Meet the Staff: Danny

Danny Mendoza

Let us welcome Danny to the DC Center. Danny will be working with the community and Coalition to create events that engage, support, and empower the local Latinx LGBTQ+ Community. They are excited to work here and hopes to continue to make the lives of LGBTQ people easier. You can meet Danny weeknights at the DC Center.

Birthdate, Astro Sign.
 August 7th 1996. I’m a Leo and we’re obviously the best!
Where are you originally from?
I was born in MD, but grew up in Charlottesville, VA. Yes, I’m from THAT Charlottesville.
Why did you start working at the DC Center?
I’ve been a group member and volunteering here for the past year and hearing about this position excited me so much that I decided to apply. Now here I am.
What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?
I’m still new, but I love meeting new people and then seeing them come back for the next meeting and getting to know them better.
What is your music anthem?
Oof, that’s tough. I’d say right now it’s Bordem by Tyler the Creator. I just can’t get enough of that song.
What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?
Wow, there’s so much I love about the community. If I have to pick just one, I’d say the diversity. I’m always grateful for how folks get along, especially coming from all walks of life and backgrounds.
 What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
I mainly spend most of my time at work or at events, but whenever I get the chance I like to go on a run around Meridian park or just lay on the grass and listen to the drum circle.
What is your favorite queer movie?
Not sure if this counts, but Mulan was such an awakening for me. It’s still relevant to how I feel about my gender identity and who doesn’t love Mushu?
 What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?
I feel like rainbow is the obvious choice, but given the current administration. I’d say a gaudy fuschia with a thick coat of glitter on top, but only on the inside.  

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

I know this isn’t original, but I admire Ruby Corado so much. Not only for her bravery and relentless desire to fight for the community, but also her immense about of compassion and self composure in the face of injustice.

Latino GLBT History Project Clothing Drive

We all want our community to thrive.  Join the Latino GLBT History Project as they kick off their new project “Create Your History” which aims to provide homeless LGBTQ+ Youth of Color skills, experience, and the confidence needed to find living-wage jobs through image and job attainment consulting.

Clothing can be an expression of one’s identity, culture, and feelings.
Clean your closet and donate your business casual and business professional clothes to homeless LGBTQ+ Youth of Color who are on a tight budget and need to build a professional wardrobe.

Last Day to Donate:
December 14th
At the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs

Todos queremos que nuestra comunidad próspera.  Unirse con el Latino GLBT History Project a commencar el proyecto nuevo: “Crear Su Historia” que enfoca a dar Jovenes de Color LGBTQ+ sin hogar, experiencia, abilidades y la confiancia necesaria para encontrar trabajos de salario sufficiente para vivir y crecer. Hacen esto en forma de consultas de imagen profesional y realización de trabajo.

Ropa nos puede ayudar expresar nuestro cultura, identidad y sentimientos. Limpia su armario y dona su ropa profesional para ayudar la comunidad Joven de Color LGBTQ+ sin hogar, que nececitan la ropa para empecar a trabajar.

Ultima Dia Para Donar

December 14

En La Officina Del Alcalde De Asuntos LGBTQ

 

Study for Black MSM: Earn $20 in Gift Cards

PrEP Study for Black Men

George Washington University is conducting a study about PrEP advertising twith Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Washington, DC metro area.

PrEP, or HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a highly effective HIV prevention medication. We are interested in learning more about how Black MSM feel about the way PrEP is being marketed to them. Findings will help guide the development of future PrEP advertisements, with the goal of creating materials that are culturally sensitive and acceptable to Black men who have sex with men in DC.

The study involves completing two 20-minute surveys and receiving a weekly email for 8 weeks, for which respondents will earn two $10 Amazon gift cards (one for each survey) and be entered into a lottery to win $500 in cash.

To be eligible, participants must be Black, HIV-negative, PrEP-inexperienced men who are sexually active with other men and reside in the DC metro area.

Click here to begin the survey! 

LGBTQ Community Centers Support Fair Treatment for LGBTQ Asylum Seekers

#queertranscaravan

Across the United States, people of all backgrounds are reacting with outrage in light of the Administration’s announcement that people who attempt to seek asylum outside of ports of entry will be denied the right to this protection.

