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Tomorrow is #WorldAIDSDay and #GivingTuesday
November 30, 2020

Dear Center Community,

Tomorrow, December 1st, is World AIDS Day – an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to honor those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day remains important as it reminds all of us that our fight to end no new cases of HIV continues – there is still a vital need to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education. It is also fortuitous that World AIDS Day falls on #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity that has unleashed the power of people and organizations to transform our communities.
 
In 2014, under the leadership of Dr. Delores Jacobs, Aaron Heier, Ben Cartwright, Rick Cervantes, Ian Johnson, and many others, The Center launched our #BeTheGeneration campaign, an aggressive and strategic effort to end new HIV transmissions in San Diego, prompted by medical evidence and offering a much-needed new opportunity to stop HIV as an epidemic. Today, #BeTheGeneration has transformed into an entire program focusing on Sexual Health and Wellness for the LGBTQ community and beyond. This program ensures individuals are empowered to take charge of their sexual health and well-being. Comprised of five tenets, this program will Empower by utilizing a robust combination of education, engagement, and services; Fight to reduce stigma and barriers and improve access to screening; Test so individuals know their status; Protect by providing information to make informed choices on how to remain HIV negative and STI free; and Treat by providing resources and care should they be diagnosed with HIV and other STIs.

As always, individuals, couples, and families living with HIV are welcome at all Center programs and activities, and The Center also has services specifically designed for community members living with HIV/AIDS. The Center has built strong collaborative partnerships with top community health providers like Family Health Centers of San Diego, Vista Community Clinics, San Ysidro Health Centers, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, and U.C. San Diego that allows our clients a seamless link to immediate sexual health treatment and prevention support as well as long-term medical care and supplemental services that help sustain and enhance quality of life.

If your circumstances allow, please consider a gift to The Center in honor of World AIDS Day on #GivingTuesday. Today’s deadline to match all year-end gifts two-to-one has been extended through the end of the day tomorrow, which means any gift you give tomorrow will have double the impact. Thank you and please continue to stay safe – wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands – and let’s all continue to do the work to end both of these pandemics.
 
I Will Donate!
-Cara Dessert (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Chief Executive Officer
IN THE KNOW WITH IAN
Mark your calendar because, after a brief hiatus, the We Care 11 Holiday Drive is back on! Join the LGBT sporting leagues of San Diego at RICH'S San Diego as they host this annual event complete with athletic elves fundraising and donating a portion of food sales back to The Center. Many of us are missing our weekend sports and we are thankful for the opportunity to still be able to raise funds for LGBTQ youth in San Diego. And we extend a big thank you to #CenterSupporter and community leader Junior Buendia for his continued support and bringing back this cherished annual event that raises funds for The Center and our Youth programs. We Care 11 takes place on Sunday, December 13th from 2pm - 8pm. Make your reservations for dining in RICH'S outdoor garden ( note that all social distancing protocols are in place) at RICH'S Reservations. Can’t make the event but would still like to support our youth? Donate at https://donate.thecentersd.org/WeCare

-Ian Johnson (Pronouns: He/Him/His)
Director of Development
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 
This year, Keller Williams Realty San Diego Metro will be doing its part to give back to our local community by being a part of #GIVINGTUESDAY. 
 
Tomorrow, on December 1st #GIVINGTUESDAY, Keller William San Diego Metro will be hosting a live fundraising event on their Facebook page from 10am to 2pm to benefit The San Diego LGBT Community Center. This virtual event will entertain you with a talent show of singers, comedians, and storytellers. Please watch and donate if you can - If we all give a little, we can have a big impact. Thank you, Keller Williams Realty of San Diego Metro! 
PARTNER EVENT 
Each year, our partners at Mama’s Kitchen and Village Hillcrest commemorate World AIDS Day by recognizing and remembering those affected by AIDS, as well as the ongoing leadership efforts made to end the epidemic at an Annual Tree of Life Ceremony. It is an evening of special memories, singing and sharing, and a candle lighting to honor those affected by AIDS. This year’s ceremony will be held virtually on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 6:00 pm. For more information and to sign up, click here.
COMING UP AT THE CENTER
STAY IN TOUCH WITH COMMUNITY ON ZOOM
The Center wants you to stay connected, especially during this time of year. Join us and your community on Zoom for discussion and support groups, special events, and more. 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! 
SHARE THE CENTER'S E-NEWS!
We make it easy - just click this link and forward this E-News to a friend!  If your friends would like to sign up to stay informed, they can sign up here: https://thecentersd.org/about/weekly-e-news/
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HELP IS AVAILABLE.
If you are in crisis or considering suicide, you are not alone. There are resources and help available for you:
  • 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 © 2020 San Diego LGBT Community Center, All rights reserved.


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