Inclusive organization offers safe place for LGBTQ community

Equality El Dorado is an inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ people in the El Dorado area. Their mission is to create a space where people can connect, share and thrive.  

Cam Austin originally started the Facebook group in 2019, two years after moving back to El Dorado. They were looking to build a sense of community not just for themselves, but for their family as well. This space started to connect, support one another and celebrate who they are. As the social and political climate in the United States has shifted, they realized that connection wasn’t enough, and they needed to act. Earlier this year, they put out a call for volunteers on the page and from that moment, Equality El Dorado truly began to take shape. It’s grown from a simple idea into a movement grounded in visibility, support and real change.  

When Austin first moved to El Dorado, it was tough. Finding a sense of belonging took time, but once they connected with supportive people and identified safe, welcoming spaces, things became easier. While challenges still come up from time to time, most people are kind and respectful. That experience is a big part of what motivated them to create a list of “safe” businesses in town so others wouldn’t have to navigate that same uncertainty alone. Building visible support systems is how they create a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone. 

“Two moments stand out the most,” Austin said. “The first was our very first board meeting. It felt like stepping into something that was always meant to be. The room was filled with powerhouse individuals, each bringing big ideas and incredible energy. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passionate people come together. The second moment was when we began connecting with the wider El Dorado community. The response was overwhelming in the best way. People showed up with furniture, made donations and offered to volunteer. It was clear that this community had been craving a space like Equality El Dorado, and being part of making that happen has been deeply meaningful.”  

The response from the El Dorado community has been incredibly encouraging. From the moment they began to reach out, people stepped up to donate furniture, offer financial support and volunteer their time. It’s clear there was a real need for a space like Equality El Dorado. They have heard from so many community members who are excited, grateful and relieved to finally have a place where they feel seen and supported. The kindness and enthusiasm they have received show that this work matters and that El Dorado is ready to grow into a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. 

“Right now, one of our most urgent needs is financial support as we await our 501(c)(3) approval,” Austin said. “That said, we're actively laying the foundation for long-term impact. We’re building strong relationships with local organizations and businesses to create a network of support, resources, and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals in our community. While we're still in our early stages, the groundwork we’re doing now is shaping a more connected and affirming future for El Dorado.” 

While progress has been made, the LGBTQ+ community in El Dorado still faces several significant challenges. One of the biggest is the lack of clear legal protections against discrimination in areas like housing, employment and public services. Many LGBTQ+ individuals also experience subtle, ongoing bias or exclusion that can make daily life feel unsafe or unwelcoming. Access to affirming healthcare is another barrier, especially for transgender individuals. For LGBTQ+ youth, the absence of visible support systems can lead to isolation, mental health struggles, or even housing insecurity. That’s why creating safe spaces, community connections, and educational outreach is so important we’re working to close those gaps and build a more inclusive El Dorado. 

“First and foremost, do whatever you need to do to keep yourself safe, your well-being always comes first,” Austin said. “Once you're in a place where you feel secure, don’t hold back. Shine. Live your life fully and unapologetically. Seek out a community that lifts you up, reminds you of your worth, and helps you grow. And above all, don’t be afraid to open your heart. Love freely, love boldly, and never forget that there is strength in being exactly who you are.” 

Kera Boyce was born and raised in this community. She went to high school here and attended Butler CC. She recently saw a quote that says as an adult you become who you needed as a child. When Austin approached her with the idea of wanting to start something up in El Dorado, this really allowed for inclusion of everybody and anybody. Boyce felt she had a place to be able to be that adult for a child or person who needs guidance or someone to listen to them.  

“I think with any small town, you’re gonna get certain situations or people that aren’t as open minded, but that’s not where we are going to focus our energy because there are so many great individuals in our community that fight for inclusion and acceptance of anyone and everyone,” Boyce said. “That’s what  we’re gonna highlight, so I think as a community we are ready for a place like this for ALL in our community.”  

If she had to highlight one single moment when she was at work, she works at the YMCA as a personal trainer has been there 10+ years, she had a mother come up to her and thank her for getting Equality El Dorado going because she has a son that likes to paint his nails. Her son gets ridiculed for that, so Boyce is grateful to have a place where he isn’t shamed for this. 

“I am super proud of being a part of this,” Boyce said. “I’m really looking forward to some of the events that we have planned. We want to be there for family and friends and offer all types of resources, so as a community we would love to hear from you on things that you would like to see. We have a family event scheduled for (Saturday), June 14 to celebrate pride month, and in the evening, we will have karaoke.”  

Equality El Dorado meets the third Wednesday of each month where they host Rosie’s Readers Book Club and on Thursday, there is coffee and tea. The organization has also teamed up with a local El Dorado business, Amy K Designs, located at 112 S. Main, to design shirts. The proceeds are donated to Equality El Dorado.  

“Just ask for Equality El Dorado shirt when you stop in to see her, but we will have some available on our grand opening (Thursday), June 5 for purchase,” Boyce said. 

Cortnie Killen has been a part of the El Dorado community since 2013 and has seen the need for something like the organization. To have a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to be exactly who they are meant to be is such a feeling Killen couldn’t pass up. People, no matter what age, should be able to be who they are and have people who support them.  

  “I have met some pretty amazing people in this community that I have been able to be myself with since day one,” Killen said. “I have also met people who are not accepting. Seeing the need for some visibility for our youth is what drives me to want to be a part of this group. Making sure they know there are people in the community that they can feel safe with.” 

“I would have to say our very first meeting I went in only knowing a small amount of people in the room and walked out feeling like family,” Killen added. “The work we have been able to do already is inspiring and motivation to keep going.”