Meet the Staff: Celia

Welcome Celia (she/they) to the DC Center! Celia will be joining the DC Center team as a Social Media/Advocacy Intern. She is a student at the University of California, Berkeley studying Gender and Women’s Studies. Celia looks forward to connecting to and advocating for the DC queer community along with bringing forth more awareness to all the wonderful resources the DC Center has to offer.  

Birthdate, Astro Sign

July 26th / Leo Sun, Cancer Moon, Libra Rising 

Where are you originally from? 

I am from Orange County, California.

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I am new to DC and am seeking to cultivate and get involved with the local queer community. The DC Center was the perfect place to do so. 

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

The best part of the internship is working alongside the wonderful team at the DC Center as well as the ability to serve the community. 

What is your music anthem? 

Right now it is ‘Faith’ by SAULT. It’s uplifting and hopeful. 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

I love the way we challenge the dominant culture and weave our own paths no matter how they look to others. I love the way we offer the world alternative forms of communal, personal, romantic, and familial relationships. Most of all, I love the way we take care of each other.

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

My favorite spot in DC is any of the Bussboys and Poets restaurants. There is actually one very near the DC Center! I like to go there for brunch on Sunday and am looking forward to their open mic.

What is your favorite queer movie?  

My favorite queer film is a poignant Bollywood film called Fire.

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

Sage green.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

All the beautiful and brave Black and brown trans and lesbian women who have pioneered radical action and feminist thought that have transformed our lives, politics, and beliefs such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Miss Major to name a few.

Meet The Board: Justin Campbell

Join the DC Center in welcoming our newest Board Member: Justin Campbell! We are ecstatic to have him on our team. Read all about Justin’s background, interests, and inspirations below:

 

Where are you originally from and how long have you been in DC?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York City. Though, I can’t call myself a true New Yorker. I had lived in a few places before moving to Washington, DC. Most of my family is from the Caribbean, Jamaica, to be specific. And as a child, I had the opportunity to live there in Kingston for a few years. I moved back to the States in my adolescence and went directly to the South. Atlanta, Georgia, became my new home throughout junior and high school, and I stayed in the state to finish college.

When I graduated from undergrad, I moved to Washington, DC. 2010 seems so long from now.

Please summarize in a short paragraph or two your interests and how they relate to serving on the Board. What impact do you see yourself having?

I had the opportunity to work in my interests to identify and explore social determinants of health in communities. Seeing firsthand how nonmedical factors: one’s quality of life, location, how much one makes, or the distance of a grocery store, played themselves out in actual health outcomes for people became an indelible passion. In my past experiences, I recognized these factors in formats from fundraising, storytelling to photography, all to bring awareness and understanding so that potential recommendations and solutions can develop.

Through the DC Center’s focus areas from health and wellness, arts & culture, social & peer support, and advocacy and community building, considerable effort and opportunities exist to investigate social determinants of health in our LGBTQ+ community here in DC. By serving, I plan to identify and determine what factors across the city may afflict or empower our community to be the healthiest and the best it can be.

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

I am a big fan of just hanging in Logan Circle. I’m an avid picnic fan and enjoy the company of friends in the park.

What influences inspire you, such as historical figures, leaders, singers, bands, etc.? Why?

I am full of wanderlust, so I travel as much as possible. Whether by car, plane, or train, I arrive in new locations with a big smile and an openness to my surroundings. I carry this motivation when I travel because I came up between two worlds: Jamaica and America. Then, I always felt the need to make myself present by sharing stories and experiences of the incredible differences and similarities between my two cultures. I still do. Traveling now, I relish those grounded, unpretentious experiences and opportunities when visiting a new place – a quest to find greater wisdom in people and myself.

What are you most excited about regarding the future of the DC Center?

I am very excited to utilize the new space for the DC Center. It’s huge! There’s so much potential for events with the community and collaboration with other DC organizations. I can’t wait!

Meet the Staff: Raven

Welcome Raven (she/her) to the DC Center! Raven will be joining the DC Center team as a Health/Wellness Intern. She is a student at George Washington University studying Women, Gender, and Sexualities Studies. Raven looks forward to helping better the health and wellness of the DC queer community alongside amazing staff and facilitators.

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

June 4th / Gemini 

Where are you originally from? 

I was born in Long Island, New York, but grew up in New Hampshire. 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I was looking for an avenue to become more involved in the queer community in DC. The DC Center has been looking out for our local community for a decade now, and I wanted to finally join them in that effort.

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

The best part of this internship has been everyone I have met at the center. The folks at the DC Center are truly wonderful people and always have my best interest in mind. 

What is your music anthem? 

Probably Barbie Girl by Aqua. The new Barbie movie is literally going to rewire my brain.

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

I love the instant understanding shared between members of the LGBTQ+ community. No matter your background, you can show each other acceptance based on your shared struggles and shared dreams. 

