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The Center E-News | Monday, February 6, 2023
Community Room and Auditorium Rentals
are BACK at The Center! 

Hello Center Community!
 
I’m Jess Diaz (she/her) and I am the Welcome Services Manager at The Center. The Welcome Desk at our main Center building in Hillcrest is often our first impression to community members; It is a place where we can greet you, learn about what you may need, and make sure everyone feels welcome to access our services and resources.

Our newly renovated community space at our main Center location serves as a metaphor for our community – everything changes, and all have the potential to grow beyond their limitations. Whether a client needs one of The Center’s extensive resources, or we direct them to one of our many trusted partners, it is important that our LGBTQ community members feel valued and supported. We've been moved by returning clients who, once in a dark place, in dire need, or experiencing housing insecurity, are so thankful that they were able to access the help they needed.
 
One client, Eric*, recently returned to The Center after four years and was quite emotional. He was awe-struck when he saw how much the interior of the main Center had changed. As we toured the Auditorium, Eric pointed to a spot on the Auditorium bench and said, “I used to sit there with all the belongings I owned at the time, hoping that one day I would find a place to call home and be substance free.”

He looked up at me with tears in his eyes saying, “The Center helped me in my recovery, and I have had my own home for three years now.” It was a proud moment of celebration and a reflection of his journey. He let me know that he could not have done it without the help of The Center and he was extremely grateful.

We have heard from community members who were questioning their identity when they came to The Center… and it was here when they first said the word “gay” out loud. Many sought out LGBTQ kinship, attending a coming out meeting or one of our support and discussion groups – and perhaps the first place where they were seen as part of the community. We are delighted that we are now able to provide the space to create even more of these impactful moments.
 
Today, I am happy to announce that room reservations are now open for our community, Monday-Friday from 10am-7pm, and our historic Center Auditorium is also available to rent! There is something special about offering spaces at an LGBTQ community center – spaces that are safe, affirming, and specifically meant for us to gather, plan, talk, dream, and belong.

Before we closed our doors in March 2020 due to COVID, events and groups like Being Alive, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, SDAFFL (San Diego American Flag Football League), AFCSL (Americas Finest City Softball League), the Truax Awards, and the Red Hot Dance, brought people together at The Center. Iconic moments and memories have been made within our walls, and we look forward to many more!
 
To get more information about reserving a room at The Center, please visit our website. We hope to see you soon!

In community,
Jessica Diaz (She, Her)
Welcome Services Manager

*The name of our client has been changed to protect their privacy.

Dust off those dancing shoes! The Center's Red Hot Dance is this Saturday, February 11 from 6-9pm!
Red Hot Dance - RSVP!
This dance is for all queer women including lesbians, transgender women, cisgender women, nonbinary folks, womxn, womyn, queer women, dykes, bisexual women, pansexual women, intersex folks, or any combination. Language is never perfect, but if you feel that you might belong at Red Hot, you do! 

We welcome back DJ Laura Jane and highlight women-owned businesses with our drinks this year! Our dance floor will be accessible, and we will have plenty of seating as well. The event is a $5 suggested donation at the door and includes one drink ticket and snacks.
 
For more information about this event, please email women@thecentersd.org. We can't wait to see you there!
LOVE AND ADVOCACY TRIVIA NIGHT
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join The Center next Monday, Feb 13th from 6-8pm for a Love and Advocacy Trivia Night hosted at Gossip Grill!

Bring your friends, lovers, and chosen family for an evening of trivia and networking with The Center’s Advocacy & Civic Engagement Team! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with other like-minded folks who are passionate about our community and looking to help make a difference. Trivia questions will focus on the history of the LGBTQ social justice movement and local San Diego politics. We have a mystery prize for the winning team that will be announced soon!

Be one of the first 30 people to arrive and get a free drink token! Light appetizers will also be provided. RSVP below, must be 21+ to attend. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/love-and-advocacy. Questions about this event? Contact advocacy@thecentersd.org. We can't wait to see you there!
 
RSVP for Trivia Night
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The 2023 Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance.” Check out some of the community events happening in San Diego this month!
Join the San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 3-5:30 pm for The Black LGBTQ+ Human Book Experience, which is an adaptation of the Human Library created in Copenhagen in the spring of 2000. This experience will focus on Black LGBTQ+ Human Books to create safer spaces for intersectional conversations with the readers. As a hands-on learning platform, this adaption will challenge pre-existing stigma and stereotypes as we move to educate, enlighten, and empower community as well as eradicate racism, transphobia, homophobia and misogyny in our virtual library. Learn more and participate in our spoken word poetry slam.
BLACK SERVICES AT THE CENTER
Black Services at The Center provides regular and ongoing support and discussion groups for our Black LGBTQ community. Find our schedule of events on The Center's website.
THE CENTER'S FREE FOOD RESOURCES
At The Center, we believe that food is a human right and we want to be sure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food. Our programs include: Both Food Banks have a walk-up or drive-up option for safety. If you, or someone you know needs access to food, know that The Center is here for you. Please reach out to Sarah (she/her) at 619.692.2077 x 214 or smerkbenitez@thecentersd.org.
MAKE FRIENDS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Want to make new friends, make a difference, and give back to the LGBTQ community? Why not become a Center Volunteer - there is an opportunity for everyone. Click here to learn more.
HIV/HCV AND STI SCREENINGS
FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL 
It's time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today - call us at 619.692.2077 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. Monday-Friday 11am-6pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please note that we do not offer MPOX testing as part of our testing services, please call 211 for testing assistance. Testing and screening clients are required to be vaccinated and masked while in the building, but exceptions can be made on an individual basis. Please reach out to us to ensure we can accommodate your needs!
WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER
Hatha Yoga Stretch and Meditation has kicked off at The Center and everyone is welcome! Join us in a safe space to experience the art of Mindfulness and Breath while practicing yoga.  Yoga mats are available, or bring your own. This yoga group will meet every Monday from 3-4pm, and is led by Jacqueline Penhos (she/her/ella).

