🌟 Hello Transparent Families! 🌟

This month’s meeting will be the first of our quarterly outings! 🌳 We will be meeting at Colorado Lagoon Park at 1pm on Saturday, April 20th.

🏞️ We will be playing on the playground and splashing in the lake. 💦 We will also bring along some coloring supplies 🖍️ as well as snacks 🍎 and waters. 💧 We hope to see you all there for a fun day in the sun! ☀️

For those of you who would like to attend to converse with other caregivers, we will have a specific table dedicated to conversation. 💬

Never been to Transparent Families? Reach out to us to get connected! 📞📧
Contact Youth Services at 562-434-4455 ext. 233 or kcoughlin@centerlb.org.

🌈🍭✨ Join us for a sweet celebration of love and inclusivity at the LGBTQ+ Teen Prom: Candyland Edition! 🍬🎉

📅 April 13th, 6:00 PM - 9:30PM
📍 Venue: First Congregational Church of Long Beach
💟The Event is for youth ages 13-18. Proof of age will be requested at the entrance of the event. (E.G.: School ID, Driver's license)

Get ready to dance the night away with beats from our amazing DJ, snap some fabulous photos in our 360 video booth and photobooth, and express yourself with gender-affirming clothing from our special booth!

But that's not all - we've also got a Chill Zone for those who prefer a quieter space to relax and connect with friends. 🌟

This event is made possible through a wonderful collaboration between the First Congregational Church of Long Beach and the LGBTQ Center Long Beach, because we believe that love knows no boundaries, and everyone deserves to feel celebrated for who they are. 🏳️‍🌈💖

✨ So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of fun, love, and acceptance in our own LGBTQ+ Candyland! 🍭

Visit the website for more info

Join us for an unforgettable night of drag excellence and pageantry at Miss Gay Long Beach America 2024! Hosted by Long Beach legend, @bigdeelish, and featuring Miss Gay California America 2023, @tiawannaross! 👑👗💅🏼👠

Get ready to witness the most fabulous drag queens compete for the coveted crown at the historic @arttheatrelongbeach! 🎥🍿🎨

🗓️Saturday, April 6, 2024
🕕6pm - Red Carpet Social Hour
🕖7pm - Pageant
🎟️$30 Early Bird GA Tickets (on sale till 2/29)
🎟️$40 GA Tickets (starting 3/1)

Wanna be the next Miss Gay California America? Click the link in our bio @cxpproductions for the contestant application! Deadline for submissions is 2/26.

Event produced by @cxproductions in collaboration with @centerlb 💜🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Event Date: March 30, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm-8:00 pm
Location: Bixby Park 130 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

• Inspiring Speakers

• Music by DJ Jayne & Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles

• Free HIV & STI Testing / Free Vaccina tions by Long Beach Health Department

• Drag Performance by JJ, Ronnie Rotic, Beetrix Couture, & Beau ‘Dacious

• Resource Fair - Including Free hair styling by hair salons

Organized by The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, APLA Health, Bienestar Human Services, Long Beach Health and Human Services, Long Beach City College, as we come together to celebrate and uplift the transgender and gender expansive community in Long Beach on Transgender Day of Visibility!

Trans Day of Visibility Long Beach which serves as a vital platform for advocating equality, promoting visibility, and celebrating the diverse experiences of transgender individuals. Through this event, we strive to create a safe and inclusive space where transgender people and their allies can gather, share their stories, and empower one another.

Transgender Day of Visibility is committed to being a “FREE” event for the community to attend! The goal is to provide resources and information to transgender, non-binary and gender expansive individuals no matter where they maybe at in their gender journey.

