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LGBT Life Center Celebrates Significant Grant for YOUth Matters Program

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Exciting News for LGBTQ+ Youth: A Major Boost from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation

LGBT Life Center is proud to share some fantastic news with our community: We have been awarded a substantial grant of $65,100.00 for our YOUth Matter program that will be disseminated over three years and allow us to hire an on-site youth therapist. This generous funding comes from the William A. and Jane M. Charters Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, a respected organization known for its commitment to positive community impact.


Timely Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

In the words of Stacie Walls, the CEO of LGBT Life Center, “We are honored and so pleased to receive this grant in support of our LGBTQ+ youth programming. In an era when politicians across this country and our Commonwealth are attacking LGBTQ+ youth by rolling back LGBTQ+ protections and issuing guidance to out students to parents, supportive groups like YOUth Matter are needed now more than ever.” This statement highlights the critical nature of the grant support at a time when LGBTQ+ youth face increasing challenges and marginalization.


About YOUth Matter

YOUth Matter is more than just a program; it’s an affirming lifeline for local youth aged 12 – 18 who often find themselves marginalized due to their gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation. This social support group offers a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth to be their authentic selves, a place where they can find and provide support, share resources, and build a sense of community that is often lacking in their everyday lives.


What Happens in YOUth Matter?

Each meeting of YOUth Matter is a blend of fun, support, and learning. The sessions typically include introductions and icebreakers, a group share-out or discussion, and various games and activities. These gatherings are not just about having fun; they’re about creating a space where young people can express themselves freely and learn from each other.


Staying Connected Beyond Meetings

Recognizing the importance of continuous support, the program also offers a chance for youth to stay connected and engaged between meetings through a Discord server. This digital platform allows for ongoing communication and community building


Looking Ahead

With this grant, the LGBT Life Center is poised to expand and enhance the YOUth Matter program, reaching more young people and providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation for their belief in our mission and their investment in the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth in our community.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this grant will be utilized to make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Together, we can create a world where every young person is valued, supported, and empowered to be their best self.

For more information about the YOUth Matters program or to learn how you can support our efforts, please visit LGBT Life Center’s website or contact us info@lgbtlifecenter.org.


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Life Update: LGBT Life Center Celebrates 151% Revenue Increase Over Eight Years

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Non-profit work is for the strong of heart, attracting the kind of people looking to root their work in purpose and causes over a corporate ladder career path. And because the folks working at nonprofits tend to wear many hats, we aren’t always the best at championing our wins. Once you’ve accomplished something, it’s a habit to jump to the next task at hand, thankful you’ve succeeded but always knowing there’s more to be done. But the journey is marked by resilience, purpose, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At LGBT Life Center, our staff embodies these values, dedicating ourselves to a cause that transcends the balance sheet. 


Navigating Challenges in the Non-Profit Landscape

The post-Covid era has been a time of significant reorganization and adaptation, not just for us but for non-profits globally. We’ve faced challenges like the national average of 21% turnover in the non-profit sector. This turnover mirrors our experience, leading to increased workloads and the continuous process of training new team members. These are not complaints but the realities of our daily operations. A startling statistic from a recent survey indicates that half of all non-profit workers plan to leave their jobs by 2025, highlighting the transient nature of employment in our sector.


Celebrating Milestones Amidst Challenges

Despite these hurdles, our recent management and budget meetings unveiled some truly inspiring figures from our finance team. In the past eight years, we’ve witnessed phenomenal growth in our revenue – a staggering 151% increase from just over $6 million to well over $15 million annually. This growth is not just a number; it’s a gateway to program and service possibilities that were once beyond our imagination.


Realizing Dreams and Expanding Horizons

Today, we stand proud, preparing to renovate a state-of-the-art LGBT center on the peninsula. This center is not just a building; it’s a bold, progressive, and proud LIFE-affirming clinic and pharmacy, community space, and much more. We’re also excited about our upcoming projects in Norfolk, including a new pharmacy, clinic, and community space, all set to open in Spring 2024.


A Collective Effort and a Shared Vision

This remarkable growth is the result of years of dedicated effort, strategic planning, relationship building, successful grant applications, and effective fundraising. But most importantly, it’s a testament to a community that consistently shows up, cares deeply, and is committed to creating a nurturing environment for queer individuals in Hampton Roads.


Gratitude and Looking Forward

We are deeply honored to be a part of this mission and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us. Your belief in our cause fuels our journey forward, and together, we are making Hampton Roads a haven where LGBTQ+ individuals can lead a fulfilling, healthy LIFE.

