LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County Project

Monterey County can be a pretty lonely place if you are a member of any one of the LGBTQQI (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, gender-queer, questioning, intersex) communities. This is especially true for people who are new to the county, newly coming out to themselves and/or others and to teens finding themselves with few true peers and allies. It is also a challenge for those who are straight, whatever that means, and discover that their partner, their child, their parent, essentially any one close to them, is part of one of the LGBT communities.

There are some resources in Monterey County available to the LGBT communities.

But where are they?
How does one get connected?
Where can people find resources, support and a social network?

The answer is the new LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County, modeled after the one in Santa Cruz, with a lending library, resource guide, meeting space – and comfy chairs and possibly a dance floor. The plan includes two initial centers – one in Monterey and one in Salinas. A non-profit, with visible storefronts so people can see us, and know we exist. Someplace people can just jump in, talk to somebody. We’ll have support groups. We want to have a place for youth to come and hang out with other youth, maybe host a dance.

We had our first meeting in March. We were supported by Jim Brown, the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Diversity Center. Those who gathered together brought with them a wealth of knowledge, skills and resources necessary to take on this much needed project. We ended knowing we were off to a great start with the goal of opening our doors by the end of this calendar year.

The LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County has formed an official Board of Directors, has developed action committees and has ratified By-Laws. We are now and securing funding and a non-profit status, as well as actively seeking locations and developing a website.

Our mission is to primarily open Centers where all may feel safe and welcomed, provide direct services and be a home to other LGBT groups who wish to make it so. We invite everyone interested in seeing a Monterey County Diversity Center become a reality to attend one of our bi-weekly meetings. Join us as we, borrowing from our new National President, say “YES WE CAN”!

The LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County: Exciting News & Updates!  

The LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County will launch its new website some time in the near future. We had a highly acclaimed site, but lost it due to unforeseen circumstances. So, our new site is “under construction”, and we have much yet to add. When ready, visiting our new site, you will be able to get updates on our progress toward opening physical sites around the county and learn more about LGBT happenings and issues in Monterey County. While there, you will be able to visit our Community Calendar Section. You’ll find it to be a central hub for all kinds of events, sponsored by all kinds of groups and organizations, here in our county and beyond! You’ll especially want to return to that page over and over again in the future, for all of our relevant county wide organizations and groups have been invited to post their events on this page. We are confident this page will grow rich with vital and interesting offerings!  Also, note that you need not sign in to view the Community Calendar section. So check back in the months to come and see what we've developed for all to use. (Note: If you are a leader in any one of the relevant organizations, look for instructions on the site and start submitting your calendar events.) 

The Community Calendar on our site  is one of the many FREE services we are, and will be, offering to our local groups and the community at large as we grow. Plans are also in the works to provide many other wonderful activities and opportunities as we move toward opening doors for all in the near future.  

Speaking of events……the LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County had it's first, very successful BIG Estate Sale as part of the effort to raise start up money to cover the costs of incorporation and necessary permits. We’ll be announcing the dates of other events very soon! In the mean time, we welcome you all to join the already big hearted people who have donated useful items for our sale. We also welcome volunteers to assist with other events.  

And speaking of volunteering…..we are currently seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of committees and to fill a couple slots on our Board of Directors. If you would like to get involved in one any one of the current or future volunteer positions, and reap the rewards of being part of this exciting project to serve our communities in Monterey County give me a call. We warmly welcome any and all assistance we can get!  

We also want to remind you that our Board of Directors meetings currently take place every third Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. We meet at the Portola Plaza Hotel in Monterey. We offer a special THANK YOU to the hotel for sponsoring us and being so LGBT friendly. The meetings are always open to the general public and the first fifteen minutes of each meeting are dedicated to public comment.   

So, friends, we are getting there. Soon Monterey County WILL have LGBT Diversity Centers. Soon, all the existing LGBT groups and organizations will have a place to hold meetings, events and offer services. Soon Monterey County residents, young, old and everyone in between, will have safe, friendly, warm and welcoming places to come to and call their own. All are welcome to get involved! So check out our website, attend a Board meeting, get involved on a committee, attend an event and know…..we are here for YOU!  

Stephen L. Braveman, LMFT, DST
President
LGBT Diversity Centers of Monterey County