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Clarksville Q presents LGBTQ+ needs assessment to school board, schedules Sept. 6 town hall
Summary
Clarksville Q presented results of a countywide needs assessment that found perceived gaps in safe youth spaces, mental health and anti‑discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ residents. Presenters invited school board members to a Sept. 6 town hall at the Clarksville‑Montgomery County Library to discuss recommendations.
Members of Clarksville Q presented survey and interview findings to the Clarksville‑Montgomery County School System Board of Education on Tuesday, reporting perceived gaps in safe community spaces, mental‑health services and access to employment for LGBTQ+ residents.
Charles Offerman, who identified himself as leader of Clarksville Q, said the group formed with local nonprofit and city leaders and received technical assistance from the Healing Trust and a research partner to conduct a needs assessment. Offerman said Clarksville Q surveyed about 500 registered voters and conducted roughly 10 interviews; the polling was weighted and the group relies on an outside firm for methodology. He said the assessment found heightened vulnerability among LGBTQ+ youth and parents in the current political climate and a perception that public discussion and media have made some young people feel less safe.
Rod Mills, a Clarksville resident and Austin Peay State University professor who also serves on the Clarksville Q board, summarized findings on access and services: 41% of respondents reported difficulty accessing employment locally; 59% disagreed that safe community spaces are available for LGBTQ+ adults and youth; 48% reported poor access to mental‑health support; and 51% felt there was inadequate protection from discrimination in Montgomery County. Mills said respondents identified zip codes (37042, 37040 and 37043) with higher concentrations of LGBTQ+ residents and families.
Michelle Lucier, another Clarksville Q member, presented recommendations that include establishing community centers that serve LGBTQ+ adults and youth, expanding safe youth spaces outside schools (for example in libraries and community centers) and increasing mentorship and inclusive extracurricular programs. Lucier invited board members to a town hall on Sept. 6 at the Clarksville‑Montgomery County Library to discuss the research and next steps.
Board members did not take formal action on the presentation but several thanked presenters and stated openness to continued conversation. Offerman and other Clarksville Q members said the group will hold a community town hall to further discuss recommendations and gather feedback from families and educators.
