Northwest Arkansas Equality (Arthur Beeghly LGBTQ Resource Center)

Northwest Arkansas Equality runs the Arthur Beeghly LGBTQ Resource Center in Fayetteville, a place for LGBTQ+ people across Northwest Arkansas to find support, information and each other. The center is named for longtime board member Art Beeghly and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Support is at the heart of the work. Five monthly peer support groups meet for people who want to talk with others who understand, including a Trans & GNC Support Group for adults who are transgender, nonbinary, gender fluid or gender nonconforming, a general LGBTQ support group for adults, and a virtual group on Zoom for people who cannot make it in person. The center also offers free HIV and syphilis testing.

NWA Equality is also the organization behind NWA Pride, the largest Pride celebration in Arkansas. The weekend of events in Fayetteville draws more than 40,000 people, and six of its eight activations are free to attend. Across the year, the organization hosts more than 65 social and advocacy events and connects people to a broad network of resources and partner organizations, while advocating on policy that affects LGBTQ+ Arkansans.

Anyone can stop by the center or call (479) 966-9014 to ask about groups, testing or upcoming events. Supporters can give through NWA Gives, fund the work of NWA Pride, or show up at an event.