For more information, please visit our web page.
Transgender Day of Visibility — The LGBTQ Center Long Beach

🌈 Join us for a viewing of the documentary film "Brother To Brother: The Unpacking - An intimate Conversation with Gay and Queer Black Men." We are hosting two screenings: one in North Hollywood on March 23 and another in Long Beach on March 24. 🎬🎉

📅 Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
🕒 Time: Doors open at 5:45pm, show starts at 7pm
📍 Location: WACO Theater Center in North Hollywood. 5144 Lankershim Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601
📝 RSVP: https://qrco.de/bet6vQ

📅 Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024
🕒 Time: Doors open at 2:30pm, show starts at 3pm
📍 Location: The Nordic Lounge in the Student Center (Building E) at Long Beach City College. 4271 Clark Ave, Long Beach, CA
📝 RSVP: https://qrco.de/betGa9
🚗 Free parking available in Lots H and G, right behind the building E.

There will be a Q&A/discussion after each screening.

We are thrilled to present this groundbreaking film created by C-Squared in partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. 🌟 Join us as we bring together gay and queer black men for intimate conversations on the following crucial topics: Love, Religion, Social Justice, Black Pride, and Mental Health.

Through heartfelt discussions, we aim to heal, grow, and unpack together. 🌈 Don't miss the premiere screening of this thought-provoking documentary, including live performances that capture the essence of each topic through original songs and choreography.

🙏 Let's come together to learn, grow, and celebrate our shared journey! 🎥✨ Mark your calendars and spread the word! See you there!

🌟📚 🌈 Join us for Drag Story Hour this 4th Friday, March 22nd, at 5pm! 🎉🌟 Get ready to dive into a world of imagination as Big Dee brings tales to life! 📖 Plus, who can resist the delicious combo of pizza and cookies waiting for you? 🍕🍪 Don’t miss out on this enchanting event! See you there! 💃🎶

📅 Friday, March 22nd
⏰ 5:30PM - Reading by Big Dee starts at 6:00PM

Join us for our next 🎙 Swing Set Open Mic on Friday, March 8th! 👏

💖 We welcome poets, musicians, comedians, and artists and storytellers of all kinds. Come join our inclusive space and build community!

📍 We are now requiring RSVPs via swingset.eventbrite.com. Don't forget to grab your ticket, we sold out last time! Sign-ups to perform are first come, first serve on the day of the event. Door is open for signups at 6PM so come in early and secure your spot!

🩷 Date: March 8th

🩵 Time: Show starts at 6:30PM (Signup starts at 6:00PM)

🌈 Swipe for more information and find other details on Eventbrite.

@swingsetopenmic @safespaceslb @visitgaylb

Who is YOUR Person? When you are too sick to make decisions or not able to speak, the Advance Directive will help you to let someone make healthcare decisions for you. It is important and helpful to have the advance directive in advance.

For inquiries, contact us at info@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455.

🎤 It's almost February, which means it's time for the next Swing Set Open Mic! See you at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach @centerlb on Friday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m.

💖 We welcome poets, musicians, comedians, and artists and storytellers of all kinds. Come join our inclusive space and build community!

📍 We are now requiring RSVPs via swingset.eventbrite.com (link in bio). Don't forget to grab your ticket, we sold out last time! Sign ups to perform are first come, first serve on the day of the event.

🌈 Swipe for more information and find other details on Eventbrite. DM us with any questions, and we'll see you every second Friday of the month going forward.

@safespaceslb @visitgaylb

👗 We are so happy to be hosting our Gender Affirming Supply Closet on Saturday, January 27th from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM! 👕

✅ Come by The Center to grab FREE gender affirming supplies and exchange or grab new and/or gently used donated clothing.

🏳️‍⚧️ We will have clothing, trans feminine and masculine supplies (such as binders and trans tapes), accessories, and more!

📝 Community resources will also be available throughout this event!🏳️‍🌈

Looking for new job opportunities? To kick start your New Year, how about joining us for the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Job Fair, hosted by Long Beach Pride!

Date: January 27th 2024
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: 1017 OBISPO AVE. LONG BEACH, CA 90804
Learn more: longbeachpride.com/dei-job-fair

Long Beach Pride and the Center of Long Beach join together for the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Job Fair. We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to thrive in a workplace that celebrates differences and promotes equality. Join us for a day filled with networking, career opportunities, and workshops dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

What to Expect:

• Connect with leading companies committed to diversity and inclusion

• Explore job opportunities in various industries

• Access resources for career development

Be a part of a community that values your unique talents and perspective Whether you're a job seeker looking for the perfect opportunity or an employer seeking diverse talent, the DEI Job Fair is the ideal platform to make meaningful connections.

Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the DEI movement in the workplace. Register today at http://longbeachpride.com/dei-job-fair and take a step towards a more inclusive future.

📸 Join the #NOH8 movement in Long Beach, CA, and add your face to the fight for equal human rights! 💪

🏳️‍🌈 The @noh8campaign returns to Long Beach CA on Saturday, January 13th for an open photo shoot! 🏳️‍⚧️ Come by anytime between 2pm-4pm to pose for an official NOH8 photo by photographer Adam Bouska. No reservations are needed!

📸 COME CAMERA-READY ⚪️ WEAR A WHITE SHIRT 💁‍♀️ POSE & MAKE A STATEMENT!💖

🔸 Photos are first-come, first-served. Please arrive camera-ready with a plain white shirt to match the signature style of the NOH8 photos.

🔹 When is the best time to arrive? Most people tend to arrive before the photo shoot begins, but as long as someone has arrived by the advertised end time for the photo shoot (4:00pm for this photo shoot), they will be guaranteed a chance to pose!

✅ Once you arrive, the next steps are easy!

1. Fill-out one numbered model release for each person.

2. Process your payment.

3. Trade your processed model release for duct tape!

4. Apply a NOH8 temporary tattoo for your photo.

WHERE: The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach - 2017 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814

DATE: Saturday January 13th, 2024

TIME: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

COST: Single/Solo Photos: $40 | Couple/Group Photos: $25 per person

‼️ NOH8 accepts cash and credit cards only. Fees paid to participate cover services and costs for one edited digital print only, made available via noh8campaign.com, and do not include physical prints.

📷 NOH8 Co-Founder Adam Bouska will photograph roughly 10 frames per person. One frame will be selected/edited by our team and made available within approximately eight weeks (timeline subject to change).

⁠

⬇️ Click the link below for full event information! ⬇

Website and Facebook Event Page

🎤 Join us for Swing Set Open Mic Night at The LGBTQ Center Long Beach on Friday January, 12 at 6:30 pm!

We are so excited to partner with Swing Set Open Mic to present to you a night of Poems, Storytelling and more!
Open mic sign-ups are first come first serve at the door on the day of the event. 

$5 suggested donation tickets via swingset.eventbrite.com, and via the link in bio!

Swing Set Open Mic is an inclusive open mic for poets and storytellers of all kinds. Founded and run by queer and trans POC. @swingsetopenmic

🎄⁠Please join us on Saturday, December 16th, for "Holidays at the Center," a holiday lunch event for the community! ✨

🧆 This is our 16th year of "Holidays at the Center." We would love to invite all of our clients and community members to the luncheon and serve our wonderful community with a free, warm meal, provided by a local and big supporter of ours, Lola's Mexican Cuisine 🍽 Please RSVP from the link below.👇

Holidays at the Center Luncheon

📅 Date: Saturday, December 16th

⏰ Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm⁠

⁠✅ RSVP: https://qrco.de/beWw5Q

Please share this information with friends and others! 🎁 This holiday season, the more the merrier at the Center! ⛄

Join us for an intimate gathering of QTBIPOC (queer & trans black, indigenous, people of color) to share food, exchange stories and build community!

Saturday December 9th. 5-7PM
at The LGBTQ Center Long Beach.

Bring a dish that resonates with you, share and make connections.
All are welcome!!

• Discuss ways The Center can support and uplift BIPOC through future events, support groups and programming.

• Give folks a platform to voice their suggestions or concerns for the future of The Center in relation to the BIPOC community.

• Light refreshments provided; guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share.

• Learn about all The Center has to offer in terms of healthcare, mental health services, social groups and more.

