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Welcome to the latest installment of Front and Center. This week we turn our attention to a special ad campaign targeting LBT people who may be at risk for cancer. We'll also recap our recent Youth Valentine's Gay Dance. Plus you'll hear how our SmokeFree project is helping countless LGBT folks kick their addiction to cigarettes. Please enjoy reading these stories, and thank you for your support.


Compelling Lesbian Cancer Initiative Ad Targets LBT Women of Color

The Center’s Lesbian Cancer Initiative recently produced a dynamic print advertisement targeting underserved lesbian, bisexual women and transgender (LBT) people. The ad features a 54-year old cancer survivor and Lesbian Cancer Initiative member with this testimonial: “I got the cancer support I needed without being judged.” It goes on to explain that LBT people may be at greater risk for various cancers; it also directs people to our services that help folks dealing with a cancer diagnosis, as well as partners who may be caring for someone with cancer. The ad will run in two upcoming issues of GO Magazine, with each issue reaching over 300,000 people; this will raise much needed awareness of this issue and our services.




Valentine's Gay Dance Provides Safe, Fun, Affirming Environment for Youth

On Saturday, February 18th, the Center’s Youth Enrichment Services (YES) program hosted its Valentines Gay Dance. The event was a festive night for the under 21 LGBTQ crowd and their allies to dance, catch the beats, make new friends and simply love who they are. Raul Rivera, YES’ Arts & Media Specialist said, "The theme of the dance was about young people loving themselves, instead of looking for love outside of themselves." The dance drew 230 LGBTQ youth and was produced and run with the help and dedication of the YES department staff, 20 volunteers and Center staff members from other departments who volunteered on a Saturday night to lend a hand to our young community members. YES’ popular all youth dance group New Agenda also performed at the dance. The group is comprised entirely of young people and is a good example of how events like this give YES participants a chance to showcase and share their talents. These celebrations are also unique because they provide LGBT youth an arena where they can simply be who they are in a drug and alcohol-free environment. "It’s important for young people to be in a safe space where they don’t feel pressured or scared," Rivera said. The YES program continues to hold monthly special events for LGBT young people, in addition to a full calendar of everyday services, groups and gatherings.




Center Center's SmokeFree Project Helps LGBT People Kick the Smoking Addiction

Those who have ever tried to quit smoking, or had a friend or loved one try to give up smoking, know that it is not an easy task.The Center’s SmokeFree Project offers workshops and classes specifically designed to provide support, tools and information to flick that very last cigarette to the curb and walk away happier, healthier and free of the financial impact that goes hand in hand with the addiction. Thanks to our generous supporters, the SmokeFree Project has spent nearly three decades helping thousands of community members quit smoking for good. Participants encounter people like themselves in our groups: LGBT and allied community members with the drive and desire to quit smoking for good. People come to share their experiences and learn from others. It begins with the free Not Quite Ready to Quit. This three-hour workshop focuses on understanding nicotine addiction, increasing motivation and eliminating roadblocks to making the decision to quit. Once you have completed the workshop, it is on to the next program – Commit to Quit. The six-week, moderately priced Commit to Quit group helps clients develop a quit plan, build a support system and effectively handle relapse pressure. Adam Steiner is the Center’s SmokeFree Project counselor. His passion for helping people become smoke free isn’t only professional, it’s personal. He quit smoking 10 years ago and has dedicated his life to helping others do the same. Here’s a small sampling of the gratitude our clients have shared about this service:

"Without this program, I never would have stopped smoking. Thank you!"

"Having a safe, welcoming environment with professional support staff and leadership, and being among peers was PRICELESS."

"It was non-judgmental – it was done with patience and gentleness."

"I quit smoking at the Center five years ago and I always send people to this smoking cessation program."



Click here find out more about the SmokeFree Project