Masks are required indoors and clients are required to be vaccinated. Flexibility for the mask requirement will be allowed for special health circumstances.
50+ AND BETTER TOGETHER | SENIOR SERVICES AT THE CENTER
Find our full list of events, programs, and services for 50+ & Better Together Senior Services on our website.
LATIN@X SERVICES AT THE CENTER
All Latin@x Services support and discussion groups are now meeting in person! View all our groups on the Latin@x Services page on our website.

¡Todos los grupos de discusión y apoyo de Latin@x Services ahora se están reuniendo en persona! Vea todos nuestros grupos en la página de Servicios Latin@x en nuestro sitio web.
PROJECT TRANS AT THE CENTER
Project TRANS at The Center offers something for everyone in our transgender and nonbinary community!
YOUTH SERVICES AT THE CENTER
San Diego Foundation awarded scholarships to 983 students last year, with nearly 70% of them being first-generation college students. Students can apply for the 2023-2024 Common Scholarship Application. Deadline: March 8, 2023.
https://www.sdfoundation.org/students/common-scholarship-application/
At The Center, we have something for everyone in our community! Check out our Events Calendar at The Center or visit our Community Program pages:
FROM OUR PARTNERS

If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, please take a few moments to complete this #Out4MentalHealth survey and share it with your networks. It supports LGBTQIA+ community members in identifying system strengths and barriers based on our own lived experiences. Your responses will be utilized to help create a statewide mental health policy agenda. 

Share your experiences accessing mental health care by taking the Mental Health Advocacy Priorities Survey: bit.ly/O4MHPP2022

JOIN THE CENTER TEAM! 
Make a change and work at The San Diego LGBT Community Center - one of the most rewarding places to work, renowned for dynamic and creative teamwork, professionalism, and unparalleled heart and dedication. Employees experience a collaborative and caring environment where community building, compassion, and respect are uniquely combined with an insistent striving toward excellence and best practices. Check out the job listings here and apply today!
STAY HEALTHY: UPDATES & RESOURCES
Get the latest and most up-to-date information our website at thecentersd.org/mpox/. To sign up for the County's MPOX text message alert system and receive real-time information about MPOX, text COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.
  • MPOX vaccine eligibility has expanded in San Diego County. MPOX is now available to anyone who may be at risk. Visit our website for more information about the MPOX vaccine. MPOX vaccination appointments are available at myturn.ca.gov for those without health insurance or healthcare provider. 
  • To get notifications of vaccine availability, please sign up to the MPOX alert system by texting COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.
RECURSOS Y ACTUALIZACIONES SOBRE MPOX (VIRUELA DE MONO)
Obtenga la información más reciente y actualizada directamente del condado de San Diego. El sistema de alerta de mensajes de texto MPOX del condado envía información en tiempo real sobre MPOX a través de mensajes de texto a los residentes del condado de San Diego. Para inscribirse, envíe un mensaje de texto con COSD MONKEYPOX al 468-311. Visite nuestro sitio web en thecentersd.org/mpox/ para obtener la información más reciente.
  • La eligibilidad para la vacuna contra MPOX se ha ampliado en el condado de San Diego. La vacuna MPOX ahora está disponible para cualquier persona que pueda estar en riesgo. Visita nuestro sitio web para más información sobre la vacuna contra MPOX. Las citas de vacunación MPOX están disponibles en myturn.ca.gov para personas sin seguro médico o sin proveedor de atención médica.
  • Para recibir notificaciones sobre la disponibilidad de vacunas, regístrese en el sistema de alerta MPOX enviando un mensaje de texto con COSD MONKEYPOX al 468-311.
Read the latest about COVID-19 including travel, vaccines, treatment, prevention and more. Resources to help you and yours stay healthy include:

Updates from The Center for Disease Control (CDC) including risks, vaccines, symptoms, and more.

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here's what you need to know about your order:
  • Limit of one order per residential address
  • One order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVID.gov/tests has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)
  • Orders will ship free starting the week of December 19, 2022
Visit sandiegocounty.gov to schedule your vaccine and booster appointment today! Find a location and schedule appointments on My Turn.
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE - REACH OUT FOR HELP
988: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launches new 3-digit number

People experiencing a mental health crisis can now call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and connect with mental health professionals. This is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day. Please note that the calls will be routed to local crisis call centers based on the caller's area code. This Lifeline provides specialized services for LGBTQ youth.
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)
  • San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 1.888.724.7240 - Free suicide prevention/intervention hotline in San Diego County
Copyright © 2023 San Diego LGBT Community Center, All rights reserved.


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