Our Own (Podcast) Story Our history is fading; with each passing year we lose touch with a little bit of who we are. People pass, memories fade, and dominant cultures write history as they see it, which often doesn’t include an LGBTQ story line (in spite of its existence). As Kira Kindley, creator of Own…
Center News
Keegan’s Story: Ask to Use a Condom
Hi! My name is Keegan and I’m a proud gay male! I believe I’m strong-willed, straightforward, a little bit controlling (LOL), and not for the BS. I’m originally from Portsmouth, VA; however, I spent most of my time in Norfolk, so, I call Norfolk my home. Growing up, I got my most of my information…
LGBT Life Center Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors
We are delighted to welcome Roxie Hoven and Miles Burcher to the LGBT Life Center Board of Directors. We are fortunate to add such high caliber people to our Board. Both new members bring forth a wealth of experiences, skills and attributes that will be valuable to the growth of our organization and the representation…
Norfolk’s Queer History
Norfolk’s Queer History LGBT history isn’t a topic that gets much conversation, let alone bylines in local media or a chapter in your social studies class. Knowing our queer history, if we do at all, is usually something that’s only passed on verbally by each queer generation. The unfortunate truth is that most LGBTQ history…
Mingo’s Story: Condoms for Peace-of-Mind
My name is Mingo! I’m 33-years old and I was born and raised in Norfolk, VA. When you hear “Willie Mingo”, you hear a person that is kind, always smiling, very humble, outgoing, down to earth, and a person that always smells good! I’m a very outgoing person. I treat people how I would like…
Join The ‘My Family’ Project
Calling all families! Whether you’re gay, straight, pansexual, poly, a drag family–we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for families who are willing to be photographed for our ‘My Family’ project. Love Defines A Family Every day, members of the LGBTQ community challenge traditional definitions of what it means to be a family. With…
TIES Pop-Up: Norfolk Edition
TIES Pop-Up Comes to Norfolk Last fall we told you about TIES, the Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit, happening in Richmond. That event was a huge success (we sent 8 people from Hampton Roads!). It was so successful, in fact, that TIES is hitting the the road and doing pop-ups across the commonwealth. You can…
VA Governor Issues Pride Month Proclamation
Pride Month (June) may be over, but just last week the LGBT Life Center staff attended a Pride Reception at the Governor’s Executive Mansion where the Governor officially declared June Pride Month. Gestures like this can seem small, even in significant, but in today’s political climate it’s important our representatives continue to recognize Pride and…
LGBT Life Center Welcomes New Clinical Director of Mental Health Services
An Interview With Cory Gerwe, MSEd, LPC, NCC Hi Cory, welcome! What is your official job title?: I am the Clinical Director of Mental Health Services at LGBT Life Center. Tell us about your past experiences: So, I graduated from ODU with a Bachelor’s in psychology and a Master’s degree in mental health counseling. During my…
Body Positive Groups in HRVA
Go Ahead and Be YOU Standards of beauty, who!? At LGBT Life Center, there are simply no standards. We strive to uphold a safe space for self-expression–for people to come out (no pun intended) and exist authentically. Whether that means throwing on a pair of jeans, sporting that sassy face of make-up, mingling with new…