Dear Center Community,
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd, is the final day to vote in this critically important election. We know that the last four years have been tremendously difficult for the LGBTQ community and that our lives, our identities, our families, and our rights have been under assault. Just last week, we saw a Supreme Court confirmation that can potentially deal more blows to the decades of progress for LGBTQ civil rights, reproductive justice, affordable and accessible healthcare, and more. It’s easy to lose hope, but we must band together and do what we have always done – stand up for each other, fight for our rights, serve our community, and make our voices heard with our votes. This election gives us the opportunity to do just that. We must vote for lawmakers, up and down the ballot, who support the life-saving work done by LGBTQ community centers like ours, who value diversity, representation, and inclusion, and who will work for justice and equity for all of us. The Center is here to ensure your voice is heard!
By now you should have received your ballot - be sure to complete your entire ballot, seal, sign, and date it. We recommend you drop it off at a ballot drop off location like The Center or at the Registrar’s office, or turn it in at a polling location. If you strongly prefer to mail it, we recommend you hand it to a US Post Office staff member to ensure it is postmarked by November 3rd - Election Day.
The Center is proud to be our community's polling location! Please note:
- The Center will be open for in-person voting and ballot drop-off today, Monday, November 2nd from 8:00am – 5:00pm; and tomorrow on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, from 7:00am – 8:00pm.
- You may register to vote, and vote, at The Center today and tomorrow, during the above dates and times.
- The Center has a large parking lot and is centrally located at 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, 92103.
- Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd is MTS Free Ride Day. and all MTS and NCTD fixed-route buses, Trolleys, SPRINTER and COASTER are free. Face coverings are required.
- All who are registered to vote in San Diego County are welcome to vote at The Center regardless of where you live. If you are not registered to vote, you may still register and vote at The Center. Poll workers will be available on site to direct you and provide your voting options, whether you are registered or still need to register.
Please visit lgbtcenter.info/Vote for up-to-date voting information. If you have any questions about registering or voting, The Center is here for you! Please contact CivicEngagement@thecentersd.org. Make sure your voice is heard this election - let's Get Out The LGBTQ Vote!
In solidarity,
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-Cara Dessert (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Executive Officer
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The San Diego LGBT Community Center is proud that, during San Diego’s housing crisis, we do the real work to help and support LGBTQ people who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. Given our long-standing work, The San Diego LGBT Community Center is proud to support ballot Measure A for the City of San Diego. The Center believes that San Diego cannot begin to seriously address its housing crisis without addressing the fact that our region needs more affordable and permanent supportive housing. Measure A creates a $900 million housing bond to construct new affordable and permanent supportive housing and gives voters the opportunity to make an investment in being able to substantially make a difference for the unsheltered community in San Diego. For more information in support of Measure A, visit https://yesonasandiego.org.
The Center believes that the LGBTQ community is best served when there is a strong, transparent, and honest police oversight process. For that reason The San Diego LGBT Community Center proudly supports ballot Measure B for the City of San Diego. If passed, Measure B will amend the City of San Diego’s charter by transforming the current Community Review Board on Police Practices (CRB) from an ineffective board, into an independent Commission on Police Practices with real oversight powers. This new Commission would receive all complaints made against police officers, have its own legal counsel, have the power to undertake independent misconduct investigations, make their findings public, and hold officers more accountable for their actions. For more information in support of Measure B, visit https://www.sandiegansforjustice.com/.
-Rebekah Hook-Held (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Public Affairs & Civic Engagement Officer
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Over the next two months, many will be navigating how to celebrate the holidays and spread kindness and feelings of cheer. The holidays are a time of year when we find ourselves in a giving mood, looking for the opportunity to give and make a difference in someone’s life. We invite you to participate and make a significant impact on LGBTQ community members seeking support. Although we have been experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic for over half the year, and community members are still seeking emergency and essential services like housing, food, HIV testing, and Behavioral Health Services. Please help create change by getting engaged and fundraising for those in need.
The Center now provides you the ability to create a personalized fundraising page with a personalized URL link. Visit donate.thecentersd.org/yourcenter and create a customized fundraising page to share with your friends and family and help those in need this season. The Center and those we serve appreciate your efforts and generosity.
-Ian Johnson (Pronouns: He, Him, His)
Director of Development
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FOOD BANK DATE CHANGE IN NOVEMBER
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The Center is serving as a Polling Location tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd, so please note that the date of the Neighborhood Food Bank has changed. This community Food Bank will be held next week, on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:30am - 10:30am in The Center's parking lot at 3909 Centre Street. For more information, visit the San Diego Food Bank website at www.sandiegofoodbank.org or contact Sarah Merk-Benitez at 619.692.2077 x214 or smerkbenitez@thecentersd.org.
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A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Front Runners and Walkers Sand Diego! Front Runners and Walkers San Diego selected the The Center's Sunburst Youth Housing project to receive funds raised from the annual Pride Run and donated a generous $12,000. We appreciate the support that we have received for nearly a decade. Thank you!
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Join us for The Benjamin F. Dillingham, III & Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor 2020 Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6-7 pm livestreamed from The Center’s Facebook page. This LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor recognizes LGBTQ veterans with ties to San Diego who served under anti-LGBTQ policies, preventing their ability to serve, and serve safely and openly. These veterans have taken the oath to serve our country and have done so honorably, and with distinction, acting as role models in advancing equality. The LGBT Veterans Wall commemorates these veterans' lives in hopes that their courage, bravery and sacrifices will continue to inspire future generations.
The evening will include a brief program with celebration of military colors, the National Anthem, announcement of inductees, and special remarks. To RSVP, click here.
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CREATING COMMUNITY ON ZOOM
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Now more than ever, it's important to stay connected. The Center has meetings, discussions, and groups to connect you to community via Zoom meetings! Please visit our website, visit The Center's Facebook page, or call us at 619.692.2077 x 211 to find the right one for you. Reach out and connect today!
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