LB Center Looks Toward 2009 at Community Breakfast
By Daniel Amspaugh
The Nov. 8 State of the Center Breakfast held at the prestigious First Congregational Church in Long Beach, Calif., was described as nothing short of spectacular. The sunlight glimmered through the windows, while hungry attendees were eager to have a bite and enjoy freshly brewed coffee.
Kimberlee Woods, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Center of Greater Long Beach, began the mornig with light introductions. The breakfast, usually held on the first Saturday of November, was postponed for a week because of Halloween.
“How do I put this?” Woods asked the attentive audience. “Well, people would appear ‘Halloweenish.’” The audience laughed in agreement.
The Rev. Sunshine Daye provided the invocation, challenging attendees to see within and bless themselves.
Discussion for the day dealt with the much-needed services the Center provides, as well as future action the LGBT community must take to ensure the struggle for equal rights gains momentum in 2009. The Center plans to be at the forefront of that battle, continuing to aid the LGBT community with programs to educate those within and outside the gay and lesbian community.
Attendees listened as Woods gave a litany of accomplishments and future goals of the Center Long Beach:
The announcement that despite budget cuts, the Center’s HIV-testing was increased to twice a week, producing a smatter of applause. Ishmael “Ish” Morales, community health coordinator for the Center, mentioned the importance of education, which — to date — is the best weapon available to fight the spread of the AIDS virus.
Woods also addressed the passage of Proposition 8 and how it brought resentments to a new level. It was clear on many faces in the crowd. Woods remarked how people of all ages, men and women and children, took to the streets in solidarity against the measure. “I went from depression to exuberance resulting from the protests,” said Woods. “This whole election has been tough.”
The message was clear: Equality is for everyone. Proposition 8 was one of the most significant propositions on the ballot, if not the biggest, Woods said.
It is only a matter of time before this is passed, she added, and many voters expect to see this on the ballot again in 2010.
Money for Prop 8 came pouring in from all sides, and the mood turned instantly somber once Woods mentioned money. “The Center needs help,” she said, “and here’s the pitch.”
The Center has several new programs in the works. For those who like to make friends and bicycle, while simultaneously burning those final calories for the New Year, attendees were encouraged to prepare for the Long Beach AIDS Run. The bicycling run traverses many places in Long Beach, as well as Huntington Beach, Signal Hill and Bellflower. It is scheduled to begin April 25, 2009.
In February, the Center will launch another exciting and rewarding opportunity for the community. Counseling will be available, with 10 therapists joining the Center. . Health and well-being are intricate parts of our daily lives, said Woods. Transgender support, domestic violence referrals, legal counseling, women’s health and the HIV prevention are just some of the things available at the Center.
Wrapping up the State of the Center Breakfast was a performance piece by MYTE, Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment.
“You guys all look fabulous,” said one member, bashfully removing a lock of hair from his eyes as the audience chuckled and applauded.
The group’s theme was “Together As One,” paying tribute to Proposition 8 protests, voting parties and the election. Emotions were running high and the performance garnered the group a standing ovation. It was empowering: the message; the election; the future — Together As One.
The Center LB is located at 2017 E. Fourth St. For information, call (562) 433-4455. The Center is open Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment only.