I was new to a town that really didn’t have anything to celebrate Gay pride . I’d been here for almost 4 years and was not having any luck connecting to anyone or anything. I felt lonely and very frustrated. Old friends and family just abandoned me up here no interest in visiting it was either I go down there or be alone . So this next town over 12 miles away has this place . I googled and found it.
The first night I dropped into this center it was promising . I at least thought I would be around like people and have something to do . The women’s group meets twice a month and other events go on such as the annual pride mixer.
Well that first night . Best thing I could have done for myself . People started rolling in . Saying hi smiling busy with setting up and catching up. That night we colored . It was a full house . I talked to one of the volunteer leads wearing rainbow shoelaces . It was great.
Next meeting played a game and the laughs were really real and the chit chat , the just getting familiar.
That’s about it. Oh yeah , I hear they have a great library. There’s a kitchen and a cozy casual room as a parlor .
I love it and you will too . Come by give it a chance .
Signed , getting back out there .
This is the only LGBTQ+ organization in the Antelope Valley. As such there is much to be desired by way of information, education, and advocacy.
Leadership's qualifications and readiness is in question if for no other reason than because they do not respond to inquiries via email and online platforms.
But also because 'there's no one else' to take on these roles, there might be room for training and education within said programs to establish consensus among community members.
Whether the Outreach Center is Transparent as Guidestar claims is also questionable. The board members are not accurately stated.
Ultimately there is no avenue for conflict resolution. Whether through Leadership or Board members, the community has no means of resolve in cases of abuse or harassment.
Review from Guidestar
This is a great group for the local LGBT community in the Antelope Valley. Everyone I've met is genuine, non-judgmental, and kind, and they all truly care about getting the rest of the community to accept people as they are and to not think less of them for it. They are providing a much needed service and deserve to be recognized.