Diverse & Resilient Appleton Room to Be Safe

06/04/2026

ALERT: Pride Month means our staff is out and about a lot! As a result, our office is closed today from 2pm on and we will open again tomorrow from 10-noon. We will close the office at noon and see you next week!

06/02/2026

Let's give a shout out to an anonymous donor who gave us these beautiful, hand-made, "snuggle-size" quilts. Everyone deserves a little soft comfort!

06/01/2026

D&R Statement
CW: homophobic and transphobic political violence

We are grateful for Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson’s swift re-raising of the Pride Flag and his statement in full support of Outagamie County LGBTQ+ people. Although we believe in transformative justice and reject carceral punishment, we know that acts of political violence such as this send strong messages to LGBTQ+ people in our community—especially youth. This is a reminder to everyone that hate, in fact, does have a home here. Hate has had a home here since Appleton’s days as a sundown town and earlier when settlements in what is now Outagamie County were formed on Native lands. Saying, “hate has no home here,” means nothing when acts such as this are not only possible, but also happen. The threat to the safety of LGBTQ+ people in our community is real.

Aspiring allies: what are you going to do to make your community a place where hate does not belong, and where no one would even think of doing such a heinous thing?

Cherished LGBTQ+ community in Outagamie County: know you can reach out to us for support, and know we are the best at keeping ourselves safe. Pride is for us—so we can see each other. We see you and we love you!

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR PRIDE MONTH FOLLOWING FLAG INCIDENT

Outagamie County, WI— At approximately 10:00 a.m. this morning, an individual removed the Pride flag displayed at the Outagamie County downtown campus, doused it with gasoline, and attempted to set it on fire.

Outagamie County’s Criminal Justice Unit responded immediately and apprehended the individual. The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Outagamie County Jail.

Outagamie County has zero tolerance for destructive, hateful, or threatening behavior of this kind. This incident is being taken seriously, not only because of the dangerous nature of the act, but because it targeted a symbol of inclusion, dignity, and support for members of our community.

A new Pride flag is already flying proudly.

Outagamie County will not be intimidated or deterred from showing its support for all residents. As Pride Month begins, the County stands strong in its commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community.

“This act does not reflect who we are as a county,” said Thomas Nelson, Outagamie County Executive. “We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community today and every day. Attempts to spread fear or division will not succeed here. We have already raised a new Pride flag because Outagamie County remains committed to respect, inclusion, and belonging for all.”

Outagamie County is grateful for the swift response of the Criminal Justice Unit and will continue to support efforts that protect public safety and uphold the values of the community.

For Outagamie County, Pride Month remains an important opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and stand alongside LGBTQ+ residents, employees, families, and visitors. That support remains unwavering.

Photo: An Outagamie County employee hoisting up our Pride flag.

05/29/2026

‼️Attention ‼️

Our Appleton office is closed to the public TODAY, FRI 5/29 due to staffing.

Our warmline will still be monitored today, but callers may experience longer wait times. Please call or text 414-856-5428 to connect with an advocate.

05/26/2026

Pride Month is upon us, and one way to celebrate Pride is to share time and space in community!

LGBTQ+ adults looking to connect with peers in a safe, supportive environment are welcome to join Diverse & Resilient Appleton and NAMI Fox Valley for 4th Thursdays Adult LGBTQ+ Peer Mental Health Support Group.

Next meetup:
This Thursday 5/28
6pm-7:30pm
NAMI Fox Valley
211 E Franklin ST
Appleton

05/20/2026

We are proud of students in Watertown Unified School District who join a long legacy of impactful LGBTQ+ student activism. While their school board refused to listen, their peers and community heard. And so did the composer of "A Mother of a Revolution!" who will be in attendance at this free, live-streamed community performance of the cancelled piece:

https://www.watertownimmanuel.org/concert

05/14/2026

Join us for this tonight!

You've heard of a paint and sip, but what about a paint and ponder??

Join us next Thursday May 14th from 6 to 8pm for 2nd Thursday LGBTQ+ Adult Drop In!

We will check in with each other and talk a little about the upcoming Pride season.

Then through prompts, mindfulness, and discussion, we will each create a simple painting and learn more about ourselves and each other. We've got the supplies! No artistic experience necessary! Perfection is neither required nor encouraged! We hope to see you there. 😀🖌🎨

05/08/2026

You've heard of a paint and sip, but what about a paint and ponder??

Join us next Thursday May 14th from 6 to 8pm for 2nd Thursday LGBTQ+ Adult Drop In!

We will check in with each other and talk a little about the upcoming Pride season.

Then through prompts, mindfulness, and discussion, we will each create a simple painting and learn more about ourselves and each other. We've got the supplies! No artistic experience necessary! Perfection is neither required nor encouraged! We hope to see you there. 😀🖌🎨

05/02/2026

Waushara County… WOW ‼️

Nick’s at the WWII building in Wautoma for their second annual Community Resource Fair, and the interactions are so wholesome and cup-filling!

Folks are excited and happy to see us here because LGBTQ+ people are everywhere, and we love to be invited! 🥰🫂🌈🦄

04/17/2026

Spring has sprung! What's springing up for you this season?

LGBTQ+ adults looking to connect with peers in a safe, supportive environment are welcome to join Diverse & Resilient Appleton and NAMI Fox Valley for 4th Thursdays Adult LGBTQ+ Peer Mental Health Support Group.

Next meetup:
Thursday 4/23
6pm-7:30pm
NAMI Fox Valley
211 E Franklin ST
Appleton