Gay And Lesbian Armenian Society

Causes: AIDS, Children & Youth, Civil Rights, Health, Lesbian & Gay Rights, LGBTQ, Youth Community Service Clubs

Mission: GALAS ~~ formed in 1998 ~~ began as small group meetings held at local coffee houses and in private living rooms. The original group was comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Armenians looking for friendship, support, a sense of belonging, and productive ways to contribute to society. GALAS began with no budget, no structured plans, and no organizational standing, but made up for these areas with tremendous group enthusiasm, loving acceptance, high hopes for the future and some really great ideas about how to build acceptance and equality for our group. From these humble beginnings five years ago, GALAS has grown to become a multi-faceted organization with regular events and community programs focused on positive contributions to society. Today,GALAS serves as the nation's first nonprofit 501(c)(3) focused on the issues of the GLBT Armenian community. GALAS stands as a bridge in the United States between the GLBT community and the Armenian community. There are nearly 1 million Armenians living in the United States today, with over 40% of this population residing in California, making Los Angeles the ideal launching ground and home base for GALAS ~ an organization that exists to serve Armenians living in America. As the country's first nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization to come into existence specifically to provide resources and support services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Armenian population, GALAS seeks to connect as many individuals who are part of this community, which is estimated at close to 100,000 people. In meeting our mission, we deliver a number of innovative Programs and events, geared toward the supportive definition of our membership's identity and celebration of our membership's many contributions to society. GALAS is an education-centric nonprofit organization. Our membership believes in the power of education to enlighten and elevate. Our educational efforts take the form of community outreach and events, counseling, support,development and enrichment programs for the personal and professional lives of our members. Through the support of our members and the larger community, GALAS looks forward to the brightest days any of us can envision. Days full of acceptance, love and support for all people.