Feeling rejection via election?
Like many in our community, I woke up early this morning with a tremendous sense of loss and knew today would not be easy to emotionally digest.
After arriving to The Center this morning, I have much renewed hope. Through the strength and support of my colleagues at The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, I know that we will move forward as a community to increase the safety, wellness and dignity of our LGBTQ community. We must also address the insidious forces of racism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and xenophobia that most certainly exist right here in Long Beach and impact our LGBTQ community and allies.
The Center is committed to continuing to create space for those most marginalized and impacted by [Tuesday’s] election and encourage QTPOC, immigrant and trans organizers and organizations to contact us if you have a meeting space need. We are committed to naming oppression when we see it and serving our community through leading by example as an organization open to everyone walking through our doors.
As the week moves forward, we will continue to offer support to anyone needing someone to turn to. For immediate assistance, contact us at (562) 434-4455 and ask to speak to our intake department. We will also be partnering with other local organizations to increase our legal support services for trans folks and immigrants, and our mental health department is currently developing additional support group programming for those seeking space and solidarity with others. More info will be announced in the coming weeks.
Holding space for so many different communities takes a lot of work, and we are absolutely committed to nurturing community for everyone. We must work together to create a stronger, safer and more compassionate community in Long Beach. Together, with open hearts and open minds, through listening to each other’s joys, fears, hopes and pain, anything is possible. Together we are moving forward starting now.
Porter Gilberg
Executive director
The Center Long Beach
