3 Stories of Healing and Joy to Celebrate the Holidays

As we approach the end of 2023, we are honored to center the voices of Aliya, Jesse, and Yohon, three community members who have found healing and joy at The Center. Each of them has unique experiences within our community—whether as participants in our programming for LGBTQ+ young adults, creating experiences for New York's Ballroom culture, or our annual AIDS bike ride Cycle for the Cause—but they all discovered that The Center can change lives for the better.

Aliya on How LGBT Community Centers Provide Space for Joy

The LGBTQ+ community means everything to me and The Center reminds us of our collective power and resilience. The Center is what our ancestors fought for and is a manifestation of each battle we’ve faced, each victory we’ve won, and continuously strives to meet the needs of our community and to be better every day. When I’m in a space like The Center, I remember our existence is the whole point!

Jesse Finds Strength with His Chosen Family

Creating opportunities where LGBTQ+ people are affirmed for who they are can transform lives! Eight years ago, I hopped onto a bicycle and joined hundreds of participants in Cycle for the Cause, The Center’s Northeast AIDS Ride. The event is an intense physical feat, but I come back year after year because the joy I find alongside my fellow riders is priceless. Together, we’ve formed a chosen family—and they were my rock when I needed them most.

Yohon Shares His Story of Uplifting New York’s Ballroom Community

Ballroom culture exists because of a need to create a space for joy! Today, while Ballroom culture has more public attention, its strong and fierce community members still deserve deeper understanding and support. Through my work at The Center, I connect people in Ballroom to the resources they may need while also highlighting their talent and extraordinary resilience.

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