Illustration courtesy of The L.A. LGBT Center.
The grand opening of the’s new location, Center South The Los Angeles LGBT Center, in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles is Saturday, January 11, 2019, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Center South will be open to self-guided tours following the ceremony with a daylong celebration of food, giveaways, a resource fair, and entertainment.
Scheduled to speak are the center’s CEO Lorri L. Jean, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director – Division of HIV and STD Programs, Mario J. Pérez, and Los Angeles City Councilmember District 8, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, with additional speakers to be announced soon.
“The 5,500 square-foot community space will include HIV testing, access to PrEP and PEP services, housing case management, mental health services, a computer lab, a drop-in safe space, and more,” according to the site. The Center South’s programs and services are provided for free or at low cost to everyone with “a focus on serving the needs of young gay and bisexual men of color ages 12 to 29.”
“I came to work at the Center because it was a great opportunity to help serve,” said Health Services Program Coordinator Blair Ralston on the site. “HIV is still on the rise among people of color — especially black gay and bisexual men.”
Supported by a grant Los Angeles County, Center South is the LA LGBT Center’s first-ever expansion into the South Los Angeles neighborhood and long-term commitment to care for LGBT people living throughout the city. To address the societal and health needs of LGBT people of color living in South Los Angeles, joining forces with Center South are local organizations Bienestar Human Services, Black AIDS Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and The Wall Las Memorias Project.
11 a.m. – Doors open
11:30 a.m. – Remarks and ribbon-cutting ceremony
12–3 p.m. – Community celebration and self-guided tours
Guests are strongly encouraged to use public transportation or a rideshare service. There is no on-site parking and there is street parking, where available.
Los Angeles LGBT Center Center South – 2313 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles 90008.
