Genderqueer

UPDATE : DC LGBTQ Health and Wellness Festival

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LGBTQ Health & Wellness Festival

*** Hello friends,
In order to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the DC Center is closed effective Monday, March 16th. To protect the health and safety of everyone we have decided to postpone our health and wellness festival, we will no longer have the event on March 28th , a new date will be decided in the future. Please consider how you can help delay the spread of coronavirus by consulting sites such as https://coronavirus.dc.gov/ for more information. ***

Due to unfortunate circumstances, we have been forced to reschedule our Wellness Expo. Join us on Saturday, March 28th for our first-ever DC LGBTQ Health and Wellness Expo.

Please click here for the updated event information, and if you have previously registered there’s no need to re-register. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions please email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

Job Opening at the DC Center : Social Worker/Therapist

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Job Opportunity at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

The DC Center for the LGBT Community is hiring! We are looking for a full-time social worker/therapist. Bilingual in Spanish, a plus. See below for details.

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 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 Social Worker/Therapist will see clients individually and in group settings, as well as in a couples/collateral therapy capacity, if requested. The person who fills this position is also responsible for assisting on other related projects, such as quarterly 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 (DC AVP). The Social Worker/Therapist will report to the Executive Director.

Special Skills:

The 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 with key stakeholders in the larger victim-serving network of Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have prior nonprofit/grant management experience and is well adept at multitasking in a fast-paced environment. Bilingual capabilities are not required but strongly preferred.

Functions and Duties

Social Worker/Therapist: Responsibilities:

  • Provide individual, couples, and group mental health support services to a caseload of 25-35 unique clients
  • 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 our clinical database system
  • Collaborate with DC Center staff to provide community-based education and outreach opportunities in line with OVSJG grant requirements
  • Provide data for quarterly reports and help manage 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
  • Work well with a diverse staff to facilitate an open, supportive and warm environment for all individuals who visit The DC Center

Please click here to apply

How To Access A Free Sexual Assault Exam In DC

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If you’ve been sexually assaulted in the last 96 hrs, go to MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) at any time 24/7/365.

To ask a nurse or an advocate your questions first or to receive a free Uber ride to the hospital, call the DC Victim Hotline @1-844-4HELPDC .

For evidence collection (“rape kit”), in case you decide to report to police, try to avoid:

Showering, urinating or having a bowel movement, eating/drinking or smoking, chewing gum, douching, brushing teeth or changing clothes.

Arrive to MWHC , emergency department and let them know you are there for a SANE exam

You will be checked out by an ER physician first. Expect to be at the hospital for an average of 4.5 hours. You will have the opportunity to have all your questions answered by a nurse and an advocate before the exam begins.

If needed, receive free HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention medications

The nurse and physician will run some lab tests to make  sure it is safe for you to take these meds. You will also have the opportunity to follow up for more meds if possible. Please note that if you believe you were exposed to HIV, you will need to arrive at MWHC  72 hours or before to get HIV prevention treatment known as PEP. PEP is only effective in stopping HIV when taken 72 hours after exposure.

Decide whether or not to report to law enforcement

It is 100% your decision whether to report to the police or not. Your kit will be held for a minimum of one year. You may request for MWHC to hold your kit longer but you may have the right to report any time within the statute of limitation.

Rest and track you kit

You can visit a website to track your kit. Your kit will only be sent to the crime lab for testing if you decide to report to law enforcement, but MWHC can send it for toxicology testing if you’d like regardless of your reporting decision.

Receive ongoing support and connection to resources

If you choose , the advocate will continue to support you in any way that you need and connect you to basic , education, legal, and / or social services.

 

  Information sourced from 

 

 

 

Job Opening at the DC Center: Community Engagement Specialist – Position Filled

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Job Opportunities at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

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

 

Job Opening at the DC Center: Community Engagement Specialist

 

The DC Center for the LGBT Community is hiring! We are looking for a full-time Community Engagement Specialist to work with our new Total Care Team doing Early Intervention Services under our new Ryan White (part A) Grant.   

Position Details:

This position requires a person that is knowledgeable about marginalized communities that are at greater risk for HIV, Hep C, and other STI’s due to barriers minority communities experience due to oppression and socio-economic inequalities.  Much of the work is focused on Gender Non Binary, Transgender and MSM populations.  

The DC Center for the LGBT Community has a mission of educating, empowering, celebrating, and connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual,queer, and transgender communities of Washington, DC. The Community Engagement Specialist will help to achieve this mission by providing culturally competent  supportive services to the aforementioned populations. This particular grant is status neutral so it includes both positive and negative populations. Persons of color from LGBTQ communities are encouraged to apply, as we seek to develop more diversity within our staff and services.  

