A few weeks ago I, Ricki Palmisano, introduced myself here as the LGBT+ resources coordinator and outlined my number one goal:
Making RESCQU.NET's LGBT+ Resource Database easier
for LGBT+ people who need valuable resources fast, to navigate.
But before I can show you how to do that, you gotta know how to use the database in the first place!
So we created a super handy video for you to learn how to use the database, and this blog will outline step-by-step how to find the resources you need!
So we created a super handy video for you to learn how to use the database, and this blog will outline step-by-step how to find the resources you need!
Now, using the database starts with this deceptively simple top navigation bar. With this top-bar you can search the entire database using any keyword you want, filter the results based on your needs, and sort them based on any piece of information you want.
NOTE: If you're on mobile this bar doesn't show. We're still working on a way to make this searchable, but if you put your phone in landscape mode it may show depending on the size of your device.
NOTE: If you're on mobile this bar doesn't show. We're still working on a way to make this searchable, but if you put your phone in landscape mode it may show depending on the size of your device.
Part 1: The Easy Part - Searching
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Of all the parts of the database this one is the easiest to use, but knowing how it searches can help you use it quicker.
To access this feature, on a computer, either press Control and F (Ctrl+F) while your Curser is focused on the database, or select the magnifier glass in the top-right-hand corner of the database. Then type in your query. The search feature uses Boolean Operators like AND, OR, NOT, and *'s to improve your search results. AND lets you search two terms. "Surgery AND Transition" will return all results that each would alone. NOT does the opposite and returns all surgery results that do not mention Transition. *s such as in Trans* return all words starting with trans such as transgender, transsexual, transgression, translucent - etc. |
Part 2: What to Do When You Don't Know What You Need
This section is alternatively called *drum roll* "The Relevance System"
One of the biggest issues our community of questioning, closeted, and stealth people have is that your problems tend to be complicated corner-cases and exceptions that leave you feeling hopeless.
Your issues are complex, involve a ton of catch-22s, and when you're in the thick of it, things can feel like you don't know where to start.
You may need to know how to change your name in a specific state, but that state won't accept your federal identity information. Finding a therapist that is trans* friendly is a gargantuan task, and there aren't a lot of resources if you're a lesbian going home to your conservative family for the holidays.
So, we've created the "relevant tag" system.
This is a list of different tags that we've asked our organizations to state they have a "specialty" in solving.
First, Use the "filter" feature [1] and sort by the "relevant to...[keywords[" column [2], to pull up a list of those tags. Then simply turn on the tags relevant to your issue [3] and the database narrows down all of our resources to the export organizations that will help solve your problem!
Your issues are complex, involve a ton of catch-22s, and when you're in the thick of it, things can feel like you don't know where to start.
You may need to know how to change your name in a specific state, but that state won't accept your federal identity information. Finding a therapist that is trans* friendly is a gargantuan task, and there aren't a lot of resources if you're a lesbian going home to your conservative family for the holidays.
So, we've created the "relevant tag" system.
This is a list of different tags that we've asked our organizations to state they have a "specialty" in solving.
First, Use the "filter" feature [1] and sort by the "relevant to...[keywords[" column [2], to pull up a list of those tags. Then simply turn on the tags relevant to your issue [3] and the database narrows down all of our resources to the export organizations that will help solve your problem!
For a full "list" of the available keywords we use to sort, or what they mean, consult this index, but we'll also provide a text list in a future blog:
The biggest advantage to this system is the "emergency" tag. This tag allows you to find all organizations that deal with getting you help NOW. Add Emergency plus the relevant tag to find access to resources that can help you in a pinch.
So what do you do when you have the resource up and in your hand?
So what do you do when you have the resource up and in your hand?
Part 3: What to Do with the Resource When You Have it
Once you've found the resource you need, clicking on it [1] will populate a more advanced "card" of data that includes all of the relevant tags that organization has claimed expertise in, [2], a description of the organization, and most importantly...
One closet-friendly person you can contact either via phone or email to help you find the best person in that organization to handle your issue, anonymously, quickly, and quietly [3].
One closet-friendly person you can contact either via phone or email to help you find the best person in that organization to handle your issue, anonymously, quickly, and quietly [3].
In this case, we're looking at the emergency sexual assault organization and educational organization RAINN. At RAINN, we've found Jodi Omear, who is a high ranking member of the organization.
You can use a private and separate email account to message her directly, or call the RAINN hotline (800-656-HOPE [4673]) about potential sexual assault issues, legal paths to getting out of the situation, and what to do if you're in a domestic violence situation right this moment.
You can use a private and separate email account to message her directly, or call the RAINN hotline (800-656-HOPE [4673]) about potential sexual assault issues, legal paths to getting out of the situation, and what to do if you're in a domestic violence situation right this moment.
My job is to make these cards easier for you to use, but a simple 3 step, 10-second process can get you the resources you need right now and with every partner organization we add to the database, we hope you'll find this database the most useful it can be.
If you know an organization that isn't on the list feel free to shoot them a link to ourPartner page here, and keep a look out for our next database indestructible: how to use the relevant to features!
If you know an organization that isn't on the list feel free to shoot them a link to ourPartner page here, and keep a look out for our next database indestructible: how to use the relevant to features!
About the Author: Ricki Palmisano
Ricki is our lead Database Coordinator for RESCQU.NET. Working with a team of other volunteers, she vets and establishes partnerships with organizations to ensure closet-friendly resources are in the database, updated, and have a singular contact who can field your needs at that organization. In her off-time she loves tea, studies copyright law, pets, and being an absolutely amazing friend.
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