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IN FOCUS: ARTICLE |
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Get Centered!
by Christy Brownlee, 12.04.03
Sometimes when people come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, life can be just as lonely as when they were in the closet. Let's face it — for most "queer" teenagers, there's no pride parade of people who magically show up on their doorsteps to give them the 411 on LGBT life. So, where can you go to meet other LGBT teens? Who's going to clue you in on starting a gay-straight alliance at your school, give you a free HIV test, hook you and your partner up with couples' counseling, or just lend you an ear?
Never fear, my friend — if you're queer, help is here, or at least it's near. In almost every major city in the United States (and in some smaller towns), there's an LGBT community center bursting at the seams with cool resources you won't find anywhere else. Read on to find out what these centers do, why they're important, and how to find one in your area.
What's in It for You?
Step into most LGBT community centers, and you'll find many of the same services. For example, most centers have social groups for people interested in the same things, like activism, religion, or even sewing quilts. Many have classes on topics like safer sex or coming out, and most have trained counselors to listen to your issues and help you sort out your feelings. Some centers have lending libraries with books on LGBT issues, and a few have health services with queer-friendly clinicians. Although most centers are open to everybody, almost all have programs specifically for youth. There are a few centers out there that are totally for youth, and they don't offer programs to anyone else!
However, just like the people they serve, every center is a little different — and each has special programs that make it unique. For example, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center runs a shelter for homeless LGBT and straight youth. "We get people who have been kicked out of their homes because of their sexual identity or gender preference; we get youth whose living situation is unsafe because of some sort of abuse in the home; we get people who are breaking up their relationship and have no place to go," says residential supervisor Dave Lopez. "There was a huge need for a resource like this."
Why Go?
Maybe you've been out for years and already have all the info and LGBT friends you need — so why should you go to a community center? "People come here just to be themselves, just to have a safe space so that they can be who they are," said Rob Vitelli, a director of Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), a center just for LGBT teens and young adults living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York.
LIGALY sponsors a Friday night program called "Club Ligaly," where teens can meet people, dance while a DJ spins tunes, and hang out in a safe, drug-free zone. People who go on Fridays get info on other programs, like the LGBT prom in the spring or activist events all year round. LIGALY also reaches outside the gay community by helping to set up gay-straight alliances (GSAs) at local high schools. "It's helped a lot with respect and acceptance, and it helps the community to realize that everyone is a person," said Becky Leigh, 16, a president of her school's GSA and a LIGALY peer educator.
Where Do I Go?
If you'd like to find out where your local LGBT community center is and what it can do for you, check out the National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Centers Web site. Their directory can tell you which center is closest and how to get in touch. Congratulations on connecting with the community! |
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