I'm so honored to be a part of the SF LGBT Center's 16th Anniversary Soir�e on Saturday, April 14! It will be my third year as Entertainment Director. The Center opened its doors at the beginning of 2002 and by the close of that first year, I was on its front steps leading a vigil for Gwen Araujo, the transgender teen murdered in the East Bay town where I grew up playing as a kid with my cousins.
Soon after, the Center launched the first LGBT economic development program in the world, featuring a Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative that helps transgender people realize their true potential.
In 2007, I got to stage an art exhibition focusing on the story of my chosen family, which showcased multimedia artwork displayed on all levels of the building. I've also DJ'd and performed there at so many events over the years.
In 2012, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, I named The Center as the beneficiary for my annual Pride Event, helping to raise over $31,000. The funds raised have allowed the Center to serve tens of thousands of community members, who participate in its innovative services to help those most in need. Fabulous cultural programs also build a stronger and healthier LGBT community and a more welcoming and equitable world.
The Center honored me with an award in 2015 celebrating my desire to build a loving, supportive LGBT community in the same way as we would with our own family-after all, we are family. So, I guess you can say I've been all over the building and am a big supporter.
2018 is an exciting time for the Center. They have just completed a huge remodel and the building looks absolutely beautiful. Many of you joined me at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last year, which gave us the first chance to see how space has been reconfigured. With the addition of new partner tenants, the building is now able to pay for itself.
The Center can now turn their attention to growth, and they need all of us to help make sure that the needs of our community are met with even more innovative services and cultural programs. There is so much to be proud of.
The Center's Youth Program is growing at lightning speed. The program has recently expanded the hours of their LGBTQ Youth Drop-In Space-the only space in the city designed to meet the needs of homeless and deeply disconnected queer youth. It's unacceptable that in San Francisco close to 50% of homeless youth are LGBTQ; and yet, it's remarkable that the Center works with 300 youth each year.
The Youth Program will also soon expand to offer mental health services with a newly-hired therapist to help participants heal from the deep trauma that comes from rejection, violence, and harassment. The program continues to host their popular meal nights and social groups.
As I have shared on my Housing List on Facebook, the Center also provides many programs to help our community find jobs, access affordable rental units, become first-time homeowners, and grow businesses in the community. We must do everything we can to help keep LGBTQ businesses in San Francisco. I'm worried that this economy is going to keep pushing them out.
Last month, with the support of The Center, we marched down Polk Street to not only remember the more than 80 gay-owned establishments that lined the streets, but to reclaim them. I want to see our city have affordable places for queers to live. I want San Francisco to reclaim its queer identity with galleries, restaurants, and retail shops owned and operated by our community.
The Center is also expanding its Arts and Culture Program. They've been working with Sean Dorsey Dance to help launch the premiere of Boys in Trouble, a new evening of dance that unpacks masculinity with unflinching honesty.
The Center also recently hosted a free chamber concert with the San Francisco Symphony and they'll host even more visual art exhibits to help emerging artists show their work for free.
As we face attacks from the leadership in Washington D.C., we must do everything possible to celebrate and preserve our queer vibrancy. It's what will keep us strong in our work to resist these injustices.
The Soir�e is our chance to help the tens of thousands of community members who use the Center each year to connect with one another, for resources, and opportunities that make us all stronger and healthier. Because we are family, you and I, all of us.
The Soir�e Dinner is sold out, so join me at the party from 8:30 PM to 12 AM. Your ticket includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and entertainment curated by me. This year I've lined up some of San Francisco's best artists, freaks and friends to entertain you. There are plenty of surprises coming your way. I can't wait to dance the night away with you!
The SF LGBT Center's Soir�e, Saturday, April 14, 8:30 PM-12 AM. $95. Terra Gallery, 511 Harrison St. www.sfcenter.org/soiree2018