San Diego LGBT Group Fights For Equality
Southern California Community Center Serves Diverse Population
Oct 8, 2008
The Center Advocacy Project Issues PAC of San Diego is working to defeat Proposition 8, which would outlaw same-sex marriage in California. The PAC is a political action committee of The Center Advocacy Project, a legally separate organization from San Diego's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center ("The Center). The proposition has been placed on the ballot by those opposing same-sex marriage, made legal in California in June.
The Center Advocacy Project, Inc., is a non-partisan 501 C4 organization. It works to secure equal civil and human rights for the LGBT community.
The fight against Proposition 8 is just one example of how The Center benefits San Diego and California's LGBT community.
"The Center"
"The Center," as it is known, was incorporated in 1973 as a community-based, non-profit, 501(c)(3) agency. It is the nation's second oldest and third largest LGBT community center. Founded with the mission "to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV communities," it seeks to provide activities, programs and services that create community, empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for civil and human rights, and embrace, promote and support (our) cultural diversity.
LGBT Programs and Services
Some of the fifty programs, projects and services that The Center offers include the annual AIDS Walk (held September 28), "Family Matters," a group for LGBT parents, discussion and coming out groups, the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble/Band, women's groups, men's groups, and more.
The Center's featured program is the Youth Housing Project. In January 2005, The Center announced its creation, after 3 1/2 years of work. The Project provides youth 18-24 years of age with 23 units of supported, affordable housing. There is a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth. Some have been ejected from their homes due to their sexual orientation, and are living either on the street or in foster care and/or group homes.
Women, Latinos and Other Issues
Other important programs include the Women's Resource Center, Latino Services, and Freedom to Marry. Freedom to Marry is perhaps the busiest at present, due to the referendum to outlaw same-sex marriage. This past June, California became one of the few states that allow people of the same sex to marry. Considerable backlash has manifested itself since then.
Recent events involving The Center include the September 28 AIDS Walk, which attracted over 8,000 participants. Walkers hiked a 5K, with the average walker finishing the course in 90 minutes. Persons interested in making a donation may do so until October 24.
Friday, October 17, the LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast will have an update on the marriage campaign. The Breakfast is held the third Friday of each month. October 25, Family Matters will sponsor a Halloween party at The Center.
The Center held its 35th Annual Gala Saturday, October 11, 2008. This year's theme was, "Celebrating 35 Years of Service." Over 800 of San Diego's leaders in politics, the community and society were present at the sold-out event.
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