The Center and Equality California have created the perfect opportunity for community members to make a difference. Now, more than ever, the California Voter Project needs volunteers to educate the public about GLBT families. All are welcome to become part of the team that is changing California one voter at a time.

Community members can join the California Voter Project team at a fun and easy phone bank – bring a list of friends’ names and phone numbers – 3, 13, 33 or 133 – every name counts. Volunteers will learn what to say and how to sign up friends for California Voter Project canvasses. The project hits the streets on March 27. After a fun weeknight training session, CVP’ers and their partners (bring one or meet one at The Center) will talk to voters and potential new voters—and will find San Diegans who believe in full equality.

Stan Lawrence, of Stan Lawrence Portrait Art Photography, recently announced a search for couples interested in participating in the upcoming Gay and Lesbian Couples Exhibit. The fine portrait works will be displayed in select venues throughout Hillcrest and North Park. Couples wishing to participate should call (619) 465-2477.

The project’s history dates back to 1996, and quickly became a noted annual event for six years. Its revival is more important now than ever before as gay and lesbian couples across the country continue struggling for equal rights and recognition. The project is committed to promoting awareness and celebrating the diversity of human love.

Traditionally, an average of 200 couples have participated each year. In addition to “showing what real couples look like,” Lawrence’s artistic talents take professional photography to an even higher level. He captures the essence of individual relationships, delivering the highest quality portraiture that becomes a treasured family heirloom passed through future generations.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights, The Center, Equality California and Family Matters have come together to sponsor an educational forum on California’s Domestic Partnership law.

The forum is designed to educate the public about AB 205, the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003, which provides gay and lesbian couples access to the majority of rights afforded only to married heterosexual couples. Learn about the rights and responsibilities available under California law, changes that will take place as of January 1, 2005 and updates on the movement toward marriage equality.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, April 7 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Center, located at 3909 Centre Street. A notary will be available to register couples as domestic partners during the event.

San Diego is preparing for the first ever Transgender Day of Empowerment, Friday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. Family Health Centers Of San Diego’s Transgender Health Project will host the evening of empowerment. This evening will be the kick off to the historical Transgender Needs Assessment. This tool will serve to guide the future of Transgender Medical and Healthcare in San Diego County. The evening will include resource tables, uplifting entertainment, artwork and powerful speakers. Come be a part of this historical event. Light refreshments will be served. Peer surveyors will be on hand to assist in the implementation of the assessment. The event will be held at The Center, 3909 Centre Street from 7:00 to 9 30 p.m.

The organizing committee of Youth Pride 2004 will now meet Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Youth Center. All interested youth ages 14-24 are encouraged to attend, volunteer, and share their ideas. For more information about the upcoming Youth Pride event to be held May 1, contact event director Ren Petty via email at WatrBaby21@aol.com

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s 21st annual Women’s Night, L.A.’s premiere gala and award program celebrating the achievements of women, will be held on April 17 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. There will be special appearances by “The L Word” cast members, and Stockard Channing and Allison Janney of “The West Wing”.

Tickets are $300 for preferred seating and VIP after-party, and $200 for general seating. The party begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. The dinner and program will begin at 8:00 p.m. and the VIP after-party is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Call (310) 996-1188 for more information.

Mama’s Kitchen, a volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization that provides meal delivery service to men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in San Diego County, has announced that they have a variety of volunteer opportunities available.

Mama’s Kitchen is looking for drivers to deliver meals to the homes of clients throughout San Diego County. The volunteer opportunities for drivers include weekday drivers to deliver meals to clients between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., five days a week. Most driver deliver the same route on the same day every week. Permanent routes are available every day. Volunteer positions for float drivers, who fill in for drivers who are absent and generally call in when they are available to deliver meals, are also available.

Mama’s Kitchen also has opportunities available for local companies. Companies can “adopt-a-route” and have employees give one day a week to deliver meals (driving duties can rotate among employees).

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Mama’s Kitchen, please call Bill Patten at (619) 233-MAMA (6262).

The Center is pleased to announce another unique women’s event benefiting its Women’s Resource Center. On Saturday, April 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. they will offer a special women’s salsa class, followed by dancing to the sexy Latin rhythms of the fabulous Christina Veronica. Stay late to put your dance lesson to work.

A $10 donation at the door includes the salsa lesson and dance. A no host bar and light hors d’oeuvres will enhance the opportunity to meet and dance with some of San Diego’s most diverse women.

This salsa event is one of several events designed to bring together San Diego’s lesbian, bisexual and transgender women’s community. Also upcoming is The Center’s second annual Women’s Night on Saturday, May 1, at The El Cortez. For more information contact Summer Morse at (619) 692-2077 ext. 247.

The San Diego Branch of the NAACP and the Malcolm X Library are hosting a “Same-Sex Marriage Community Forum” on Monday, March 29, at the Malcolm X Library located at 5148 Market St., from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Cosponsoring this event are APICAP (Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project), Equality California, San Diego CHAANGE and The Center. To cosponsor this important forum or for more information, contact Pat Washington at (619) 582-5383 (San Diego Branch NAACP) or Marc Cherry at (619) 527-3405 (Malcolm X Library).