2005 demonstrates, 2006 brings the real deal.

How does GLBTQ community build community? Bar scene, potlucks, clubs, word of mouth, defending ourselves on the political front: it's been a big hodge podge of ways, but we've done it. But for many in the community, they still don't feel connected.

The Q Center came about through feasibility work conducted in 2003. During that time, more than 1600 people and 30 organizations provided feedback and the results were clear: Portland needs, wants and can support a LGBTQ Community Center.

Since that time, the concept of the center began at Pride in 2005, and hard work has been done to develop leadership, initial funding, and community outreach and support. Many conversations with like organizations have taken place, and will continue to take place, because at its core, the Q Center is geared towards fostering unity and diversity within the LGBTQ community.

For the big picture of what a community center for the LGBTQ community can look like, visit the websites for the centers in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago or Salt Lake City. They offer safe places for people to be who they are, and to connect with others. Families, seniors, new residents, and others have "a place" to go to find support, fun and interaction. It's amazing to think Portland hasn't had one, but we've developed community anyway. Aaah, Portland. We are unique, aren't we?

So what happened in 2005 for Q Center? It was a banner year with significant stakeholder meetings, community meetings, roundtable discussions, working groups established and donor cultivations. The center first because visible at Pride '05 and experienced strong community support with 1,000 people signing up on the outreach list and 50 people saying they were ready to volunteer. In addition, the Pride Warehouse Party and Block Party raised awareness and money for the center.

The house was put in order with the development of a business plan, a board put in place and an interim director hired and working strong. Community events emerged with amazing volunteer leadership, and the hugely successful Spooktacular previewed what a center could be like for families: 200 people showed up to carve pumpkins, dance, and play with their kids. In December, a story telling event geared at providing interaction for all ages, tripled turnout goals.

Q Center is gaining momentum and the community is coming forward to support the center. 2 founders have committed $25,000 each, and along with businesses and organizations, individuals are donating services and supplies to lay a base for a great 2006. Between June and December of 2005, 80 volunteers have stepped up to help, and the year ended with 2,000 people on the mailing list. Add to that 4 working groups of active volunteers, and Q Center is definitely gaining momentum.

So what's the haps for 2006? Lots. Look for more programming, and first on the horizon will be arts and culture events, along with a collaboration with another organization on health and wellness. A service provider roundtable will bring together a cross section of organizations serving the GLBTQ community, and look for Q Center at the annual Red Dress event, Pride, and other community events. The first permanent staffing hire is in the works and finally, Q Center will be announcing an actual roll-out site, giving a sense of place to the momentum and community that is building. The community has said and demonstrated we need and want a GLBTQ community center: it looks like we're getting it in 2006.

Q Center is made up of people: get involved and learn more here.

Post by LeAnn Locher. LeAnn is a regular contributor to Gay Rights Watch and a member of the board of directors for Q Center.

Spooktackluar photos courtesy of Marty Davis.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 at 3:22 PM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.