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

The Diner on 18th Street in Adams Morgan! It’s open 24 hours and the perfect place to hang out after the bars. 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

My favorite queer movie is His – I Didn’t think I Would Fall in Love. It’s an incredible Japanese BL movie with an even better sequel!

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

The lesbian flag. 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

I look up to a lot of queer artists who have pioneered different forms of self expression through music and fashion. Janelle Monáe, Holland, and Steinberg are some of my biggest queer inspirations. 

 

Meet the Staff: Elana

Welcome Elana (they/them) to the DC Center! They will be the Social Media and Advocacy Intern at the DC Center this summer. Elana looks forward to interacting with people in the LGBTQ community and becoming more engaged in queer, culture events happening in DC. You can meet Elana at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. Elana is looking forward to promoting the incredible events, programming, and resources the DC Center has to offer. 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

May 1st, Taurus. 

 

Where are you originally from? 

Washington, DC. I’m a native Washingtonian!  

 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

The wide variety of programs and resources that the DC Center offers originally drew me to the organization. I love how many different aspects of support the DC Center provides.  

 

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

The warm and friendly staff that create a wonderful atmosphere. 

 

What is your music anthem?

Jackie Onassis by Sammy Rae and the Friends.  

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

I love the instant connection I feel when I meet someone in the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

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

Comet Ping Pong! I love to eat pizza with family and friends there. 

 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

This isn’t a movie, but I love the tv show One Day at a Time. Watching that show was the first time I saw non-binary representation on television, which was really exciting.  

 

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

Some jewel tones might be nice. 

 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

My queer professors.

Meet the Team : Prim

A picture of prim with a sculpture of a black squirrel

Welcome Prim to the DC Center! She will be a social media intern at our center. Prim (she/ they) looks forward to meeting all sorts of people at the DC center and becoming involved with the community. You can meet Prim at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. Prim is looking forward to participating in activities at the DC center and seeing the different types of things the DC center has to offer. 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

January 20th – Aquarius 

Where are you originally from? 

Cleveland, Ohio

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I liked how the DC Center catered to all different sorts of people, and I saw it as an opportunity to get out there, and see how a supportive community can truly help others, especially as a Psychology major. 

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

So far, everyone has been super friendly and welcoming, and I really appreciate all the help I’ve been receiving, especially as someone new to the area. 

What is your music anthem? 

Good Days – SZA

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

I feel like the community is super welcoming to anyone, and honestly it was a great support to me as I was growing up and confused with myself. 

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

Hirshhorn Museum – I’m an artist myself, so when I visit, I love just observing the art and taking inspiration from the many different pieces.  

What is your favorite queer movie?  

The Handmaiden

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

Pink – it’s my favorite color, some of my friends would even say it’s my signature color

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

Kehlani – I love how down-to-earth she is, and she has been an inspiration to me since I was a teenager

We Are Moving!!! Read Our Press Release About Our New LGBTQ+ Community Center

Street view of the outside of the DC Center's New Space

We’re so excited to share the big news!

We’re Moving!

Check out all the details about our new location in our press release and watch this space for more details to come!

This amazing next chapter in our LGBTQ+ community members lives needs your support!

Please click here and donate what you can to help support the creation of our new space!

Click here to read our press release

 

  • thumbnail of the press release

 

 

Rendition/Photo Credit: Hickok Cole, our architects on this project

DC Center’s Day of Thanks & Zoom Hangout

Image has text about the upcoming Day of Thanks event

To allow staff and board members time to reconnect and recharge, we will be offering takeout meals for Thanksgiving this year. The meals are provided in partnership with Wegmans, and we are currently planning to have them available for pickup on Wednesday, November 23rd.

REGISTRATION FOR MEALS HAS CLOSED – IF YOU RSVP’d BUT DIDN’T GET CONFIRMATION, EMAIL SUPPORTDESK@THEDCCENTER.ORG

REGISTRATION FOR ZOOM HANGOUT HAS CLOSED – IF YOU RSVP’D BUT DIDN’T GET A CONFIRMATION, EMAIL SUPPORTDESK@THEDCCENTER.ORG

If you have any questions, please email our Front Desk Team at supportdesk@thedccenter.org

Meet the Board: Ashley Gibbs

We are excited to welcome Ashley Gibbs to the Board of Directors! Read on to learn more about our newest board member.

Where are you originally from and how long have you been in DC?

I was born in New Hampshire, spent my childhood in southeastern Connecticut, and moved to DC in 2009.

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

At the moment it’s the National Arboretum. I adopted a rescue puppy with a severe anxiety disorder in August 2021. The Arboretum is one of the few places in the city she feels safe to sniff, roll in the grass, and just be a dog. And being in nature is great for my mental health too!

What is your favorite queer movie?