We are excited to invite you to our World AIDS Day Health Fair on Friday, December 1st, at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach. This event is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting health, and fostering community connections. As we come together to commemorate World AIDS Day, our focus is on providing education, testing, and support in our community. We hope you all can join us. - Refreshments will also be provided.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Rapid HIV/STI Testing:
Free and confidential testing services will be provided on-site. Ensuring your health is our priority, and our professional staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Informative Workshops:
Engage in educational workshops conducted by experts in the field. Learn about prevention, treatment, and the latest advancements in HIV and STI awareness. Empower yourself with knowledge to make informed decisions about your health.

• Tobacco Cessation & HPV vaccination by Cedars-Sinai Cancer

• Advance Directives by Providence

Community Building:
Share experiences, build friendships, and strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient.

Resource Hub:

Explore a wealth of resources available to support you on your health journey. From informational pamphlets to community services, we have gathered a variety of materials to assist you.

• Basic Vitals Collection & Referrals to Medical care by Carbon Health

• Linkage to Care by AHF Pharmacy

Partners: Molina Healthcare, Cedars-Sinai Center, Providence, Carbon Health, AHF Pharmacy, Scan Health Plan

Join the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Gilead, APLA Health, The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, Bienestar Long Beach for the Annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), on Monday, November 20th at Bixby Park from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm!

This year’s program features:
• A community resource fair with partner organizations to promote trans-wellness services in Long Beach.
• Keynote Speakers
• Reading of names by members of the community of those lost over the last year.
• A candlelight vigil followed by a moment of silence.

TDoR was created to memorialize those who were killed this year due to anti-transgender hatred, transphobia, or prejudice. This international event is held every November 20th to honor Rita Hester, who was murdered in November of 1998 and was the impetus for the first vigil held in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder, like most anti-transgender murder cases, has yet to be solved.

Come and stand in solidarity and honor the resiliency of our trans community.

The 55+ (Older Adults) program is hosting our annual Thanksgiving/Day of Gratitude Luncheon.
Must be 55 and over for this luncheon.

Hope to see you there!

Bjerke Hall - Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 370 Junipero Ave.

The LGBTQ Center is hosting our annual Thanksgiving Community Meal!
Please join us and be with community.

RSVP: qrco.de/beWw5Q

RSVP is encouraged. Please visit the website link for sign up or email: mmorgan@centerlb.org

Looking for a place to be with the community this autumn holiday season?

We'd like to welcome ALL LGBTQIA+ youth, ages 5 to 18 and their found families to this month's Found Family Feast. We'll be partaking in autumnal foods like ham, stuffing, cranberries and more! Invite the special people in your life to celebrate togetherness and the strength we create when we come together as a community.

This event will take place upstairs in the multimedia room of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. We'll begin on November 17th, Friday at 4pm and end at 6pm! Parking is available in the lot behind the Center with front desk plate validation.

Hope to see everyone at this wonderful event!

Folks are welcome to bring dishes to share with others as well!

Join us for an evening of food, games and community! All Transitional Age Youth (18-24) participants are welcome to attend. If you like, please bring a dish to share.

You are invited to a webinar presented by the Long Beach Bar Association (LBBA) - LGBTQIA+ Attorneys & Allies Section!
Legal Challenges to Bans on Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender Youth Webinar.

Join the LBBA for this 1-hour webinar via Zoom at 12 pm on Wednesday November 15th, 2023.
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/3wva6uvj

The viewing link will be sent to registered parties on the 14th. A link will be sent to the email used at registration - please include your contact as a comment at check out or contact the Long Beach Bar Association Office at 562-988-6444 if you need the link sent to a different address.

Come join us for a fun night with a great cause. After our successful event last year with +150 LVMH employees raising over $5,000 for The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, we are excited to partner with Hamburger Mary’s West Hollywood again this year. Doors open at 7:00 P.M., drag show starts at 8:00 P.M.

The Center is proud to announce our new Ready-to-Go Meal Distribution Initiative, providing free pre-packaged meals for the community on a regular basis! Every second and fourth Wednesday, we will be giving out 50 meals, consisting of one main course and two sides. These meals are available for pick-up at The Center between 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. on a first come, first serve basis. An RSVP is requested but not required.