As we close on 2017 we wanted to recognize all the accomplishments and support we have had at the LGBT Community Center along with some exciting changes.
First, we want to thank YOU for all you’ve done to support the Center- attending events, hosting groups, donating, and spreading the word. You’ve been our champions for the last 25 years and we love you! This year we celebrated our grand reopening at 2727 South Broad Ave and our silver anniversary marking 25 years since we were formed.
Second, we want to thank Sebastian Rey who has stepped down as board President for his service to the Center. Sebastian served and led the Community Center as board President the past 4 years. He was instrumental in the continuation of a physical space for the LGBT community transitioning from our previous home on Decatur to our new home on Washington & Broad. Many accolades and thanks to Sebastian for his work!
In the interim, we are blessed to have board member Syria Jackson step in as board President pro tempore. Syria has worked for the Tulane Drop In Center assisting homeless youth and is a huge asset to our community.
[L to R] Board Members Taetrece Harrison (ex officio), Tanya Gulliver-Garcia, Syria Jackson, Sebastian Rey & Emily Rey. Not pictured: Sable Switch & Alisan Rowland
- Brotherhood Inc.
- LOUD Queer Youth Theater
- Nola Gaymers
- NOAGE New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders
- Black Gay Intellectuals United (B.G.I.U.)
- Queer Histories / Queer Futures : A New Orleans Dyke Bar History Project.
Among these groups we had several successful events including Bring Your Own Stories with Last Call: the Nola Dyke Bar Project and Maybe Baby: Options for LGBTQ Parents presented by Nola Gay Families.
Last but certainly not least, we want to recognize Stonewall Sports who raised an amazing $5000 for us this year. We don’t have space enough for all the love we have for you, Stonewall! Thanks to this funding the center was able to cover costs for the end of 2017 and January 2018.
Stonewall Sports Boo-zy Bar Crawl, which raised much needed funds for the Center’s operations. Check out Stonewall Sports social leagues here.
We are actively applying for grants along with corporate sponsors to continue to provide this space to the community in the rest of 2018. The LGBT community center is a home to so much of our community from artistic groups to family groups to addiction recovery and advocacy groups that we hope as part of our community you might consider supporting this space as well!
There are several ways you can support us but the most helpful would be to sign up as a sustaining donor. This type of support will help towards ensuring we can cover monthly expenses- rent and utilities cost $2500/month- to keep the Community Center a free, accessible, and connected community space for those that need it most. If you are unable to sign-on as a sustaining donor, please consider a one-time donation, sharing our sustaining donation information with your friends and family and making us your preferred charity on smile.amazon.com. There is no cost associated to you to shop on Amazon smile but Amazon will donate a small portion of your purchase directly to the Center!
As the year closes out, we are so thankful to all of our supporters, volunteers and members that make the center what it is here in New Orleans. We wish you and yours a safe, peaceful and joyful holiday season and to an amazing New Year!
