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The Center E-News | Monday, June 27, 2022
Happy Pride From The Center -
March With Us!

While our CEO, Cara Dessert, is on parental leave, we are excited to feature a few of our fabulous staff members as guest authors. Today, we'll hear from Deputy CEO, Kim Fountain (she/they).

Dear Center Community,

Hello, I am Kim Fountain (she/they), Deputy CEO at The Center, and I am honored to be this week’s guest author and wish you all a happy Pride season. For many of us, this is a particularly difficult time, given the recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, overturning Roe v Wade. And yet, our joy and hope are central to our resistance.
 
What do Pride and the Dobbs ruling have in common? The modern Pride Movement started as a riot over our right to be safe in our bodies and secure in our decisions on what to do with our bodies. Over the years, we have grown to understand that this right to choose, whether that means access to an abortion or reproductive health care, or to self-define our gender, or to love whom we choose – it is our fundamental right to bodily autonomy that is at the heart of these decisions.
 
At The Center, we are devastated by last week’s Supreme Court decision which overturns Roe v. Wade. Like many nonprofit professionals, I also serve on a Board of Directors, and in my case, it is for a national reproductive justice organization. When the ruling came down on Friday, my social media and networking groups were on fire. My role at The Center and my volunteer work dovetail all the time, but never so poignantly and critically as on Friday the 24th. In addition to issues of reproductive justice, this Supreme Court ruling could be a gateway for limiting other protections based on the right to privacy – including marriage equality and privacy-related health care rights like access to contraception, fertility treatments, assisted reproduction, and gender-affirming care. But, like we always have, The Center will continue fighting for our community.
 
As the Pride month of June ends, and we prepare for San Diego’s Pride celebration in July, we uplift the beautiful diversity of our LGBTQ community. We reflect on those who began the fight in the 1969 Stonewall riots, the transgender and Latinx women, the drag queens, and so many more, who refused to back down against police brutality and discrimination. We celebrate the historical fight for equal rights and justice with the founding of national gay rights organizations, the election of hundreds of LGBTQ officials across the country, the acceptance of our community in the military, and the freedom to exist with dignity and visibility and without fear and prejudice. We have always had to fight for our rights, and today is no different, but the stakes are getting higher.

As our LGBTQ community always has, we celebrate our wins and mourn our losses, together in community.

At The Center, we are proud every day, and the months of June and July give us more resolve, joy, and purpose to keep up the fight. We can’t wait to see our community out in full force for the San Diego Pride Parade on July 16th – families, children, our youth and elders, allies – all in our rainbow colors. We invite all of you to march with The Center contingent – sign up here and check out more information below. Please join us in pride and in community!
 
My heart is full knowing you support The Center as we work to advance our fundamental freedoms in our advocacy work, as well as care for and serve our community and their needs. And remember, it’s up to us to create the future that our LGBTQ community wants and deserves by speaking up, standing proud, and voting. Thanks to each and every one of you – Happy Pride!

- Kim Fountain (Pronouns: She/They)
Deputy CEO

MARCH WITH US FOR SAN DIEGO PRIDE!
After three long years, we are finally celebrating Pride in person with all of the festivities, including the iconic San Diego Pride Parade! If you and your friends and family would like to march in The Center's contingent in the San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday, July 16th, 2022, we would love for you to join us!

Fill out this form or click the button below to sign up to march and to get your free Pride 2022 Center t-shirt – we've extended the deadline to request a t-shirt to this Wednesday, June 29th. Please join us and we look forward to marching and celebrating Pride with you!
I Want To March With The Center!
IN THE KNOW WITH IAN
Let's kick this Pride season into high gear! There is nothing that makes us happier at The Center than being a place where LGBTQ people can bring their entire selves to the full range of all that The Center offers. Whether someone is receiving gender-affirming services or connecting with other community members, we place a high value on community building.

This Thursday, June 30 is Give OUT Day – the only national giving event for the LGBTQ community. Since 2013, Give OUT Day has helped hundreds of nonprofits raise millions of dollars, which go directly to support our LGBTQ community.

This Pride season we have launched an effort to secure 70 new Monthly Center Supporters, a group of dedicated supporters who make it possible for The Center to vision a powerful future. The Give Out Day gift you make will impact so many LGBTQ community members, including youth who are currently experiencing homelessness and just want a a safe place to sleep, a hot shower, a meal, and the opportunity to do their laundry. Join us this Give OUT Day with a special one-time gift or by becoming a Monthly Center Supporter. Thank you for your support of The Center!

- Ian Johnson (Pronouns: He, Him, His)
Senior Director of Development
WELCOME BACK TO YOUR CENTER
The Center is in Phase 3 of reopening and in-person services are expanded at 3909 Centre Street, Monday through Friday, from 10am-7pm. In our main building, our Cyber Center is once again open and many groups are meeting in person including Mi Familia, La Manzanitas, HIV+ Senior Discussion Group, Senior Drop-In, and more.