Join us as we continue to grow, serve, and celebrate every milestone along the way. Your support makes all the difference.

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Admiral Levine Visits LGBT Life Center to Discuss Community Health

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On Tuesday morning, October 24, 2023, LGBT Life Center had the honor of welcoming Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary of Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her visit marked a significant moment for our community, as we engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of LGBTQAI+ health and strategies to end the HIV epidemic.

Admiral Levine was accompanied by Adrian Shanker, Senior Advisor on LGBTQI+ Health Equity, Office of the Assistance Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Admiral Levine with LGBT Life Center staff


A Focus on Ending the HIV Epidemic

During her time at The Center, Admiral Levine and our team discussed strategies to combat the HIV epidemic. A key focus of the conversation was around implementing status-neutral services, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their HIV status, have access to the care and support they need.

We also explored the critical role of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) in HIV prevention and the challenges that communities face in encouraging individuals to utilize PrEP. Doxy-PrEP/PEP also came up as a new, potentially groundbreaking strategy to address STIs and HIV.


Celebrating Intersex Awareness and Striving for Health Equity

Our dialogue with Admiral Levine also touched upon the importance of Intersex Awareness Day. We emphasized the need for continued advocacy and education to ensure the rights and well-being of intersex individuals are upheld.

The conversation naturally progressed to the broader theme of LGBTQAI+ health equity. We shared our vision and ongoing efforts to create a healthcare environment where every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feels seen, heard, and cared for.


A Tour of Progress and Innovation

Admiral Levine had the opportunity to tour our facility at 5360 Robin Hood Road. She saw the construction plans for our new pharmacy and clinic on the Southside (in Norfolk), as well as the plans for our Hampton facility, both of which are set to open in the first quarter of 2024. These facilities represent our unwavering commitment to expanding access to healthcare and support services for our community.


A Community United

Admiral Levine’s visit was not just about facilities and plans; it was about our staff, clients, and the community. She met several of our dedicated staff and Board members. Their commitment and passion were evident, showcasing the strength and resilience of our team.


Looking Forward

Admiral Levine’s visit was a reaffirmation of our shared goals and values. It was a moment of unity, reflection, and renewed commitment to the health and well-being of the LGBTQAI+ community in Hampton Roads and across our country.

As we look forward, we are inspired and motivated to continue our work, knowing that we have allies and advocates at the highest levels of government. Together, we will continue to strive for a world where every individual has the opportunity to live a healthy, connected LGBT life.

Thank you, Admiral Levine, for your visit, your support, and your unwavering commitment to health equity and LGBTQAI+ rights.


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Saying Goodbye to Senator Dianne Feinstein, A Longtime LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate

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Dianne Feinstein (1933 – 2023), the U.S. Senator from California, has long been a prominent figure in American politics, holding a seat in the Senate since 1992. Throughout her political career, Feinstein has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her legislative efforts and support for policies promoting equality and anti-discrimination have had a national impact on the LGBTQ+ movement.

Advocacy for Marriage Equality

One of Feinstein’s significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights is her unwavering support for marriage equality. She was a vocal opponent of Proposition 8, a California ballot proposition that sought to ban same-sex marriage. Feinstein’s advocacy was instrumental in the fight against this proposition, emphasizing the importance of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation. Her support for marriage equality was a crucial component in the broader movement that eventually led to the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.

Opposition to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Feinstein played a pivotal role in opposing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, which was enacted in 1994 under former President Bill Clinton. This policy prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the United States military, leading to the discharge of thousands of service members simply because of their sexual orientation. The eventual repeal of DADT in 2011 marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, allowing service members to serve openly and authentically.

Support for Anti-Discrimination Legislation

Feinstein has consistently supported legislation aimed at preventing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. She has been a proponent of bills seeking to extend anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring equal rights in employment, housing, education, and public services.

Advocacy for Transgender Rights

In addition to her support for the broader LGBTQ+ community, Feinstein has been an advocate for the rights of transgender individuals. She has supported policies and legislation that affirm the rights of transgender people, including access to healthcare, protection from discrimination, and the right to serve in the military. Feinstein’s advocacy underscores her understanding of the diverse needs within the LGBTQ+ community and her commitment to addressing the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals.

A True Ally

Dianne Feinstein’s enduring support for LGBTQ+ rights has been a defining aspect of her political career. From her advocacy for marriage equality to her opposition to discriminatory policies like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Feinstein has been a stalwart ally of the LGBTQ+ community. While the journey towards full equality continues, the contributions of allies like Dianne Feinstein play a crucial role in advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals across the nation.

