Dear Center Community,
The Center’s 15th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is taking place on May 12, in-person for the first time since 2019, and it is with great pleasure that I announce this year’s five amazing honorees!
Founded by City and County Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez (he/him) with inaugural co-chairs Robert Gleason (he/him) and former Center CEO Dr. Delores Jacobs (she/her), the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast provides a space for the LGBTQ and ally communities to celebrate our successes and honor our movement’s leaders. As we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, we honor those in our community who continue to champion the values that he fought for: equality, justice, and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Announcing the 2023 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Honorees:
- Lorri L. Jean (she/her), former CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, will receive the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, for her advocacy and fearless leadership of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the world's largest LGBTQ organization, for more than 25 years.
- Mayor Jackie Biskupski (she/her), former Mayor of Salt Lake City, will receive the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, as Utah's first openly-LGBTQ elected official, and the only lesbian thus far to lead a Capitol city in the US. Mayor Biskupski was set to receive this award at our 2020 Breakfast, but that event was canceled due to the pandemic. We are looking forward to honoring her this year.
- San Diego Loyal Soccer Club will receive the 2023 Champion of Equality Award, for standing in protest with one of their players, Collin Martin, when he was targeted with a homophobic slur during a game. Collin is looking forward to accepting this award on behalf of the Club.
- Paris Quion (she/her), a San Diego drag icon and the general manager of insideOUT, will receive the 2023 Harvey Milk Community Service Award, for her decades of performance, service, and activism.
- Christynne Lili Wrene Wood (she/her) will receive the 2023 Harvey Milk Inspiration Award in honor or her display of strength and vulnerability after she became the target of local and national anti-transgender hatred for simply using the locker room at her Santee YMCA.
Learn more about our honorees and purchase your sponsorships, tables, or tickets on our website! This event sells out every year, and we don't want you to miss it!
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Our community, in particular our transgender and drag community, is under assault in state legislature across the country. Against this backdrop where LGBTQ people are fighting simply for the right to exist, the opportunity to honor some of our community champions is a sign of our strength, our resilience, and our commitment. Join us as we celebrate the work of our LGBTQ movement and commit to the work that lies ahead.
Together in the movement,
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Cara Dessert (She/Her)
Chief Executive Officer
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Donate Now, Dine Later!
You don’t have to wait for Dining Out For Life® San Diego on April 27 to support The Center’s Sexual Health and Wellness program, including HIV services and prevention efforts. Make a gift now in honor of next week’s event by donating just $25 or more, and you will be entered for a chance to win (1 of 2) opportunity drawings for $500 worth of gift cards to Dining Out For Life® San Diego locations. As a bonus, you’ll receive a 20% Off Tuesday card to select locations. Can’t dine but still want in on the action? Donate today!
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Barrel & Board Social
We are thrilled to welcome back Barrel & Board as a dining destination! Barrel & Board is an upscale casual bar and restaurant. Take a trip inside Hillcrest’s chicest hot spot for chef-inspired sharable boards and hand-crafted cocktails.
Just since last week, we’ve signed up Liberty Call Distilling, Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill, Cali Breakfast, Kimball Coastal Eatery, The Empanada Spot, and Louisiana Purchase. Check out the entire list here!
We can't wait to see you all Dining Out and Giving Back on Thursday, April 27, for Dining Out For Life!
In Appreciation,
Ian Johnson (He/Him)
Senior Director of Development
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THE NEW HILLCREST YOUTH CENTER IS NOW OPEN!
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The new Hillcrest Youth Center is now open Monday-Friday from 3 to 7pm at in Hillcrest on Pennsylvania Avenue between 5th and 6th avenues. HYC serves youth 10-24 years old, with social meet-ups for ages 10-13 on Mondays, social meet-ups for ages 14-18 on Wednesdays, and social meet-ups for ages 18-24 on Fridays. We host HYC tour days on Thursdays, so parents, youth, and partner organizations can check out what we have to offer! HYC also offers HIV testing on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 4-6pm. Learn more about our Youth Services on our website. You can view photos from our ribbon-cutting ceremony on The Center's Facebook page.
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE: LOIE GERSHA LEVIN GAIL
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Join us at The Center for a Celebration of Life in honor of Loie Gersha Levin Gail (she/her) on Saturday, April 29, 2023, 2-5 p.m.
Dr. Gail worked as a psychologist at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, where among other achievements she served as director of the Center’s AIDS response program, and created an internship program in which participants worked with people living with HIV, and their allies. She was the first therapist to work for The Center and trained every therapist who worked for us in those early years. She also served on the Senior Advisory Committee.
She was awarded the Jess Jessop Founder's Award for her outstanding efforts and leadership in the fight against AIDS, and was honored in 1991 by San Diego’s mayor for her work at The Center with the AIDS response program.
RSVP: https://loie.cykiclives.com/6
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TRY SOMETHING NEW & 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.
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FREE FOOD RESOURCES AT THE CENTER
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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.
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HIV/HCV AND STI SCREENINGS
FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
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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.
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The Center moves to Phase 4 of Reopening
As of April 2023, The Center has moved into Phase 4 of our reopening. We will no longer be verifying proof of COVID vaccination for anyone who enters The Center, and masks will now be optional at all of our sites; masks are still strongly encouraged.
