The LGBT Center of Raleigh is physically closed for programs due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but we continue to meet virtually! Those virtual offerings can be found here. If you have questions or are seeking resources, you can call 919-832-4484 seven days a week between the hours of 12pm and 4pm, and your call will be answered by a staff member or volunteer, or you can email info@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
We are holding HIV and STI testing at our new location at 19 W Hargett St in downtown Raleigh every Monday from 5:00 pm to 7:45 pm.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Center Blog
Important Announcement About SAGE Central North Carolina
January 25, 2022 --
An Important Announcement About SAGE Central North Carolina
The LGBT Center of Raleigh and SAGE Central North Carolina are joining together to share this important announcement.
An opportunity has arisen for SAGE Central North Carolina to expand its impact throughout the central portion of the state, and the LGBT Center of Raleigh supports SAGE’s decision to align with another organization. While the home base for SAGE will remain in Raleigh, it is expanding its reach throughout the Triangle and central North Carolina.
The LGBT Center will continue to offer programming for LGBTQ older adults, while SAGE will be able to expand its offerings through its core programs: education, advocacy, and programs to foster social interaction.
Our organizations will continue to collaborate, and we are currently looking at opportunities to provide joint programming that will augment one another’s efforts.
While more information from both organizations will follow in the coming weeks, we are sharing responses to anticipated frequently asked questions below.
Dolph Goldenburg
he/him
Interim Executive Director
LGBT Center of Raleigh
Les Geller
he/him
Coordinator
SAGE Central North Carolina
Moving forward
January 21, 2022 --
In April 2019, we announced that Lindsey Lughes would join the Center as our new Executive Director, following a national search conducted by our board. Lindsey had an impressive background in LGBTQ+ non-profit work. We were excited to have her lead our organization, which is one of the few in North Carolina to provide life-saving resources and programming to the LGBTQ+ community.
However, last summer we discovered some unusual financial activity in our books. After consulting with our accounting contractor and enlisting a law firm to investigate, Lindsey was placed on an immediate suspension. After a more thorough investigation, her employment was terminated. All of us at the Center were devastated and felt betrayed by Lindsey’s actions.
Nonprofits are particularly vulnerable to fraud for a variety of reasons, and unfortunately are less likely to report fraud to law enforcement for fear of reputation damage. We, however, made the intentional decision to quickly refer this to law enforcement and a criminal investigation is underway by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Roller Derby: A Sport for Everyone
by LaKrisha Mauldin
August 27, 2020
We walked into United Skates of America in Raleigh one Sunday morning, not knowing exactly what to expect. When my son came out as transgender, there did not seem to be a place for him in sports. Since his gender identity did not match the gender marker on his birth certificate, simply registering for a youth sport became impossible. But, roller derby was supposed to be different, more inclusive.
History of Roller Derby
Roller derby began as a thrilling depression era escape. Since its inception, roller derby has been a more inclusive sport than most.
Holistic Health and Mental Illness
by Tonya J. Williams
July 27, 2020
Living with mental illness is not easy. There is stigma, judgment, and misunderstanding. There is also a struggle to obtain the best evidence-based treatment from a qualified clinician.
Many illnesses are managed by medication and perhaps some form of talk therapy. I have found that a holistic approach is the most effective way to manage my illness.
Holistic health generally consists of five pillars - the mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. By engaging in activity that addresses all five pillars, I have been able to stay in recovery.
Coping with Depression
by Tonya J. Williams
July 21, 2020
LGBT Center of Raleigh Statement: Tonya J. Williams returns to the Center Blog to give some insight on ways she has coped with depression, and we hope you find them helpful. As always additional resources on mental health can be found on our website, and we advise you to follow guidelines of your mental health care professional.
Many people who suffer from depression take medication as their treatment regimen at some point. However, there are many other ways to manage depression.
Number one: it is important to stay connected to family and friends. The crucial issue here is being connected to people who make you feel safe and supported. You can attend a movie, concert, play or other outing with them. You can meet them for lunch, coffee, or lemonade. In person meetings are important as they require you to get up and groom yourself.