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
Rendition/Photo Credit: Hickok Cole, our architects on this project
As we reopen, the DC Center is doing our best to meet the needs of our community while creating a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, and visitors. Please see below some of the information available about our space, our meetings, and other questions. We will update this information as necessary as the situation changes or we understand better what information people are looking for.
What are The DC Center’s hours of operation?
After 5 pm on weekdays or on Saturdays, please enter from the side of the building (facing U Street) and state that you’re coming to the DC Center to the security team, who will let you in.
Are support groups/meetings meeting in-person, virtually or hybrid?
Based on surveys and conversations with peer group facilitators and participants, we are offering a hybrid (physical with webstation for Zoom), completely virtual, and in-person only, at each groups’ discretion. The information is available on the event sign-up for each group (easily found via: thedccenter.org/calendar)
Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a hybrid (in-person with webstation) meeting option? (This list subject to change as groups choose to return to the DC Center’s offices)
2nd Fridays: WiTT from 8 – 9 pm
2nd Saturdays: GenderQueer from 1 – 3 pm (in-person only)
4th Wednesdays: Job Club from 6 – 7 pm.
4th Wednesdays: Ace/Aro Peer Support Group from 7 – 8:30 pm.
Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a virtual (Zoom) only meeting option?
Any groups not listed above are meeting virtually.
Can I just walk-in to participate in a hybrid support group/meeting?
Currently, the Center is unable to accommodate walk-ups for peer support groups. Registration in advance will be required for peer support group meetings. Information in this regard will be circulated among peer support group leaders and participants as well as be listed on the Center’s website. This is to help make sure the room is not over-crowded.
Are therapy meetings still being offered at the Center?
At this time mental health therapy groups and sessions are available virtually (via HIPAA compliant Zoom) or in person. Therapy locations will be chosen based on conversations between clients and therapists, based on comfort/safety and availability.
When is the Center expected to open back up and what are some of the processes?
Now that the Center is reopening again, what kind of opportunities are available for those in the community who would like to get involved?
What will be the mitigation efforts to reopen the Center back safely?
Are masks required at the Center?
What kind of sanitation procedures will be implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19?
If rates of COVID continue to rise in DC will the Center remain open?
If you are facing a life threatening situation or seeking immediate care:
DC Mobile Crisis: 202-673-9300
DC Shelter Hotline: 202.399.7093 or 311
Maryland Mobile Crisis: 240-777-4000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBTQ under 25: Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
LGBTQ National Help Center (all ages – various lines/hours): 888-843-4564 www.glbthotline.org
Taking guidance and recommendations about social distancing from the DC government and the CDC, effective Monday, March 16th, The DC Center for the LGBT Community’s office will be closed. Staff are still working remotely, and will be checking emails and voicemails multiple times each day. Please reach out to supportdesk@thedccenter.org to connect with the DC Center, as we are still able to provide services and support.
If you are interested in attending support groups remotely, please reach out to your facilitator or supportdesk@thedccenter.org and we can provide options for remote meetings using conference lines.
The situation is changing rapidly, please refer to the CDC’s website and coronavirus.dc.gov for up-to-date information on what you can do to help prevent and slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The DC Center team will be meeting regularly to assess the situation and rest assured that we will open as soon as it is safe to do so, as we know that many of our clients and participants are vulnerable and will need support. If you are able, please consider donating and supporting organizations that provide food, medicine, and other support to marginalized populations.
If you are facing a life threatening situation or seeking immediate care:
DC Mobile Crisis: 202-673-9300
DC Shelter Hotline: 202.399.7093 or 311
Maryland Mobile Crisis: 240-777-4000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBTQ under 25: Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
LGBTQ National Help Center (all ages – various lines/hours): 888-843-4564 www.glbthotline.org
NQAPIA is currently accepting proposals for Desi Queer Diaspora (DQD) 2020, to be held in Austin, Texas from May 15-17, 2020. Proposals will be accepted from August 12, 2019 until December 1st, 2019 at 11:59pm EST. Late proposals may be considered at the discretion of the DQD planning committee.
