Center Blog
Closure Response to COVID-19
The LGBT Center of Raleigh is taking every precaution to ensure our staff, volunteers, and visitors remain safe and healthy. As we learn more about the COVID-19, it seems the best course of action is to apply a social distance model. This means that we will be limiting our staff, volunteers, and visitors’ face-to-face contact with the public. All programs will move to a virtual model, if possible, and the Center will be closed until further notice. Outside groups that use our Center will be on hold until further notice. The staff will be working remotely.
The best part of a Community Center is the community it serves, and we do not want people to lack for community now, even if it cannot be in person. To this end, we are working with local organizations to continue to provide resources and invite anyone facing isolation or other challenges to reach out to us at info@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. If you are age 50+, please contact SAGE at sage@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. Our legal clinics will be closed for March and April, but if you have legal needs, we can connect you with the fabulous folks at Osborn Gambale Beckley & Budd PLLC who provide these valuable pro-bono legal services. If you need to be connected with other resources, contact care@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
Our next large public event was Donor Appreciation Night on March 26th. Unfortunately, we will have to postpone this event, but we look forward to celebrating our dedicated donors at a later date! Our signature event of the year is Out! Raleigh Pride, scheduled for May 30th, 2020, on Fayetteville St. We are hopeful that by then, events like these will go on as planned. We will continue to adjust our expectations as more information is shared and be willing to postpone if necessary. Please watch our event page for updates.
There is one event that will not be affected by social distancing: Give Out Day. Give Out Day is a national day of giving to LGBT+ Centers. It’s a virtual event. And this year, it’s more important than ever to our Center because our event revenue, which we depend on to stay open, is likely to be affected. Please mark your calendars for April 23rd, 2020.
The health and safety of our community is our highest priority. Thank you for your flexibility and support. We will get through this together. If you feel moved to contribute to our efforts and to bolster our resources, please donate to The LGBT Center of Raleigh at www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
With Love and Resilience,
Lindsey Lughes
Executive Director
10th Year Brings New Focus on PRIDE in the Triangle
10th Anniversary of Out!Raleigh PRIDE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2020
Shoshanna Carroll
LGBT Center of Raleigh
919-307-9394
shoshanna@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com
10th Year Brings New Focus on PRIDE in the Triangle
Raleigh, NC: The LGBT Center of Raleigh today announced the new date and updated logo for their Pride street festival. The event will be held on May 30, 2020 and the new logo celebrates the partnership with Raleigh PRIDE. This milestone is a major move forward for the LGBT Center of Raleigh as the Center continues to broaden its partnerships across the Triangle community. In addition, the LGBT Center of Raleigh has also released a new sponsorship, and advertising package along with updates to the Out!Raleigh Pride website. This inclusive and action-packed event is family friendly with activities for all ages. Out! Raleigh Pride is an important way to raise the necessary funds to support the LGBT Center of Raleigh and all of its 20+ amazing community programs. Last year, more than 66,000 people poured into Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street to celebrate the LGBT community, our friends, and families.
Lindsey Lughes named as new Executive Director
It is my absolute pleasure to announce that the search committee has hired 
as the next Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Lindsey comes to us with a plethora of experience in LGBT non-profit work, including her most recent position at the LGBTQ Center of Central Pennsylvania. Lindsey already has strong ties to the Triangle and I hope you’ll welcome her back with open arms when she and her family arrive next month. Lindsey’s official term will begin on June 1, 2019.
In solidarity,
Dr. Stephanie Andrea Allen
--
Stephanie Andrea Allen, Ph.D. {She/Hers}
Chairperson, Board of Trustees | Volunteer | Program Manager
|
|
LGBT Center of Raleigh - Serving the Triangle and Beyond |
They Made It Home: When Community Becomes Family
Kris at the LGBT Center of Raleigh's Welcome Desk
Kris (they/ them) is a regular volunteer at the LGBT Center of Raleigh and a leader in the Trans Initiative program. Kris has had quite the journey to get to where they are, and now that they are living their truth, they are sharing the love.
Kris is from Zebulon, NC – a very conservative town in the easternmost part of Wake County. Kris describes it as “a whole different world.” Raised by their homophobic and transphobic parents, Kris dealt with mental health issues because of their identity. An idea they explored primarily online until a potential suicide attempt. This led to Kris being admitted to Holly Hill Hospital for addiction treatment and suicide prevention. While there, Kris’ therapist insisted they come out as transgender to their parents. While Kris’ parents were not accepting or supportive, it was safe for Kris to go home. And the final suggestion made by the therapist before Kris left was to visit the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
Protesting through Volunteering: Mixing Purpose with Passion
We all have a story.
This is hers…
Lisa is a regular Tuesday morning volunteer at the Center. She shares the time with another Tuesday morning regular. The two make a great volunteer duo, and their commitment to the Center is proven. But the two have not always worked together. Lisa was drawn to the Center through a whirlwind of events. Events that unfolded in the shameful aftermath of HB2, North Carolina’s infamous “bathroom bill.”
Lisa describes herself as a pleaser, one not likely to protest, but for Lisa, there was a breaking point. A point where she would choose to stand up and use her voice. A voice that would get her arrested. Following HB2, Lisa decided she would participate in Moral Monday. And with a clear head and a heavy heart, Lisa decided she was comfortable taking this all the way to the finish line. She decided that she would get arrested.