We’ve learned a lot in our 24 years living and loving in New Orleans. We began in 1992 as the Lesbian and Gay Community Center and spent our first 20 years in the French Quarter and Marigny (learn more about our history here). And while we love New Orleans’ gayborhood, a move to MidCity in 2014 allowed us to re-ignite the Center with a focus on serving diverse groups from across New Orleans. Now 75% of our groups meeting at the Center are led by women and trans people and 60% of the meetings are held by and for people of color.
The Values we developed help guide us towards justice and liberation for all sexual and gender minorities.
Nothing about us without us
Movements should be led by members of the community they serve. Trans people leading trans communities, people of color leading POC communities. Liberation starts with acknowledging that we are each experts in our own experience. Be a solid ally to communities you are not a part of by acknowledging their expertise as well.
Intersectionality is our framework
Racism, sexism, heterosexism, transphobia, ableism, and other forms of discrimination are interconnected and cannot be considered separate issues. An intersectional feminist approach helps us consider these connections. To navigate our own relative privilege and power (as individuals or groups) we must acknowledge where we and others reside in this "matrix of domination" (a term coined by black feminist and critical race theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw).
Respect elders, respect youth
We are multigenerational. We value all because we know they all bring a different perspective to our community. Youth are the future of our community and for whom we are building a better future. Elders are the foundation of our community, the ones that laid the groundwork for where we are today.. The Middles are building our future while honoring those that walked before us.
Remove all barriers
Accessibility is making sure that we consider and remove barriers to inclusion. We are committed to making our community meeting space accessible for people of all abilities, ages, and genders.
We are Southerners, we are storytellers
We value sharing and preserving the stories of members of our community.
Take credit for your work, amplify the work of others
We promote collaboration and cooperation, which starts with acknowledging everyone's’ contributions.
We are all learning
It is okay to grow in this journey of creating and holding space as a community center. We value constructive criticism and the learning process.
We welcome your feedback, if there is something you disagree with or think is missing please contact us at info@lgbtccneworleans.org, but please be respectful- as we stated, We Are All Learning.
