Dear Center Community,
It’s finally here – San Diego’s biggest foodie fundraiser, Dining Out For Life® San Diego (#DOFLSD), is just days away on Thursday, April 27th, and we hope you made plans to Dine Out and Give Back. Just by dining at one of over 70 restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, and nightclubs, you’ll be giving back, as participating restaurants donate anywhere from 25% to 100% of their day’s sales to benefit The Center’s Sexual Health and Wellness program, including HIV services and prevention efforts like #BeTheGeneration, a strategic and comprehensive campaign to end new HIV transmissions in San Diego County. Imagine that – you can satisfy your tastebuds (and not cook for a whole day!) while filling your heart with the joy of helping to end HIV.
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Every donation we get from DOFLSD will go to provide HIV services in San Diego, helping people like Terry* (he/him). Terry is living with HIV and is a long-term survivor who contacted our 50+ and Better Together Senior Services for help. His antiviral medication co-pay had increased from $50 to $960, which he could not afford. The Center helped Terry apply for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and connected him to a partner agency that provided him with one month of HIV medication free of charge. Terry is grateful that he was able to remain connected to care without interruption.
This one-day event provides prevention services all year around like PrEP, services for those who have fallen out of HIV care, and individual counseling sessions and support groups for those living with HIV. It also provides clients with case management and peer navigation, connections to housing services, and nearly 1,000 STI tests right here in San Diego. And when we participate in DOFLSD, when we serve as ambassadors, volunteers, or dine out and donate, we are joining thousands across the country to honor those living with HIV as well as those we’ve lost, and recommit to eliminating this disease around the world.
So this Thursday, grab your family and friends to eat in Chula Vista, dine Downtown or in Del Mar, nosh in Normal Heights or North Park, breakfast in Barrio Logan or Bankers Hill, run to Rolando, or head over to Hillcrest, and you’ll delight in trying new places or indulging in your favorites. We’ve got citywide, all-day options for Thai, Italian, Mexican, French fare, and more, as well as coffee shops, ice cream bars, wineries, and nightclubs! Check out the entire list here! And as you eat your way through America’s Finest City, don’t forget to get your iconic “I Dined” sticker to show your pride and post your pics on social media using the hashtag #DOFLSD so we can see all your fabulous faces at participating locations. It’s definitely going to be the talk of the town and you’ll want to see and be seen on this special day!
Can’t #DineOut this Thursday but still want to support? Donate $25 or more and receive a 20% Tuesday Card good for one year and select locations.
Giving back has never tasted so good, so thank you in advance for coming out to support Your Center. We can only do what we do with our community’s support.
We can’t wait to see you this Thursday!
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Ian Johnson (He, Him)
Senior Director of Development
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Join Us For The 15th Annucal Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on May 12, 2023
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Every year around Harvey Milk's birthday, more than 1,000 diverse San Diegans come together to celebrate Harvey Milk and his vision of civil rights and equality for all. This year, celebrating his 94th birthday, we are excited to be gathering to honor Harvey Milk's legacy in a special way that is not to be missed! After three years, the in-person Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is back and better than ever! This is a fabulous opportunity to come together in support of community! Join us for the Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on Friday, May 12 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
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Advocacy and Civic Engagement Update
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Engage San Diego, a collaborative network of social justice focused nonprofit groups that is fiscally sponsored by and includes The San Diego LGBT Community Center as a member, is hosting two meetings tomorrow, April 25th, to discuss the process for filling the Supervisor District 4 vacancy, following Supervisor Nathan Fletcher's announcement of his upcoming resignation from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Spanish translation for this meeting is available upon request via RSVP.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/EngageSD-APRIL25
Contact: Caitlyn@engagesandiego.org
Session 1: Tuesday, April 25, 11:30am-1pm
Session 2: Tuesday, April 25, 5:30-7pm
Both sessions are being held in person at The Center, 3909 Centre Street. Join us to discuss the process for filing this seat, and how we can work together to ensure that our community's voices are heard.
- Rebekah Hook-Held (She/Her)
Chief Public Affairs and Civic Engagement Officer
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Congratulations to Deja Cabrera (she/her) for her five-year anniversary with The San Diego LGBT Community Center! Deja started at The Center five years ago as the Transgender Services Coordinator, and through her work as an HIV test counselor, she segued to The Center’s Sexual Health and Wellness program. Last year, Deja was promoted to her current role as Sexual Health Community Engagement Manager, providing outreach, PrEP navigation, PEP navigation, ART navigation, and HIV and STI testing to our community. She recently earned her California Phlebotomy License, currently serves as a Vice Chair of San Diego County’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and is an established San Diego drag performer and icon! Thank you for your dedication to our community, Deja!
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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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It's Lesbian Visibility Week, and we dedicate this week to increasing awareness of lesbian women and build solidarity with all LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people in our community! On Monday, check out our virtual Women's Discussion Group via Zoom. Lestinas, for Spanish speaking lesbian and bisexual women, meets on Tuesday. We also have our Women's Coming Out Group on Wednesday, and our popular Lesbian Cafe is back on Friday!
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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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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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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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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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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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The Inaugural Southern California Asian & Pacific Islander Festival takes place on April 29th in Oceanside. Celebrate the beautiful cultures and traditions of our API community! Saturday, April 29, 10am-5pm, Downtown Oceanside.
More info: https://www.apifestival.com/
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Join us in partnership with our friends at Broadway San Diego for a can't-miss theatrical event! Tony Award-winning Best Musical 1776 is coming to town, and a portion of every ticket sold will benefit The San Diego LGBT Community Center. Experience history in the hands of the fiery founders of this country portrayed by a multiracial cast of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors in a production that New York Magazine/Vulture calls "an absolute blast!"
With ticket prices ranging from $49-$66, $10 and $5 of each ticket sold will go directly to support The San Diego LGBT Community Center. Choose from show dates on May 9, 10, 11, or 14, and purchase your tickets through this link: https://am.ticketmaster.com/bsd/promotional-page?filterType=NTkx. Don't miss this opportunity to support a great cause and experience a 1776 worth celebrating!
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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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SAVE ENERGY WITH SDG&E'S SMART THERMOSTAT PROGRAM
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With the potential of another hot summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore ways to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while minimizing energy costs.
One practical and cost-effective solution is SDG&E’s Smart Thermostat Program. Earn a $50 incentive for each smart thermostat you purchase and install (up to two thermostats) and enroll in SDG&E’s Smart Thermostat Program. By participating in the program, you’re also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Smart thermostats make it easy for you to control your HVAC system from anywhere using your smartphone or other connected devices. Smart thermostats allow you to create personalized schedules and temperature settings – which can help reduce energy use when you're not at home or during off-peak hours. Learn more about SDG&E’s Smart Thermostat Program at sdge.com/thermostat.
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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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