Room Rentals at The Center
Room rentals are back at The Center! To get more information about reserving a room at The Center, please visit our website. We hope to see you soon!
Center Library is Open Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm
The Center's Library is now open! Get your library card, check out one of the LGBTQ+ books from our vast collection, or get a recommendation from one of our library volunteers!
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50+ AND BETTER TOGETHER - SENIOR SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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Find our full list of events, programs, and services for 50+ & Better Together Senior Services on our website.
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WOMEN'S SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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We offer support and discussion groups for women, and more! Check out our Women's Services at The Center page on our website.
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PROJECT TRANS AT THE CENTER
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Project TRANS at The Center offers something for everyone in our transgender and nonbinary community. Check out the Project TRANS page on The Center's website to see our upcoming events.
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MEN'S SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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Coming Out, Together is a new 10-week program for men. Build a community of newly out men discovering themselves and the LGBT community for the first time. Fill out our form at bit.ly/coming-out-together to sign up!
Visit our Men's Services at The Center page on our website for more info.
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BLACK SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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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.
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LATIN@X SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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All Latin@x Services support and discussion groups are now meeting in person. We have updated schedules for all our groups! 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. ¡Tenemos horarios actualizados para todos nuestros grupos! Vea todos nuestros grupos en la página de Servicios Latin@x en nuestro sitio web.
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YOUTH SERVICES AT THE CENTER
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Discover our latest offerings at the Hillcrest Youth Center and South Bay Youth Center by visiting our Youth Services at The Center page on our website.
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Six Steps to Create a Personal Budget
Free Seminar for Youth 18-24 Years Old
Friday, April 21, 2023, 4pm (Pacific)
Join a representative from San Diego County Credit Union for an informative online session on the basics to create your own personal budget. The same information will be shared at these sessions, so you only need to attend one!
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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:
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San Diego Pride’s Power Summit is a weekend-long conference for people committed to LGBTQ justice hoping to learn grassroots organizing skills, build community connections, and get directly engaged in the movement of intersectional social justice.
Trainings will include field organizing, storytelling, power mapping, campaign development, and more! The conference will take place on San Diego City College’s campus between April 28th and April 30th. There will be an evening reception on Friday, and workshops and plenaries on Saturday and Sunday between 9am-4:30pm. There will be a fee of $75 to attend, but scholarships and fee waivers will be available. All skill levels are welcome to attend!
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San Diego Pride, in partnership with the County of San Diego will present an LGBT Military and Veteran Resource Fair on Saturday, April 22 from 12-4pm at the County Administrative Building (Harbor Side) 1600 Pacific Coast Highway. Special guest performance at 2pm by the United States Marine Corps Band.
Look for the Veterans Wall of Honor table to learn about The Center's annual VWoH event!
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Join Pacific Arts Movement's 12th Annual Spring Showcase to see JOYLAND! This film features Alina Khan as the first transgender person to have a lead role in a major Pakistani film. Use promo code "joyland23" to receive $3 off general admission. Tickets: www.sdaff.org/spring2023/movies/joyland
About JOYLAND (Director Saim Sadiq, Pakistan, USA, 2022): In a patriarchal family beset by suppressed desires, adult son Haider finds an unexpected outlet. Haider’s scored a role as a background dancer in a local burlesque hall, a job too risqué for his father, brother, and wife, so he tells them he’s the new theater manager. Soon though he will harbor a second secret: that he has fallen smitten with the dance troupe’s leader, a glamorous transwoman who, unlike Haider, knows how to stand up for herself.
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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
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SDG&E PROVIDES $16 MILLION TO HELP CUSTOMERS WITH BILL ASSISTANCE
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SDG&E is funding a new $10 million program to support local nonprofit, community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide essential services to vulnerable customers. It’s also increasing funding by $6 million for its Neighbor-to-Neighbor bill assistance program.
Additionally, to help its customers keep their energy costs down, SDG&E launched a new program for renters and owners of single-family homes. The Residential Energy Solutions (RES) program has no income restrictions. Eligible customers receive free products such as smart thermostats, low-flow showerheads, brushless fan motors, HVAC services like air duct testing and sealing – and more. SDG&E has contracted with Synergy Companies. Customers can request a home visit from an energy efficiency expert at synergycompanies.com or by calling (888)-272-8394. Visit sdgenews.com for more information.
SDG&E offers other assistance programs:
- LIHEAP – utility bill help that ranges from a few hundred up to a few thousand dollars
- CARE – customers can save 30% or more off their energy bill
- FERA – customers can receive an 18% discount on their electricity bill
- ESA – no-cost energy-efficiency upgrades to income-qualified customers
- Golden States Rebates program – incentives of $20 - $500 to buy high-efficiency water heaters, smart thermostats or room air conditioners
- Arrearage Management Payment (AMP) Plan – debt forgiveness for past due bills for CARE and FERA customers
To learn more about SDG&E’s bill assistance programs, visit sdge.com/assistance or sdge.com/asistencia.
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BECOME PART OF THE CENTER TEAM!
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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!
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STAY HEALTHY: UPDATES & RESOURCES
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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.
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RECURSOS Y ACTUALIZACIONES SOBRE MPOX (VIRUELA DE MONO)
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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.
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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:
Visit sandiegocounty.gov to schedule your vaccine and booster appointment today! Find a location and schedule appointments on My Turn.
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