Lea DeLaria is best known as ‘Big Boo’ from Orange is the New Black (3 SAG Awards). A Trailblazer and Icon: Lea DeLaria to Celebrate with Us Lea DeLaria will join our VIP Brunch Gala reception and the brunch gala as our CEO, Stacie Walls’ special guest. We’re honored to have a national name like DeLaria,…
Center News
Virginia’s Budget Cuts Threaten Vital HIV Prevention Programs
In a surprising and concerning move, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced significant funding cuts to community-based HIV and STI prevention programs. This decision comes on the heels of Governor Youngkin’s recent announcement of a $1.2 billion budget surplus, raising questions about the state’s commitment to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. The…
Celebrating Progress and Community at LGBT Life Center’s Inaugural State of the Center Event
Last Thursday, a packed room united longtime donors, members of the media, volunteers, LGBT Life Center staff, skeptics, and supporters – all for one cause – the State of LGBT Life Center. The inaugural Town Hall event, marked by insightful discussions and heartfelt stories, was a testament to The Center’s deep impact on the community. The…
We’ve Got Work To Do
People call us an abomination. They quote The Bible and tell us ‘man shall not lay with man.’ Leviticus 18:22, I know the verse and chapter by heart because it is regularly slung at us (they forget the verses that tell them to love). They call us names; freak, faggot, queer, dyke (they mean to…
Welcoming Willow to Housing
Name/Nickname: Willow Gibbons; no nickname. Pronouns: She/her Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing Case Manager Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? The Home Depot, full-time garden associate (unofficial, unrecognized supervisor). I’m here to help you with: PHP and STRMU (housing assistance); soon, I’ll also be managing the shelter we have here. How did you become interested…
Serving the Underserved
Name/Nickname: Cora Morrow (no nickname) Pronouns: She/her Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing intake specialist Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? I worked for the YWCA as a Residential Service Assistant for the shelter. There I would complete the intake and provide support for clients leaving domestic/sexual violence throughout the stay in the shelter. I…
Housing Helps Our Community
Name/Nickname: Shelby, no nickname! Pronouns: She/her Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Housing intake specialist Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? I came from Hampton Roads Community Action Program and I was a part of their Emergency Service Department where I did their Rent Relief Program. I also transitioned to their Community Navigation Intiative department as…
Connecting Our 50 and Better Community
Name/Nickname: Lauren T. Furey and I go by Lauren (I use my middle initial too because there’s a famous chef in Florida named Lauren Furey). Pronouns: She/her Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Senior Services Program Manager Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? I’ve been in the museum field for forty years and my most recent…
Payroll with Purpose
Name/Nickname: James McCaddin (Jim) Pronouns: He/him Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Payroll Coordinator Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? Catering/Restaurant Management I’m here to help you with: Payroll/Benefits administration and Finance department support (grant reimbursement packages, Mental Health Program, 340b Pharmacy program). How did you become interested in this job/type of work? I have always been drawn…
The Logistics LIFE
Name/Nickname: Thomas Tracy (no nicknames….yet!) Pronouns: He/him Job Title at LGBT Life Center: Operations Coordinator Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? I come from a long career in the construction industry. I was in project management and logistics. I helped with the daily operations of many job sites; everything from contract management to finding and working…