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Introducing Laya

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Welcome Laya Monarez to the DC Center! She is our new Front Desk Support Team Member. Laya (she/her/hers) looks forward to helping all her LGBTQ brothers and sisters and making everyone feel safe and welcomed at the DC Center. You can meet Laya at the DC Center on Weekdays and some Saturdays.

Birthdate, Astro Sign
4/9/83 and a proud Aries

Where are you originally from?
I’m a Chicana Mexican American and very in touch with my Tepehuan and Raramuri Indigenous side.  I grew up in Herndon VA but have been living in DC for 20 years.

Why did you start working at the DC Center?
I’m a bisexual transgender woman and I want to be a part of an organization that believes in building stronger connections within the LGBTQ community.

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?
Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. 

What is your music anthem?
Kickstart my Heart by Motley Crue

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?
We look out for one another and are always there when someone needs a hand.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
I used to play roller derby with the DC Rollergirls and I absolutely love roller skating so Anacostia Skate Pavilion has become an absolute gem to my soul, particularly during these difficult times with Covid. 

What is your favorite queer movie?
Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  I adore how punk rock and gender queer it is.

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?
I would paint it whatever colors the indigenous people of this land want it to be.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?
As a Bisexual Mexican Artist I have always looked up to Frida Kahlo.  If it has to be a living person then probably Danica Roem one of the first openly Transgender people elected to a US office.

Scholarship : Explore America Travel Scholarship

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HI USA administers the national Explore America Travel Scholarship program. The travel scholarship program offers $1,000 travel scholarships with up to 7 free overnight stays at HI USA hostels across the U.S. for young adults ages 18-30 with demonstrated financial need. To be eligible, applicants must be:
  • Be 18 – 30 years of age
  • Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (possess a green card) or DACA recipient
  • Demonstrate financial need by meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Have a strong desire and motivation to experience other people and cultures through hostelling

The application is live, and the deadline to apply is March 1. If you are eligible for the travel scholarship, click here to apply.

Job Opening at the DC Center : Program Assistant for Center Aging

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Job Opportunity at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

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 Program Assistant for Center Aging helps to achieve this mission by providing support services to the older adult community members. These services are available free-of-charge to our community members due to grant funding from the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). The program assistant will report to the Executive Director.

This is a part-time, staff position that will require approximately 20 hours of work per week on the Center Aging LGBTQ Older Adult program.  

The Program Assistant will be in charge of:

  • Managing the Center Aging program, including all of its events, community partner relationships, social media pages, bilingual monthly newsletters, blogs, and more
  • Administering the DACL Center Aging Grant, including drafting all quarterly and final reports, and tracking the budget and workplan,
  • Participating in Center Aging Monthly Advocacy Meetings and other events in the community regarding LGBTQ Older Adults
  • Coordinating Center Aging Volunteers
  • Collecting and storing intake forms of Center Aging participants and providing follow up, assistance, and referrals to participants with specific need.
  • Connect Center Aging participants with other DC Center programs as connections arise.

The ideal candidate will:

  • Have a personal and deep understanding of issues that impact LGBTQIA Older Adults  communities in DC and beyond,
  • Have a personal and deep understanding of issues that impact Older Adults living with HIV/AIDS
  • Have experience with event organizing and planning,
  • Know how to use grassroots organizing methods and social media to reach community members,
  • Be highly self-motivated and able to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends.

Please click here to apply