Give Out Day! Support LGBTQ+ Organizations!

     On the last day of June, we are usually winding down from a month packed with Pride activities — but what’s usual anymore? This June, we continued to navigate a global pandemic, support our transgender siblings as they faced continued attacks from this current Presidential administration, and grieve the tragedy of at least four Black transgender folks lost this month to violence. 

     In the wake of this, we find reasons to be hopeful — the Supreme Court ruling passing federal legislation barring employment discrimination for LGBTQ+ people was a tremendous and powerful win. Nationally, we are seeing headlines reading, “Thousands Show Up for Black Trans People in Nationwide Protests” and “Black LGBTQ Leaders Reclaim Pride For Black Liberation.” Our city of Raleigh has turned out to protest violence against Black people and systemic racism for a record 30 days in a row (and counting). 

     The LGBT Center of Raleigh embraces the words of Micah Bazant, who said in an art homage to Marsha P. Johnson, “No Pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” We celebrated less this month but worked hard supporting the incredible folks who come out day after day seeking justice. We continued virtual programming while making space every single day for those who hit the streets — because we recognize racism is a global health issue, too.

     In the midst of great changes, we've embarked on many of our own — most recently, our location! Donors and sponsors give generously, and our dedication to fiscal responsibility led us to work out a relocation to a less expensive space while we primarily operate virtually over the coming months. While programs remain virtual, we will resume providing HIV and STI testing weekly in July. This short-term transition will allow the opportunity to form a relocation committee comprised of community members as we seek the next chapter for the Center. If you wish to be a part of this committee and join the quest for our next home, email Lindsey at LLughes@LGBTCenterofRaleigh.com. We won't be going far — from 119 E Hargett St. to 19 W Hargett St!  

     Lastly, it's Give Out Day, a day when LGBTQ+ organizations raise critical funds! This year we aim to raise $5,000 to support our ongoing efforts of meeting the needs of our communities! If you have the means and desire, please donate.

     Pride began as a protest. The LGBT Center of Raleigh will always stand with the most marginalized in our communities. We will aspire to embrace the spirit of Stonewall during Pride month and every month. We will continue to challenge ourselves every day to be an actively anti-racist LGBT Center. Happy Pride, y’all. Let’s make some history.