The term proposals references everything from discussion circles, movie showings, workshops, presentations, classes, panels and much more. Proposals may address a wide variety of topics, and we welcome proposals from anyone who identifies as queer and/or tgnc and traces their family ancestry to South Asia and the diaspora. As you develop your proposal, please keep in mind that sessions will be 90 minutes.
Proposals will be reviewed by a team of DQD steering committee members and members of the conference proposal review committee. As we review proposals, we are committed to developing a conference schedule that covers a wide variety of interest to the community, as reflected in our community survey as well as session presenters that are representative of our community across class, caste, country of origin, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, and sexual orientation. NQAPIA also plan to organize specific panels to represent and reflect on the diversity of our community.
NQAPIA will let you know whether your proposal was accepted (or not) by February 1st, 2020. We will be accepting 27 workshops total. We ask that you accept the offer to present at the conference by February 15th, 2020. If you present at the conference, we will offer free registration. Note that for each session, there is a maximum of two presenters. If your proposal is not initially accepted, you may be placed on a waitlist and eventually be asked to present if other presenters drop out.
Find out more at: desiqdiaspora.org
Join the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs for a Movie Night Series! The movies will take place at Chinatown Park located on 5th and Mass Ave. NW. Please RSVP at 2019asianmovienights.eventbrite.com
Movies Include:
Aug 23rd: Swing Kids
Aug 30th: Crazy Rich Asians
Sep 6th: Bend It Like Beckham
Sep 13th: Monkey King: Hero is Back
A Day in the Queer Life of Asian Pacific America (ADQLAPA) is a new digital exhibition by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) documenting queer life in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities throughout the country.
An extension of APAC’s 2014 digital exhibition A Day in the Life of Asian Pacific America, ADQLAPA borrows the former exhibition’s attention to the everyday, its notion of examining life all across Asian Pacific America, including lesser-known geographic pockets and lesser-known dimensions of experience. ADQLAPA features both solicited and crowd-sourced media—video shorts, photography, boomerangs, video poems, and a longform essay—divided into several channels, to offer multiple entry points and a nuanced engagement with queer Asian American and Pacific Islander life.
The Diverse City Fund has opened grant applications for the spring of 2019!
The Diverse City Fund works to nurture community leaders and grassroots projects which are acting to transform DC into a more just, vibrant place to live. Through grantmaking, the Diverse City Fund identifies, supports, and connects people in communities of color who are engaged in change work.
They support the development of community-level social change by funding projects that have less access to traditional funding sources.
Funding priorities for this grant cycle are directed toward:
For further details and instructions on how to apply please visit the grants page at the Diverse City Fund website.
Meet the new Social Media and Advocacy intern Matt! This summer, Matt will be handling the various social media duties at the DC Center, as well as working with the Youth Working Group to help put LGBT youth in the foster care system into more welcoming and accepting homes.
Birthdate, Astro Sign
June 2, Gemini.
Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from the Bay Area in California and currently go to school in Los Angeles.
Why did you start working at the DC Center?
I started working as an intern at the DC Center because I am passionate about helping the LGBTQ community. I wanted to work at a place where I could feel that I am making an immediate impact on the community, and the DC Center is a great place to do that. Also, I was really intrigued about all the different LGBT arts events and support groups the DC Center offers.
What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?
Although I just started working at the DC Center, I have really enjoyed getting to know all the staff members and learning more and more about the fun and unique events and opportunities that the DC Center offers the community.
What is your music anthem?
It changes all the time but currently it is probably “The Middle” by Zedd.
What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?
My favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community is how welcoming and enthusiastic the people are and that I know I always have a home within the community.
What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
My favorite spot in DC would probably be the Lincoln Memorial at night. I like to walk around and reflect on my thoughts.
What is your favorite queer movie?
Call Me by Your Name.
What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?
My white Converse. I wear them everywhere.
What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?
I kind of like it white because it reminds me of watching Cory in the House as a kid, but I would paint it rainbow if I had to choose a different color!
Who do you look up to in the queer community?
Alison Bechdel.
