Milysha C

Gay Day at the Zoo 2024

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Gay day at the zoo may 5th 2024

Mark your calendars because on Sunday, May 5th from 10am to 3pm, we will be having our annual Gay Day at the Zoo event!

The annual Gay Day at the Zoo is a DC favorite for the LGBTQ community! For one day, hundreds of LGBTQ folks, families, and allies come together to show their pride and enjoy the animals and sights at the National Zoological Park.

Let’s fill the Zoo with rainbows! Wear rainbow to represent our community and show you are a part of the event!

Support the work of the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center which educates, empowers, celebrates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.

Everyone must reserve tickets online before the event. 

Reserve your tickets and visit the schedule: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/international-family-equality-day

 

Job Opening at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center: Case Worker and Advocate Specialist

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The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is hiring!

Since 2003, The DC Center has worked to educate, empower, celebrate, and connect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in the District. We envision communities where LGBTQ+ people feel healthy, safe, and affirmed. The DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP), a program of The DC Center founded in 2008, works to reduce violence against LGBTQ+ individuals (and those perceived as LGBTQ+) through case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, community outreach, education, and individual and group counseling.

Position Summary: The DCAVP is seeking a community-based trauma-informed professional to serve as our part-time Case Worker and Advocate (CWA). The CWA provides needs assessment, information and referrals, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse in the DMV area. The CWA also provides community leadership in collaboration with survivor services providers to strengthen appropriate and effective response of LGBTQ+ competent service provision to LGBTQ+ trauma survivors in the District. The CWA works directly with community members individually via email, phone, HIPAA-compliant Zoom and in person, works as a member of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) team supporting two licensed mental health clinicians in connecting BHS clients to needed services and works as a team member of the DC Center.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our LGBTQ+ community members we invite you to apply for the position of Case Worker & Advocate Specialist.

To Apply Click Here

Meet the Staff: M

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"Meet the Intern!" in conversation bubble pointing at a headshot of Milysha Castaneda. Background is a series of cartoon plants.

Welcome M (they/she/he) to the DC Center! M will be joining the team as the Social Media Intern. They are an honors student at the University of South Florida studying Mass Communications and Sociology with a minor in Queer & Sexuality Studies. You can meet M at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. M is looking forward to connecting with the DC LGBTQ+ Community and assisting with The DC Center’s social media pages. 

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

May 18: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising

Where are you originally from? 

I was born in Washington State and moved to Virginia when I was 14. 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I felt it would be a great opportunity to work for an organization that truly prioritizes the community and supports all LGBTQ+ members. I am sure that the experiences I gain and learn here will help me throughout the rest of my career. 

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

The DC Center office! The environment is so welcoming and they have so many services for the community including the food pantry, community closet, computers, library, and even free hygiene kits. I love a space that makes everyone feel welcome and included. 

What is your music anthem? 

I am currently addicted to Jeff Buckley and the entire Grace album. I am unsure of where my attraction started, maybe pinterest memes?

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

This was really difficult to choose but I am settling with our style. The LGBTQ+ community is constantly setting trends that change history (literally!). Our wardrobe is a big part of our identity and I respect that.

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

I think the Grilled Cheese Bar in DC (GCDC). I would go often in high school. It has become a fun memory to come back and visit in the city whenever I am downtown. 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

It is tied between But I am a cheerleader and D.E.B.S. Both are the perfect gay romcoms that bring me comfort. 

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

Easy, Pink! Color theory says pink is a happy color and I think the country could use a bit of that. 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?
I have never been good at choosing one role model so I want to say my queer friends (past, present, and future ones!). I find inspiration in all of my friends. They are the ones who motivate me to push forward and continue growing.