“I don’t feel like I belong anywhere except at The Center.”

Johnny, like the average 17 year old, hates school, hates his family, hates Cleveland and really hates homophobic jocks. When Friday night comes – Johnny always knows where he will be – The Center. At the Center, Johnny does art work, watches a movie or just hangs out with his friends. Johnny says “I don’t feel like I belong anywhere – except at The Center”.

This year has been a great year for the Center. Center programs such as the Senior Drop-In Program, Youth Homeless Outreach, Bisexual Networking, Transgender Support Groups, Counseling, the Health & Wealth series, and Information/Referral have never been stronger.

Project 180 has provided LGBT Diversity Training to thousands of people, our Advocacy efforts have included working with Cleveland City Council, Cuyahoga County Commissioners and Equality Ohio, and The Center has been featured in several articles in mainstream publications. The Center even won Best Gay Event from the Cleveland Free Times!

As the Center and the LGBT community heads into 2008, with more rights, better access, increased acceptance and greater visibility – you may ask….

Do we still need a LGBT Community Center in Cleveland?

YES. We do.

Because despite some political advances, LGBT Ohioans are still discriminated against in employment and housing.

Because the Center provides a safe and validating space for LGBT people. Whether they ever set foot in the building or not – they know we are here. They reach out through phone calls, emails and outreach events.

Because Ohio does not allow a transgender individual to correct their birth certificate.

Because 16 year old, Steve, a heterosexual youth that frequents the Center, confronted another youth about his homophobic comments and actually make the other kid rethink his beliefs. The Center is building the LGBT advocates of the future!

Because neither the City of Cleveland nor Cuyahoga County offers domestic partner benefits to its employees.

Because the Center is a place for all of us .

Because two young girls, Stephanie and Erin, were able to come to the Center’s gay prom as a couple without being denied entry or being harassed by other students.

Because if we do not look out after our young people, our seniors, our struggling, our homeless – who will?

Because an 83 year old man came into the Center and said “I’m gay” out loud for the first time in his life.

And we can not do it without you. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland is truly a community center. As all our welcomed to participate in programs, use our meeting space, borrow books from the library, access our free cyber center, pick up a newspaper, meet with a counselor or get a cup of coffee….All our needed to keep the Center going strong.

Please help the Center to do what it does…by supporting us financially. Make a one time donation, become a monthly sustaining donor, join our Leadership Circle, make a gift in memory of a loved one or simply become a member. The Center counts on your generous financial support to continue to provide essential services and advocacy to and for the LGBT community of Northeast Ohio.

Sue Doerfer
Executive Director

P.S. Your dollars are needed to support essential programs and advocacy for the LGBT community. Please give generously!

Go directly to www.lgbtcleveland.org to make your donation today!

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland
6600 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
Tel: 216.651.LGBT / Fax: 216.651.6439
sdoerfer@lgbtcleveland.org
Visit our virtual Center: www.lgbtcleveland.org