 Special Skills:  

The Community Engagement Specialist  will provide referral assistance and direct service (medical and non-medical) to ensure disparities that challenge access to care and/or treatment are addressed to give community members their best chance at maintaining a healthy status through traditional sexual health strategies, biomedical prevention (PrEP); and through treatment as prevention and the U=U model (undetectable = untransmittable). 

The person who fills this position is also responsible for other duties, such as minor case management, outreach, health education, data collection and  data entry. The Community Engagement Specialist will report to the Community Engagement Manager directly.

 

Functions and Duties 

  Community Engagement Specialist / Total Care Team 

 

  1. Collect and enter data from focus populations in respective systems (Careware, Link U, Redcap)
  2. Engage groups and individuals in sexual health education and planning sessions
  3. Provide referrals to eliminate barriers, thus increasing improved health outcomes
  4. Assist in meeting program goals that reduce harm and risk, improving the quality of life 
  5. Provide client-centered service that reflects status neutral healthcare and education
  6. Engage and retain focus population clients in HI-V programming and assist in achieving individual goals. 
  7. Educate on viral suppression and PrEP; providing timely linkage to care
  8. Contribute to programming, marketing, and branding of culturally competent services
  9. Assist in testing, in-reach, outreach, and representing the organization in professional settings
  10. Engage volunteers and clients as directed to meet program and grant deliverables 
  11. Facilitate or Coordinate testing for focus populations
  12. Promote Rapid treatment and Comprehensive Harm & Risk Reduction initiatives
  13. Assist in Facilitating Cultural Competency training’s for organizations and individuals
  14. Assist with Consumer Satisfaction Surveys and data to ensure program effectiveness
  15. Assist in implementing and tracking medical and non-medical support and client outcomes
  16. Work with associated staff to ensure grant deliverables and promote program continuity 
  17. Provide good customer service and assist in various capacities as needed 

 

Please send qualified resumes to  justin@thedccenter.org before Monday, October 7th. Salary Range is expected to fall within $38,480 – $45,760

 

*Interviews will be held on 10/16/19 and 10/17/19 

Meet the Staff: Ragya

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Welcome Ragya to the DC Center! They will be joining the team as a fall intern. They currently attend the University of Texas at Dallas and are majoring in International political economy! They look forward to working at the DC Center and getting to know DC, as they have only recently moved here. You can meet Ragya at the DC Center Monday through Friday.

Birthdate, Astro Sign

June 8th, Gemini
Where are you originally from? 

Reno, NV! #homemeansnevada

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

To do work that actually benefits the LGBT community and to meet more friendly faces.

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

Getting to know the other people who work here! Such sweet individuals.

What is your music anthem? 

Monotony by Jozy. A small story of prioritizing yourself 🙂

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

The feeling of understanding and kinship. You can reach out to people who might experience the world in similar ways to you.

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

I like to pack a meal and sit in the flowers at the arboretum. It’s very calm and warm.

What is your favorite queer movie?  

Moonlight, but I’m much more into music than movies and shows.

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

Maybe purple?

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

My best friend, Jada. They’ve taught me so much about love and understanding and I don’t know where I would be without them.

Trans and Genderqueer/GNC Events in November

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Transgender Events in DC

November has always been a busy month for the Transgender community with many different events including the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) and Trans Awareness Week.  Here are some of the events we have planned at the DC Center for the Transgender and Genderqueer/Gender Non-Conforming community in November.  To stay up to date on future events, be sure to follow Center Trans on Twitter at twitter.com/centertrans or on Facebook at facebook.com/centertrans.