That’s a difficult question, but I’m going to go with Call Me By Your Name. Spectacular scenery, a moving romance, and supportive family – it’s a great film.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

I look up to everyone in this community who is living life on their terms, pushing the boundaries of what’s “acceptable” in our society, and showing that queer life is diverse, vibrant, and free. This includes activists and elders who have paved the way for us to have the freedoms we do today, young people who are walking out of school in defense of their classmates, those who are building a family on their own terms, and everyone who believes freedom and rights are universal, and that society is better when people can live openly, queerly—whatever that means to them as individuals.

What are you most excited about regarding the future of the DC Center?

I’m excited to see how we can adapt to the future in a way that best serves our community. The events of the past few years have changed the world, our country, and us as individuals. How do we as a queer community evolve and become even stronger? That’s the question I’m excited to work with the DC Center to answer.

Are you interested in joining the Board? Learn more here.

Case Management & Advocacy Specialist Position Available

Job Opportunity at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

THIS POSITION IS FILLED.

The DC Anti-Violence Project of the DC Center for the LGBT Community is seeking a community-based trauma-informed mental health professional to provide case management services to and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse in the DMV area. The position also involves community leadership in facilitating community meetings/activities and in networking with and educating survivor services providers, to strengthen the appropriate and effective response of LGBTQ+ competent service provision to LGBTQ+ trauma survivors. Exceptional interpersonal, ethical, intercultural and client care skills are required. Fluency in both Spanish and English, expertise in transgender and gender non-binary and BIPOC issues and/or clinical licensure are a plus. Familiarity with TheraNest or other EHR systems is also a plus. Experience in providing telehealth via Zoom HIPAA-compliant video platform is desired, as the position includes virtual and in-person service provision.

CMA Specialist Position summary:

Since 2002, The DC Center for the LGBT Community has implemented a mission of educating, empowering, celebrating, uplifting and connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of Washington, DC. The Case Management and Advocacy (CMA) Specialist position helps to achieve this mission by providing case management and advocacy support services to LGBTQ+ 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 CMA Specialist will work with community members and clients individually via email, phone, HIPAA-compliant Zoom and in person, and as a member of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) team, supporting two licensed mental health clinicians in connecting BHS clients to needed services. The CMA Specialist will also facilitate the monthly meetings of the DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP) and related community based violence intervention, education and advocacy activities. The person who fills this position is also responsible for assisting on other related projects, such as record-keeping for the quarterly/ annual reporting and management of the OVSJG grant, outreach and education in the LGBTQ+ community, and assisting the mission, vision, and values of The DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP). There is limited funding available for professional development, and to assist with costs of renewing DC & MD licenses, if applicable. The CMA Specialist will assist with administrative needs as determined by the BHS/DCAVP Project Manager and report to the Executive Director. 

Special Skills:

The CMA Specialist must have at least 2 years’ experience working as a trauma-informed case manager and advocate with a diverse client population. They must have a demonstrated ability to work with LGBTQ+ adults, to work well as a team member, to problem solve and communicate at all levels verbally as well as in writing. Exceptional interpersonal, ethical, intercultural and client care skills are required. Must be self-motivated, ethical, and be able to build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and with key stakeholders in the larger victim-serving network of Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have prior nonprofit experience and crisis assessment, intervention and referral experience. Fluency in both Spanish and English, expertise in transgender and gender non-binary and BIPOC issues and/or clinical licensure are a plus.

CMA Specialist Functions and Duties

  • Be the point of contact and initial assessment for requests for mental health assistance and triage the requests as appropriate for referral to BHS clinicians and case management and advocacy to relevant providers within the District networks of care
  • Provide trauma-informed and interculturally competent case management assistance to DCAVP BHS clients (LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence and abuse) in accessing appropriate organizations and providers for services beyond the parameters of mental health counseling offered by the DCAVP BHS Therapists
  • Provide email/phone/drop-in and virtual response to and follow-up with LGBTQ+ clients’ requests for advocacy, info & referral and warm-handoffs to wrap-around services in the District
  • Provide LGBTQ+ clients in crisis necessary crisis intervention, consultation and referrals to appropriate support systems (safety plans, hospitalization, referrals, etc.) as well as connection into BHS individual and group counseling services as appropriate
  • Build and maintain the BHS Providers List of LGBQ, TGNC, BIPOC competent, trauma-informed, culturally diverse mental health clinicians who are affordable and accessible for low-to-no income LGBTQ+ clients seeking long-term counseling services
  • Facilitate the monthly meetings of the DCAVP and manage the DCAVP listservs and social media outreach and advocacy activities, working in partnership with DCAVP community members to further the mission, vision, and values of the DCAVP
  • Write and coordinate DCAVP response for Community Impact Statements to support hate bias cases, in partnership with the the MPD LGBTSU and USAO, and public relations response as needed
  • Coordinate and/or represent the DCAVP at LGBTQ+ expert community collaborations and consultations with the partnering organizations in the continuum of services in the District (including VAN, VPART, HBTF)
  • Be the point of contact for requests for DCAVP collaboration and expertise on community programs and policy committees (such as the VAN, VPART, DCAVP, HBTF and others) and for requests for LGBTQ+ competency education and training for community organization professionals in LGBTQ+ issues and best practices for service provision
  • Build the District’s statistical knowledge base about crimes against and effective services for LGBTQ+ residents by designing client services and events evaluation processes and performing research and analysis of statistics culled from clients and feedback to assist in program development, funding requests and requests for informational statistics
  • Assist with keeping clinical statistical data, implementing and analyzing client evaluation feedback and writing quarterly reports and other grant deliverables for the OVSJG grant throughout the fiscal year, as determined by the BHS/DCAVP Project Manager
  • Assist in the management of the Direct Client Assistance program, a fund of resources to assist LGBTQ+ survivors in securing technology, internet connectivity, training and transportation to be able to consistently and safely access support services
  • Collaborate with DC Center staff to provide community-based education and outreach opportunities in line with OVSJG DCAVP grant requirements 
  • Keep a current schedule and accurate records of all clinical and non-clinical interactions in the systems in use by the DC Center and BHS team
  • Work well with a diverse staff team to facilitate an open, supportive and warm environment for all individuals who connect with The DC Center and represent the DC Center professionally within the community.

