LGBTQ+ Centers

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Today is actually National LGBT Center Awareness Day.    

Founded in 1994, it is a national day for action focused on awareness around the work of LGBT community centers everywhere. Originally planned to bring national attention to the Community Center Movement within the LGBT movement and highlight the ways people can get involved and/or utilize local centers.

​When I saw this I actually began to think about what I know about my 'local' LGBT Center.  Now, I put local in quotes because it's kind of a misnomer is reference to the closest LGBT Center to where I currently live.  The closest is 16 miles away and is only open 2 times a month.  The next is almost 25 miles away and has the same scheduling spin out.  The only full time center near me is nearly 60 miles away.  (While none of these are bad things, unless you don't have a car, I find I am having trouble balancing myself with the situation.  

I live under 2 of the letters of the 'RAINBOW'.  One (I suppose you could say,) openly (I don't advertise).  The other is something I have just begun accepting and truly do not feel safe enough with some people to share it with them.

I've taken some time to read and research about some centers around the states.  Each seems to have the similar threads running through their mission statements:

*  Dedication to assisting the local LGBTQ 
*  Creating inclusive and secure/safe neighborhoods
*  Focus on education, counseling, advocacy, protection and community growth, and 
*  Improving the quality of life for LGBTQ community members

So, today, I ask a personal favor of each of you (whether you are in the 'RAINBOW' or an ally to someone who is)...
Take a moment today and speak to someone at your local LGBTQ center.  Learn, volunteer, teach, be a shoulder or an ear for someone struggling, be a friend/sister/brother/etc or allow someone to be there for you.  

Share the love and a selfie on social media.  Tag me.
#LGBTCenterAwarenessDay

22 LGBT Organizations You Need to Know

CenterLink - The Community of LGBT Centers

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