November 2nd: Trans Support Group
Our Trans support group is a safe space where collectively, folks that identify along the trans spectrum or questioning may share stories and experiences.  more about this event.
November 3rd: Reel Affirmations Film Screening of Documentary Trans Youth
Filmed over three years in Austin, Texas, this film follows seven trans young adults as they navigate family judgment and relationships, find their voices in DIY punk bands, fall in love, navigate the unknowns of hormone therapy and move through the transitions of top surgery.  more about this event.
November 4th: Reel Affirmations Genderqueer/GNC Short Films
See a film block of the best of our Gender Non Conforming/Genderqueer Short Films!  more about this event.
November 13th: Trans Support Group
Our Trans support group is a safe space where collectively, folks that identify along the trans spectrum or questioning may share stories and experiences.  more about this event.
November 14th: Center Health Discussion on Transgender Health and Wellness
The November  Health Working Group Meeting will focus on transgender health and wellness.  We will be discuss existing data on transgender health and wellness.  We will also discuss the work of partner organizations to promote trans health and how the DC Center can support this work.  more about this event.
Novmber 16th: Trans and Genderqueer Game Night
You are invited to our monthly Game Night at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Join us on the third Friday of the month for a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun.  more about this event.
November 20th: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Join us as we commemorate those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred.  more about this event.
November 22nd: Thanksgiving 2018
Join us for our annual Thanksgiving dinner!  more about this event.
November 27th: Genderqueer Discussion Group
Join us for our monthly GenderQueer DC support group at The DC Center for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis – this is your group!  more about this event.

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Dakia Davis

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Meet one of our volunteers, Dakia Davis!

Birthdate, Astro Sign.

February 11, Aquaris.

Where are you originally from?

Raleigh, North Carolina.

When and why did you start volunteering at the DC Center?

I started volunteering this year as a facilitator for the Queer People of Color Support Group. I like that I get to connect with people and help create a fun, supportive space for queer folks. 

What has been your favorite part about volunteering with the DC Center so far?

It’s been great finding out more about the Center and all its programs.

What is your favorite event that the DC Center offers?

I love that the DC Center offers so many recreational activities (i.e. Gay Day at the Zoo and Game Night). 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

It’s always expanding, allowing more and more folks to identify in.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

Roxane Gay and Janelle Monáe.

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

I like walking around the National Mall and Rock Creek Park because there’s also something new to see. My favorite exhibit to visit at the National Gallery of Art is “The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ Millennium General Assembly” by James Hampton.

What is your favorite queer movie?

Pariah.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

Do glasses count?  If not, I’ll go with comfy shoes.

Who are you most inspired by?

My family and Toni Morrison.

 What is your favorite DC neighborhood?

Brightwood Park (where I live) and Dupont Circle.

What is your go to restaurant and what do you order?

Busboys and Poets. The Shrimp and Grits is my go-to!

If you could live in any decade (past or future) which would it be and why?

Whenever world peace is achieved.

Are you more of an early bird or a night owl?

Night owl, for sure.

Meet the Staff: Sam

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Meet the Staff: Sam

Meet our new Development Intern Sam! Sam just started working at the DC Center, but has had a huge impact already. In the first week alone, Sam has already done a great amount of work with our sponsors and has brought in a bunch of donations for the DC Center. Sam brings a positive attitude and great work ethic to the Center! Come say hello during the week!

Birthdate, Astro Sign.

I’m a Taurus and Sagittarius rising as well as a diligent follower of Chani Nicholas, who’s a queer astrologist who focuses on how social justice and astrology intersect and inform one another.

Where are you originally from?

I’m from the DC area. I grew up in the Palisades in NW before moving to Bethesda, Maryland. I went to high school at the Edmund Burke School and now I’m in college at Haverford College right near Philadelphia. I’m home from college for the summer, so I started interning with the DC Center as a way to reconnect with the LGBTQ+ community in DC.

When and why did you start volunteering at the DC Center?

I started at the end of June because I was looking to give my time to working to support the Queer and Trans community in DC. I also started interning because I wanted to be around people in the LGBTQ+ community. There’s something invigorating about seeing many LGBTQ+ folk come in and out of the center

What has been your favorite part about volunteering with the DC Center so far?

My favorite part has been meeting all the wonderful people who work in the office. It’s only been a week, but I’m already enjoying just working in the space and getting to know the people who are committed to making the DC Center a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ people living in the DC area.

What is your favorite event that the DC Center offers?

The only event I’ve been to so far is one of the support groups. It was a really supportive and affirming space, and it’s so great that we have so many support groups that focus on unique experiences in our community. I’m looking forward to going to more events and meeting more people who engage with the DC Center’s work.

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

My favorite part of the LGBTQ+ community is its capacity for growth and change. That change may move at a sluggish pace, but I’m inspired by those in our community speaking out against the power imbalances within and between our communities whether its inaccessibility, racism, transphobia, biphobia, etc. Those who challenge us to be better are the heart of our community.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

I’m really inspired by Travis Alabanza, a trans and nonbinary performance artist and poet based in London. I had the privilege of seeing them perform at my college, and their poetry chapbook Before I Step Outside [You Love Me] is incredible and has helped me start to come to terms with aspects of my identity.