On Sunday, November 11th, an estimated 78 LGBTQ asylum seekers reached the United States border in hopes of escaping persecution in Central America. Originally traveling with a larger group from Honduras, they left the caravan after experiencing discrimination and threats from others. Many LGBTQ migrants were denied food and access to showers by caravan members or local groups providing aid. “There was no physical abuse but there was plenty of verbal abuse,” a transgender woman told reporters, although she added it was nothing compared to the reality of living as a transgender woman in her home country of Honduras.

As they await the opportunity to begin the asylum process in Tijuana, the group continues to be targeted simply for being part of the LGBTQ community. They were met with anger from locals, who said they should have been warned by authorities that LGBTQ people would be staying in their neighborhood.

Members of the group originate from Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, and include a handful of children. Most plan to use their status as members of a persecuted class to request asylum in the U.S. as early as Thursday.

Unfortunately, the government reacts to their plight with armed forces and threats of denying entry to begin the asylum process, essentially signing their death orders. LGBTQ people flee to the U.S. because they cannot live safely in their home countries. They are in danger of persecution, prosecution, imprisonment, blackmail, discrimination, torture, sexual assault and in some cases, death based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

If LGBTQ asylum seekers are granted the opportunity to have their case heard, they can be detained until trial, which may take months. In detention centers, transgender women are often housed with men or placed in solitary confinement. LGBTQ immigrants report high rates of sexual assault and abuse during their time in detention, and proper medical care is often denied.

These asylum seekers have faced challenges and painful barriers in receiving equal treatment during every step of their journey. The undersigned LGBTQ Community Centers strongly support them in their quest for a better life and demand that they be treated fairly and equitably as they seek their legal right to asylum.

Adair Co. GLBT Resource Center

ALSO Youth

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

Center on Halsted

Freedom House Detroit

Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center

GALA LGBTQ+ Center

Gay City: Seattle’s LGBTQ Center

Latino Equality Alliance

LGBT Center OC

LGBT Center of Central PA

LGBT Center of Raleigh

LGBT Detroit

LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County

Los Angeles LGBT Center

North County LGBTQ Resource Center

Open Arms Rape Crisis Center & LGBT+ Services

Pride Center at Equality Park

Pride Center San Antonio

PRISM-Q, LGBT & Allies Resource Center

Proud Haven Inc.

Rainbow Center

Resource Center

Ruth Ellis Center

Sacramento LGBT Community Center

Safe Schools South Florida

San Francisco LGBT Center

Stonewall Coumbus

SunServe

Tacoma Older LGBT

The DC Center for the LGBT Community

The Pride Center at Equality Park

The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico

Triangle Community Center

LGBTQ-Two Spirit Workgroup Seeks New Members

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The Indian Health Services (IHS) LGBTQ-Two Spirit Workgroup seeks additional members. IHS is the federal health insurance program for American Indians and Alaska Natives.  The Indian Health Service (IHS) works to ensure that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Two Spirit (LGBTQ-2S) American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals and their families receive equal access to health services in the communities where they live. IHS carries out this work by providing enhanced resources for health issues, developing better information regarding health needs, and working to close the health disparities gap that currently exist for our Native LGBTQ-Two Spirit people.   For more information visit: www.ihs.gov/lgbt

Members of the community and federal participants are welcome to apply for the Workgroup.  Interested individuals can contact interested folks can contact Richard.Haverkate@ihs.gov.

Meet the Staff: Jose

Meet the new Health and Wellness intern, Jose. This autumn, Jose will be working with the health working group and take on various duties around and for the D.C Center. He has already spoken for the DC Center in front of the the D.C council on a bill, helped hosted events and volunteered at the Reel Affirmations film festival. He hopes to continue to make the lives of LGBTQ folks a little bit easier.

Birthdate, Astro Sign.

July 3rd, 1997. Cancer

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in New York City. By the time I was 18 I felt I needed a change in , pace. I decided to go to college in Plattsburgh, NY (30 mins from Canada) and the rest is history in the making.

Why did you start working at the DC Center?

I started working at the DC Center, because I felt the need to give back to my community. I was fortunate have supportive people in my life, and I want to be able to give support to those who need it.

