Joy Hertz is a group of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent peers that are creating the space we’ve never had: a haven for healing and connection where those of us who struggle to survive ourselves are encouraged to share our stories without fear of being stigmatized, reported, or fixed.
We are honored to walk in the footsteps of organizations that have paved the way for Joy Hertz to evolve and come into fruition, only some of whom are listed below:
- Yarrow Collective (Fort Collins, CO) – a by/for/with lived experience organization that builds non-carceral, consent-based alternatives to mental health services through peer support, recovery, and harm reduction.
- Wildflower Alliance (Western Massachusetts) – a grassroots Peer Support, Advocacy, and Training organization with a focus on harm reduction and human rights that pioneered and champions the Alternatives to Suicide approach.
We’re currently in the funding phase and are walking with care toward opening our southeast Denver community center’s doors in June 2026.
Mission
Joy Hertz exists to support folx navigating the impacts of self-injury and suicide within Denver’s LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Through peer and community support programming, we create and hold space for connection and healing.
We currently fund our work of creating a brave space where agency, expression, and compassion intersect through individual donations.
Operating Model
Joy Hertz will offer three types of programming:
- Brave Spaces: weekly peer facilitated Alternatives to Suicide meetings starting in June 2026 at our community center in south east Denver.
- Self-Expression: monthly locally-led gatherings aimed at fostering creativity, mindfulness, and movement among the Joy hertz community. Our hope is to fund and implement this program by the Fall of 2026.
- Bodily Agency/Safe Alternatives: walk-in body modification (tattoos and body piercings) services in a professional, safe, stigma-free, and compassion-first environment. Our hope is to fund and implement this program by the Spring of 2027.