June 5, 2024
In addition to celebrating Pride Month this June, we’re also aware of the activities at the legislature to target LGBTQ+ people and our basic humanity and civil rights, including HB245 which had a hearing today. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. In fact, it’s part of why we exist. At the beginning of this year, we set out to “flip the script” by creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive Darke County. In just a few short months, thanks to the generosity and support of community donors and sponsors, we were able to secure our 501(3) status, get insurance, join CenterLink, and put down our first month’s rent and deposit. On May 1st, we celebrated the official opening of the LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County with an amazing Open House. Since we first opened the doors, the Center has had more than 170 unique visitors, and our community is continuing to grow. Despite being blamed for the unfortunate tornado that tore through Greenville the following week, we witnessed an outpouring of support from our local community, including some of our local elected officials. We even received a Senatorial Commendation from Ohio’s Senate Minority Leader, Honorable Senator Nickie Antonio, who is Ohio’s first out LGBTQ+ legislator.
This Pride Season, we want to thank all those who have made this possible so far. It’s because of you that despite today’s rhetoric at the State House, we now have the sound of hope and love and community drowning it out. On a regular basis, we hear things like:
- “This is the first time I’ve felt safe being gay in Ohio.”
- “I finally feel like I’ve found friends and family.”
- “If this had been here when I was younger, my life would have been much different”.
We want to say a special thank you to our community donors, sponsors and partners, including the Tri-County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Darke County Health Department, Family Health, I Am Well Darke County, Darke County LGBTQ+ Proud, the HEP C Cure Team, and many more coming soon. We also want to say thank you to the agencies that have provided guidance and support, including the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Darke County Sheriff’s Office. A special thank you goes to Rev. Pamela Shuttleworth-Moran and Rev. Tim Hornbacker who helped us open the Center with an interfaith blessing, and also to the amazing advocates who have spoken out for the Center and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole online, publicly and behind the scenes. Your words of support mean more than you know.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing team of people who dedicate their time and talents to bringing the Center’s programs to life. Our heartfelt gratitude to Bea, George, Kevin, Madi, Marcy and Sam, and to the amazing Pride Moms, Dads, Partners and Family Members who’ve also given their support in many, many ways (including cookies for the crew!)
We’re grateful for all of the support the Center has received thus far, including from those we haven’t mentioned here. At the beginning of this year, we set a fundraising goal to secure a safe space and to pay associated expenses by raising $8,000 in one-time gifts and $1200.00 per month in recurring donations. We’re pleased to report that in just a few short months we’ve reached approximately 50% of our annual one-time donation goal and 25% of our monthly giving goal.
Today, as the State considers yet another harmful attack on LGBTQ+ children, youth, adults and families, we hope you’ll consider becoming a part of “flipping the script” and making Darke County a place where all people, including LGBTQ+ people, can be free and proud to be who they are. To support our on-going efforts this Pride Season, please click here: https://givebutter.com/0kktK6 (Please note, there is a separate tab for One-Time OR Monthly Donations, and we want to be sure to honor your intentions.)
In Pride,Alanna, Beka, Carey, Debra, Lucas, Ryan