We are also delighted that our Hillcrest Youth Center is open Monday-Friday, 3-7pm, with a special Tour Day for families on Tuesdays from 11am-7pm. Our South Bay Youth Center is now open Monday-Friday, 3-7pm. And, as 40% of youth experiencing homelessness are LGBTQ, our critical housing services are available at Sunburst Youth Housing, Golden Hall shelter, and LGBTQ Safe S.T.A.Y. 

For information on programs or housing services, please call us at 619.692.2077 or check out our events calendarMasks will still be required indoors and clients are required to be vaccinated. Flexibility for the mask requirement will be allowed for special health circumstances.

NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY - JUNE 27

On June 27th every year, we observe National HIV Testing Day, a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. This year's theme is "HIV Testing is Self-care," as knowing our status helps us engage in prevention, treatment, or services to live a long and healthy life. Get tested at The Center as we get ready for San Diego Pride weekend!

At The Center, through our #BeTheGeneration Sexual Health & Wellness program, we offer free, confidential, and anonymous HIV testing and free, confidential STI screenings for our community in a sex-affirming environment. Know your status and #BeTheGeneration that ends HIV in San Diego. Call us at (619) 692-2077 to schedule your appointment.

CALL FOR BIPOC ARTISTS

The San Diego LGBT Community Center is excited to post a second call for LGBTQ-identifying artists to share their artwork on the walls of our newly renovated welcome lobby and main floor in our main building in Hillcrest!

We are interested in displaying artwork from local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) LGBTQ artists that capture the vibrancy and breadth of our LGBTQIA+ community. Do you have a piece that exemplifies joy, welcoming, or acceptance? We want to see it! Submit your piece by completing the form below. The deadline to submit is July 31st, 2022.

Artists must be local to San Diego. All mediums that can be wall-mounted are acceptable; art must be prepared for display. Artists may submit up to four artworks. Please indicate in your submission form if you wish to sell or donate your piece.

Submit Your Artwork!
ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT!
The deadline is approaching to nominate this year’s inductees for the Benjamin F. Dillingham, III & Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor (VWoH). 

This wall recognizes LGBTQ veterans with ties to San Diego who served under anti-LGBTQ policies, preventing their ability to serve safely and openly. It also honors those who have served after the ending of those policies, and commemorates these veterans’ lives in hopes that their courage, bravery and sacrifices will continue to inspire future generations.

Applications are due by this Thursday, June 30, 2022; nominees are eligible regardless of rank earned, branch of service, or component and nominees may be living or deceased. For a list of criteria and to nominate someone, please visit The Center’s website.
LET THE CENTER FILL YOUR PANTRY! 
We want to remind you of a FREE critical food resource available to our community. In partnership with United Way Worldwide, 2-1-1 and DoorDash, our Non-Perishable Delivery program provides food staples right to your door including pasta, rice, cereal, instant oatmeal, mac n' cheese, canned fruit, tuna, chicken, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, soup, ramen, mixed nuts, pancake mix, and more!

Sign ups are required so if you would like to get more information and sign up, please email: smerkbenitez@thecentersd.org
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
AT THE CENTER
Join us for in-person and virtual events, resources, trainings, Discussion & Support Groups, and more. Please visit our website, visit The Center's Facebook page, or call us at 619.692.2077. Below, find just some of The Center's offerings:
COVID-19 UPDATES
As we know, COVID-19 is still among us, so please do all you can to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe and protected. Here are some resources to help:

NEW: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Panel recommends vaccines for children 6 months and older. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off on boosters for 5 - 11 year olds - read more.

Schedule your vaccine and booster appointment today! Visit sandiegocounty.gov to find a location and you can also schedule an appointment on My Turn.

Order your free at-home COVID-19 tests! Each residential household may order eight at-home tests and will receive them in 7-10 days. Order your test today and explore the site for at-home tests at retailers or pharmacies, free testing sites, and insurance reimbursement for at-home tests.
CHECK OUT OUR JOB LISTINGS
The San Diego LGBT Community Center is one of the most rewarding places to work, renowned for dynamic and creative teamwork, professionalism, and unparalleled heart and dedication. Employees experience an amazing environment where community building, compassion, and care are uniquely combined with an insistent striving toward excellence and best practices. Check out our job listings and apply today
SHARE THE CENTER'S E-NEWS 
We make it easy to share The Center's weekly E-News - just click this link and forward to a friend! If your friends would like to sign up to stay informed, they can sign up here: https://thecentersd.org
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE - REACH OUT FOR HELP
If you are in crisis or considering suicide, you are not alone.
There are resources and help available for you - please reach out for help:
  • Trans Lifeline: 1.877.565.8860 - For trans or nonbinary folx in the US
  • Trevor Project Lifeline: 1.866.488.7386 - For LGBT youth (18-24)
  • National Suicide Hotline: 1.800.273.8255 - For all ages & identities
  • San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 1.888.724.7240 - Free suicide prevention/intervention hotline in San Diego County
Copyright © 2022 San Diego LGBT Community Center, All rights reserved.


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