Feinstein’s Career Dates Back to 1978

1. Mayor of San Francisco (1978–1988):

  • Dianne Feinstein served as the Mayor of San Francisco for ten years. She first assumed the role following the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and was subsequently elected in her own right, serving two terms.

2. Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (1970–1978):

  • Before becoming mayor, Feinstein served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for eight years, representing the interests of her constituents and working on local legislation and policies.

3. U.S. Senator from California (1992–Present):

  • Feinstein has been serving as a United States Senator representing California since 1992. In this role, she has worked on a wide range of issues, including gun control, national security, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights, among others.

4. Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee (2009–2015):

  • Feinstein served as the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, overseeing the nation’s intelligence agencies and working on issues related to national security and intelligence.

5. Chair of the Senate Rules Committee (2007–2009):

  • She also chaired the Senate Rules Committee, which is responsible for overseeing matters related to the rules and administration of the Senate.

6. Member of Various Senate Committees:

  • Over her tenure as a U.S. Senator, Feinstein has been a member of several other Senate committees, contributing to legislation and policies on issues such as judiciary, appropriations, and energy, among others.

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Gov. Glen Youngkin Administration Quietly Enacts a Form of “Don’t Say Gay” in Virginia

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Gov. Youngkin Removed LGBTQ+ Youth Resources from the Virginia Department of Health’s Website

Resources Removed Without Consultation

In an unusual, shocking, and out-of-protocol move, Gov. Glen Youngkin has quietly removed life-affirming resources for LGBTQ+ youth from the Virginia Department of Health’s website without going through normal review channels and without consulting LGBTQ+ youth, organizations, or medical professionals.

“We are extremely disappointed that the governor made a politically motivated decision that directly and profoundly impacts the lives of LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans youth, nearly a quarter of whom attempt suicide and 45% of whom consider it, often because they cannot speak to their unaccepting parents about these issues,”

said Stacie Walls, CEO of LGBT Life Center

Walls went on to say, “Striping these resources from websites won’t make youth safer; it will cause more harm. Our LGBTQ+ youth deserve a safe and affirming environment to talk about issues impacting them so they can thrive and love their life.”

Q Space Traffic from VA Among Highest in Country

CenterLink, which operates as a national LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce and of which LGBT Life Center is a member, told LGBT Life Center that Q-Chat Space, a chat room they run for LGBTQ+ youth, gets more clicks from Virginia than most other states. Q-Chat Space, helps LGBTQ+ youth 13 and up find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests, and get good information. This is done through chatting online with like-minded peers in live chats designed for youth and by youth, facilitated by trained volunteers and professionals.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

With everything we know about the harm a lack policies like this foster, like that less than 1/3 of transgender and nonbinary youth found their home-life gender-affirming and that 60% of LGBTQ+ youth that wanted mental health services were unable to access them, this is not the time to make resources less accessible to queer youth. Data shows that affirming, knowledgeable resources are desperately needed to save lives, improve mental health, and ensure our LGBTQ youth become LGBTQ adults.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Send a message to Gov. Glen Youngkin’s office letting him know that you DO NOT SUPPORT removing LGBTQ+ youth resources.

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“No Gays Allowed” Now Essentially Protected by 303 Creative Supreme Court Ruling

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WHAT’S AT STAKE

Friday’s ruling in 303 Creative v. Elenis legalized “No Gays Allowed” in our business windows, in our communities, and in our laws. It is a devastating blow to equality and freedom – not only for LGBTQ+ people but for every minority group and protected class in this country.  

A NATION BUILD ON EQUALITY?

America is built on principles of equality. The 14th Amendment’s equal rights clause has widely been accepted – by this very court – as protection for everyone from being treated differently and unfairly, especially those who are discriminated against for their protected class status, such as race, color, sex, and yes, even religion.

In this case, the plaintiff’s religion is not under attack. She, and her family, are welcome to openly and freely practice their religion; in their daily life, at their church, and at any other place where practicing that religion doesn’t infringe upon the rights of others. Yet, in this case, 303 Creative incorporated and asked to open a business to serve the public, and then once opened, asked to be able to discriminate against the public openly.