Salary range is $48,000-50,000.

Position includes health insurance, vacation and personal leave benefits.

Position is grant-funded on an annual basis (Oct 1, 2022 through Sept 30, 2023).

To apply, please send resumes and cover letters to supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

THIS POSITION IS FILLED.

OutWrite, Washington D.C.’s LGBTQ Literary Festival, Welcomes its Next Chairperson

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Marlena Chertock, Malik Thompson, OutWrite Co-Chairs
outwritedc@gmail.com

OutWrite DC is welcoming a new Chairperson on board, local poet Emily Holland. After 2 years of service, Marlena Chertock and Malik Thompson are stepping down as Co-Chairs after the 2022 festival. They are thrilled to be passing the baton to Emily.

“As a queer writer who largely came-of-age here in DC, I am immensely excited to be the next Chairperson of OutWrite,” says Emily. “Under the expert guidance of Marlena and Malik, and also of Chair Emeritus dave ring, OutWrite has thrived as a literary festival created by — and for — the trans/queer community.”

“Malik and Marlena had the daunting task of adapting the festival during the ongoing pandemic, and their leadership was instrumental in not only shifting to an accessible virtual festival, but also championing Black writers, Indigenous writers, writers of color, and disabled writers. I have forged so many nurturing connections at past OutWrite festivals and hope to use my time as Chairperson to support trans/queer writers in the same way.”

“We are extremely excited to pass the torch to Emily!” said Marlena Chertock and Malik Thompson, the current Co-Chairs of OutWrite. “Our tenure has been a huge learning experience and it would not have been possible without the support of Kimberley Bush, Executive Director of the DC Center, dave ring, OutWrite’s chair prior to our tenure, Justin Johns, DC Center Office Administrator, Tahirah A. G., editor of our 2021 journal, as well as our Volunteer Coordinators Derrick Brown, Jacob Budenz, and John Copenhaver.”

“We chose Emily to take up the mantle of Chair because of her impressive, years-long commitment to D.C.’s LGBTQ+ literary community. We are excited to experience the future of OutWrite with Emily at the wheel,” Marlena and Malik said.

Mark your calendars for this year’s festival, which will be held August 5-7, 2022. Currently, all events are virtual; we will release more information on whether any events will be held in person or hybrid as soon as possible. Please visit outwritedc.org for more information.

More about the new Chairperson of OutWrite

Emily Holland (she/they) is a genderqueer lesbian writer living in Washington, D.C. She received her MFA from American University, where she won the Myra Sklarew Award for outstanding thesis and was the Editor-In-Chief of FOLIO. Their poems have appeared or are forthcoming in publications including Shenandoah, Black Warrior Review, Nat. Brut, DIALOGIST, Homology Lit, and Wussy. Her chapbook Lineage was published by dancing girl press in 2019. Their work has been supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and Sundress Academy for the Arts. Currently, she is the Editor of Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry magazine published by The Writer’s Center.

 

 

 

 

 

About OutWrite

OutWrite is a celebration of LGBTQ literature, held annually the first weekend in August in Washington, D.C. The 2021 festival will be August 6-8, 2021. For more information, visit: thedccenter.org/outwrite.

About the DC Center

The DC Center for the LGBT Community educates, empowers, celebrates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. To fulfill our mission, we focus on four core areas: health and wellness, arts & culture, social & support services, and advocacy and community building. We envision communities where LGBT people feel healthy, safe, and affirmed.

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