MA.

Participants are recommended to attend all sessions of this group, and registrations will close after the first group meeting. If you have questions or are unable to attend one of the sessions, please email us at programs@thewomensinitiative.org.

Click here to register here.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Your story matters. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to join 2024 Challenge Into Change author Samman Akbarzada for a 90-minute workshop supporting your submission to Challenge Into Change. You’ll be guided through accessible writing prompts that spark creativity, self-expression, and reflection. Bring your voice, whether through prose, poetry, or another form, and join us in a space that celebrates healing through story. Led by Samman Akbarzada.

Click here to register.

Click here to learn more about Challenge Into Change.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.

Click here to register.

Your story matters. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to join Kishara Joy Griffin for a 90-minute workshop supporting your submission to Challenge Into Change. You’ll be guided through accessible writing prompts that spark creativity, self-expression, and reflection. Bring your voice, whether through prose, poetry, or another form, and join us in a space that celebrates healing through story. Led by Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW.

Click here to register.

Click here to learn more about Challenge Into Change.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.

Click here to register.

Saturdays, April 26, May 31, and June 28

We invite you to explore rest as resistance in this three-part restorative retreat series. Join in to participate in releasing, relaxing and restoring your rest practices through activities such as journaling, self-care and gratitude sessions, and connecting with nature. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.

Fridays, April 25, May 30, and June 27

Join us in creating a vibrant collective space where BIPOC LGBTQ individuals can connect and thrive together. Each week will bring an opportunity to socialize, learn, and connect with community through various activities, such as self-care sessions, game nights, artmaking, and more. Individuals who identify as both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) are invited to participate. Register once and attend any of the sessions. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Every 4th Thursday, ongoing

This group is a safe space for transgender women and transfeminine adult individuals (18 years and older) in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding areas in Virginia to connect, share, learn from one another, and provide mutual encouragement along our unique, personal journeys. Respecting and maintaining the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of what is shared in our circle is of utmost importance. Led by Ashley Glennon, and members of the TWI Q Staff Alliance.

For more information and to register (preferred names or initials are fine), email cvilletranswomen@gmail.com. Attend any of the sessions.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Tuesdays, June 10–24

Explore the mindfulness and relaxing benefits of hand sewing in community. We invite you to explore textiles as a means of meditation, relaxation and emotional expression. Each week, our group will gather to slow down and engage in mindful hand sewing and embroidery. No prior artistic experience is necessary; we will explore new techniques together, support one another, and have fun. All materials will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own projects to work on. Women and members of the gender-expansive community 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Karina Monroy, clinical art therapy intern.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.

Click here to register.

Tuesdays, June 10–24

Explore the mindfulness and relaxing benefits of hand sewing in community. We invite you to explore textiles as a means of meditation, relaxation and emotional expression. Each week, our group will gather to slow down and engage in mindful hand sewing and embroidery. No prior artistic experience is necessary; we will explore new techniques together, support one another, and have fun. All materials will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own projects to work on. Women and members of the gender-expansive community 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Karina Monroy, clinical art therapy intern.

Click here to register.

Monthly on 2nd Thursdays, April 10–June 12

Join us for an engaging exploration of foundational queer theory texts in this three-month book club. Each month, we'll gather to discuss a different influential work that has shaped queer studies and thought. Our reading list begins with Leslie Feinberg’s “Trans Liberation,” followed by Judith Butler's "Gender Trouble," and Robert McRuer's "Crip Theory.” This book club creates space for thoughtful conversation around these groundbreaking texts and their impact on understanding gender, sexuality, and identity. Thanks to support from The Beautiful Idea, a limited number of books will be available to participants who register in advance. Open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up interested in queer theory, regardless of prior knowledge. Registration is recommended, especially for those who need assistance obtaining the books. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Tuesdays, June 10–24

Explore the mindfulness and relaxing benefits of hand sewing in community. We invite you to explore textiles as a means of meditation, relaxation and emotional expression. Each week, our group will gather to slow down and engage in mindful hand sewing and embroidery. No prior artistic experience is necessary; we will explore new techniques together, support one another, and have fun. All materials will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own projects to work on. Women and members of the gender-expansive community 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Karina Monroy, clinical art therapy intern.

Click here to register.

Fridays, ongoing

Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and seamstresses of all levels are invited to gather for in-person fellowship to share designs, offer ideas for projects, and talk about the joy of the craft. Beginners in crochet and quilting will receive guidance, encouragement, and curated resources for learning. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Ruth Williams.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Tuesdays

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.

Click here to register.

Saturdays, April 26, May 31, and June 28

We invite you to explore rest as resistance in this three-part restorative retreat series. Join in to participate in releasing, relaxing and restoring your rest practices through activities such as journaling, self-care and gratitude sessions, and connecting with nature. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.

Fridays, April 25, May 30, and June 27

Join us in creating a vibrant collective space where BIPOC LGBTQ individuals can connect and thrive together. Each week will bring an opportunity to socialize, learn, and connect with community through various activities, such as self-care sessions, game nights, artmaking, and more. Individuals who identify as both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) are invited to participate. Register once and attend any of the sessions. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Fridays, ongoing

Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and seamstresses of all levels are invited to gather for in-person fellowship to share designs, offer ideas for projects, and talk about the joy of the craft. Beginners in crochet and quilting will receive guidance, encouragement, and curated resources for learning. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Ruth Williams.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and Lisa Gaudet.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Fridays, ongoing

Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and seamstresses of all levels are invited to gather for in-person fellowship to share designs, offer ideas for projects, and talk about the joy of the craft. Beginners in crochet and quilting will receive guidance, encouragement, and curated resources for learning. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Ruth Williams.

Click here to register.