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

It’s never a dull day at the Center. My coworkers keep things lively and are very supportive.

What is your music anthem?

Happier by Marshmello & Bastille

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

The ability of the LGBTQ community to progress forward. We have faced so much adversity in the past, yet we still create a positive and safe atmosphere with one another.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

The Lincoln Memorial, because at night it just gives a cool ambiance.

What is your favorite queer movie?

I am stuck between the films ‘Those People’ and ‘Love Simon’.

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

Hot Pink. It not only makes a bold statement, but how many buildings have you seen in Hot Pink?

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

Tituss Burgess

Social Worker Job Opening at the DC Center – Position Filled

Job Opportunities at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

*** We are no longer accepting applicants***

The DC Center for the LGBT Community is hiring! We are looking for a part time staff social worker. See below for details.

Job Position Description: Staff Social Worker/Therapist (LGSW or LICSW)

Staff Social Worker/Therapist Position:

The DC Center for the LGBT Community has a mission of educating, empowering, celebrating, and connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of Washington, DC. The Staff Social Worker/Therapist helps to achieve this mission by providing mental health support services to survivors of violence, crime, and trauma. These services are available free-of-charge to our community members due to grant funding from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG). The Staff Social Worker/Therapist will see clients individually, with a chance to also work with clients in group settings. The person who fills this position is also responsible for other related projects, such as supporting the social work team in quarterly reporting and management of the OVSJG grant and occasional outreach and education opportunities in the LGBTQ community. They will report to the Executive Director. Please note that this position does not provide on-site clinical supervision hours, so should candidate want to pursue clinical supervision, they must do so off-site.

Special Skills:

The Staff Social Worker/Therapist must have the appropriate licensure to practice in DC (LGSW or LICSW) and have at least 2 years’ experience working as a clinician with a diverse client population. They must also have a demonstrated ability to work with LGBTQ+ adults, to work well in a team, to problem solve and communicate at all levels verbally as well as in writing. Must be self-motivated and be able to build and maintain relationships, both with colleagues and community members, as well as be well adept at working in a fast pace environment. Bilingual capabilities are strongly preferred, but not required.

Functions and Duties

Staff Social Worker/Therapist: Responsibilities:

  • Provide individual and couples mental health support services, both through counseling and case management to a caseload of 10-15 unique clients, with potential for group work
  • Conduct intake assessments with all new potential clients to assess safety, job status, financial resources, living arrangements, current support system, type and history of victimization, legal issues, related medical history, and clinical symptomatology for the past 30 days.
  • Provide clients with LGBTQ-friendly and affirming referrals to community-based services, aimed at assisting individuals affected by crime, violence and trauma
  • Assess clients and provide necessary intervention in crisis situations (safety plans, hospitalization, referrals, etc.)
  • Keep current and accurate records of all clinical interactions in MyClientsPlus, a clinical database system
  • Support social work team in writing of quarterly reports and managing grant deliverables for the OVSJG grant throughout the fiscal year
  • Deliver trauma-informed, culturally competent assessment and treatment techniques to all survivors seeking support services, and serve as a resource for all individuals seeking support through The DC Center
  • Work in partnership with The DC Anti-Violence Project members to further the mission, vision, and values of DC AVP
  • Facilitate, as needed, cultural competency training opportunities, community presentations, and outreach events
  • Work well with a diverse staff to facilitate an open, supportive and warm environment for all individuals who visit The DC Center

Please send qualified resumes to Justin Johns at justin@thedccenter.org by Friday, November 16th.

Cedar Lane UU Presents Trans Photo Exhibit

Pioneering Voices

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church presents the photo exhibit Pioneering Voices.

Pioneering Voices is a museum-quality traveling exhibit including photographs and interviews with people of all ages who are transgender and some of their partners and children. Through first-person accounts and positive images, this exhibit seeks to challenge damaging myths and stereotypes about transgender people and to educate people about this marginalized, and often invisible group of people.

The exhibit is on display in the vestibule through the end of December, 2018.  An opening reception takes place November 4th from 12:30 to 2:30 PM. Cedar Lane UU Church is located at 9601 Cedar Lane in Bethesda, Maryland.