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

I really love the Phillips Collection. I’m a little bit of an Art History nerd and I love going there on the weekends when it’s free and just spending some time looking at some amazing art pieces.

Trans & Nonbinary Support Groups

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Transgender & Nonbinary Support Groups at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

Support groups for the trans and nonbinary community are growing at the DC Center.  We currently have three support groups that meet monthly, with one more group starting this month.   The three groups that currently meet are:

The Trans Support Group is intended to provide emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. Due to popularity and need, the group has expanded to being hosted twice a month, on the Second Tuesdays and Fourth Fridays of each month. This peer-led support group welcomes all who identify under the trans umbrella or are unsure, and seeks to continually reinforce our principles of respect, acceptance and protection through ongoing input from our attendees. The group welcomes people from all classes, races, sexuality and gender identity, and brings together this diverse assortment of individuals around a shared experience. Information about meetings is posted at thedccenter.org/trans or facebook.com/centertrans.

Meetings take place on the Second Tuesdays and Fourth Fridays of every month starting at 7:00 PM.

Genderqueer DC:  These meetings are centered on the needs of trans, nonbinary, and questioning people.  Anna Sullivan, a facilitator of the group, states: “Genderqueer DC is a peer support group where we talk about issues related to nonbinary/trans gender identity, and create a welcoming space to share whatever we’re going through.   People of all gender identities are welcome to attend, but our meetings are focused on the needs of nonbinary/ trans/questioning people. Friends, family, and allies are welcome!”

As of May 2024, Genderqueer is going to be meeting in-person only on the 2nd Saturday each month starting at 1 pm.

Meetings usually take place on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM.   Some meetings will have ASL interpreters- this is posted in the Facebook events, and shared in the group email.  More information is available at thedccenter.org/genderqueer or facebook.com/genderqdc.

A total of 19 peer facilitated support groups currently meet at the DC Center.  Peer facilitators are supported by our staff social workers.  Support the work of the DC Center by making a donation at thedccenter.org/donate.

 

Upcoming Meetings

Trans Support Group

Trans Support Group – via Zoom

The DC Center has begun carefully offering in-person hybrid meetings. This meeting is however only meeting via Zoom. Please email ...
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Image is just decorative and the only text on the image reads "Genderqueer Support Group"

Genderqueer DC – in-person

Please RSVP using the form below* and we'll be in touch about attending in-person! Right now our space is limited ...
Read More
Trans Support Group

Trans Support Group – Via Zoom

We are all meeting remotely via Zoom. We would love for you to join us. For security reasons we ask ...
Read More
Trans Support Group

Trans Support Group – via Zoom

The DC Center has begun carefully offering in-person hybrid meetings. This meeting is however only meeting via Zoom. Please email ...
Read More
Image is just decorative and the only text on the image reads "Genderqueer Support Group"

Genderqueer DC – via Zoom

This meeting is virtual only, if you’d like to join an in-person meeting, the 2nd Saturday meeting from 1 - ...
Read More
Image is just decorative and the only text on the image reads "Genderqueer Support Group"

Genderqueer DC – in-person

Please RSVP using the form below* and we'll be in touch about attending in-person! Right now our space is limited ...
Read More

District of Columbia Trans Survey Data

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DC Transgender Data
DC Transgender Data
DC Transgender Data

The National Center for Transgender Equality has released a new fact sheet with the District of Columbia results of the 2015 US Transgender Survey, which documents widespread discrimination against the transgender community in employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations.

Of the over 27,000 respondents from across the country, 214 were Washington DC residents

Among the findings:

Identity Documents: Only 16% of respondents reported that all of their IDs had the name and gender they preferred, while 49% reported that none of their IDs had the name and gender they preferred.

Health: In the past year, 24% of respondents did not see a doctor when they needed to because of fear of being
mistreated as a transgender person, and 32% did not see a doctor when needed because they could
not afford it

Police Interactions: Respondents experienced high levels of mistreatment and harassment by police. In the past year, of respondents who interacted with police or other law enforcement officers who thought or knew they
were transgender, 44% experienced some form of mistreatment. This included being verbally harassed,
repeatedly referred to as the wrong gender, physically assaulted, or sexually assaulted, including being
forced by officers to engage in sexual activity to avoid arrest.

Employment: 10% of respondents in Washington, D.C. were unemployed  26% of respondents who have ever been employed reported losing a job in their lifetime because of
their gender identity or expression

The full Washington, DC Report is available on the National Center for Transgender Equality website:

Click here to read the full Washington DC Report