WHO IT HURTS MOST

The queer community, especially black, indigenous people of color (BIPOC) — who now have two rulings against them in The Court’s decisions to end the equitable practice of affirmative action in college admissions — knows how this plays out. The majority of this burden, the social and mental pressures, and the sometimes verbal and physical violence that such discrimination encourages squarely fall on LGBTQ, BIPOC, trans women of color, black trans youth, and the shoulders of black LGBTQ elders. We are putting these communities back into the discrimination of their youth before protections were enacted, and we are forcing them to relive the past when they were widely denied services and entry.

These communities know what it is like to have a realtor guide them away from the neighborhood they want to live in. They know the sting of a restaurant owner telling them on Valentine’s Day that they’re only seating “couples.” They know how it feels to be judged purely on assumptions about how they look. SCOTUS’s decision codifies this discrimination and puts the full weight of our legal system into protecting that discrimination. It tells people that you can deny service based on assumptions and that the law will also have your back when you do.

CASE MAY HAVE BEEN BASED ON A FALSIFIED HARM

Sadly, it is not a leap to suggest one can deny services entirely based on presumptions about one’s sexual orientation. In this very case, the legal standing brought forth has been found to be based on a cisgender man who has been married to his cisgender female partner for over a decade. Stewart, who is also a web designer, said he never requested 303 Creative’s services and would have created a website himself should he have needed one. 303 Creative said whether he wrote to 303 about a same-sex wedding website design or a “troll,” it doesn’t matter, highlighting that the case was brought purely for a license to discriminate, not due to real harm.

A MAJORITY OF THE COUNTRY IS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

“We have a long, sad history of businesses shielding themselves with exclamations of religious freedom as a license to discriminate. This case is no different from the blatant bigotry of the past.”

said Stacie Walls, CEO of LGBT Life Center

A majority of the country does not want discrimination against the LGBTQ community:

  • 71% of Americans support same-gender marriage
  • 80% support anti-discrimination laws
  • 65% of Americans oppose businesses discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals

Stacie Walls went on to say, “Until the last two years, at no time in modern history has The Court so blatantly and so unabashedly ignored decades of legal precedent. Precedent that has expanded equality, built systems of equity, and moved us toward justice for all. Today, The Court again showed us that their loyalty is to discrimination, bodily restrictions, and imposing religiously based moral codes on all of us.”

This ruling risks turning us back to a time when businesses regularly denied goods and services not only because of their LGBTQ+ status but also their religion, race, national origin, sex, and more.

If you see discrimination in the 757, please get in touch with us at info@lgbtlifecenter.org.

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Bi/Pan+ Social Support Group [HYBRID]

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This social support group is for individuals (ages 18+) who experience sexual and/or romantic attraction to more than one gender.  This includes, but is not limited to, people who identify as bisexual/romantic, pansexual/romantic, sexually/romantically fluid, omnisexual/romantic, and polysexual/romantic.

All multisexual/romantic identities and experiences are welcome and will be affirmed and validated in this group.  We are passionate about creating a space for local bi/pan+ folks to be their authentic selves, find and provide support, share resources, and build community.  For more info, please contact Madison Novak (she/her) at mnovak0221@gmail.com.

This group meets in-person at the LGBT Life Center located at 5360 Robin Hood Rd, Suite 202, Norfolk, and/or virtually via Zoom on the 4th Thursdays from 7 – 8 PM.

☕ Coffee Cup Creation with Samantha Lewis for LGBTQ+ 50+ and Thriving

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Coffee drinker? Hot tea drinker?
Join LGBT Life Center’s Senior Services on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, and you can decorate your very own mug for your coffee or tea!
Samantha Lewis and Tidewater Arts Outreach will provide supplies and instruction for your mug.
Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP with Sid Neighbours, sneighbour@lgbtlifecenter.org or call 757-640-0929.
Location: New Life Metropolitan Community Church 1000 Sunset Dr, Norfolk, VA 23503

Silver Pride Social

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Pride started as a riot. We are proud to announce the return of Silver Pride – an event focused on centering on and uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ folx that are 50+ and thriving.

Please join us on the anniversary of Stonewall, June 28th from 4p -7p, as we honor the legacy of Stonewall and celebrate the progress of our community while honoring those who paved the path for us today.

Attendees will enjoy an evening social featuring drinks, appetizers, a raffle supporting the LGBT Life Center, music, and more! This event is free of charge.

Hosted by LGBT Life Center.

For free tickets click here.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Sid Neighbours (he/him), Senior Services Program Manager at sneighbours@lgbtlifecenter.org or 757-640-0929.

Parking available at the center and at the Harrison Opera House.