There are moments in time when you know you are in the middle of something incredible, when you are standing in the midst of a changing institution – whether that institution is your family, your place of worship, your government, etc.

Right now, we are all standing together in such a moment. The San Diego LGBT Community Center has been central to so many of our community’s historic moments, and has evolved and grown as our community has. Today, we are truly an organization that serves the full diversity of our community.

Some of you have experienced it – you’ve been in the lobby or the auditorium and seen a seniors event beginning, while the LGBT parents with babies are heading out after their playgroup. You see the young people in the computer lab, the straight Latino/a parents attending support groups in Latino Services and the lesbian dancing class practicing steps before we begin to set up for the wildly successful “Guys, Games & Grub” event for men.

So many people use The Center every day – attending worship services, yoga classes, HIV support groups, cancer support groups, writing workshops, nutrition and health seminars, the LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast events or any number of town hall forums on issues ranging from parenting to transgender inclusion to taxes for same-sex couples

Our community has grown and changed in ways we could not have imagined 34 years ago when The Center first began to provide services to our community. At that time, it was practically unheard of for high school students to be out, for LGBT parents to not lose their children or for seniors to be able to live their lives openly. While the number of those who suffer the closet in silence has decreased, the needs of our community have grown and changed tremendously. The Center continues to grow and change to best meet those needs.

We recently asked some people about what life was like for them when they were 18. When we talked to Al, who is now 70, he remembered that he was getting ready to join the Army, and that he knew he was gay, but knew that he couldn’t tell anyone, as it was illegal to be gay back then. Today, Al lives an open and honest life, and is one of The Center’s most valuable volunteers. For Al and many others who are 50 and better, living in secrecy was part of their coming out. They shouldn’t have to hide who they are in their later years.

Jeffery is in his early twenties, and when he was 18, he was homeless. After coming out at age 12 in his mostly evangelical family, Jeffery was driven from his home when he was 16. Never knowing whether he would stay at one place for two days or a month, he quickly learned to just keep his bags packed. It wasn’t until Jeffery made his way to The Center’s Youth Housing Project last year that he finally unpacked his bags.

When Andrea was 18, she was just coming out. She knew, even then, that The Center was a safe place for her. It let her know there were others like her out there. Over the years, she would become a committed activist, dedicating her time and energy to several community organizations, including The Center. Even though The Center had meant a great deal to Andrea, it wasn’t until her partner was diagnosed with cancer that it became a true lifeline. The Center’s Women’s Cancer Support Group provided tremendous support and understanding at a time when they literally feared for her partner’s life. She says her commitment to The Center has deepened because of this experience, and the two of them have vowed to do all they can to make sure these services are available to others, whenever they need it.

The truth is that we all benefit from the daily work of The Center. As Al, Jeffery and Andrea so eloquently expressed, you never really know when or why you might need The Center. During this holiday season, we are asking that as you consider your year-end contributions, that you will make a gift to The Center. Your donation will have a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of San Diegans, and will truly help people – some when they need it the most.

Whether you have recently tested positive for HIV, or your son needs a safe space to talk about coming out, The Center provides these essential services and so much more – whether you have a 7-month-old child in need of a playgroup or you’re 70 and need help understanding your health benefits,

The Center is here. The Center brings us together and provides a safe and affirming place for each of us. With your help, we can continue to keep our promise of service and our commitment to securing equal rights.

Happy Holidays!