G IVE BACK
Peg Corley, Executive Director, LGBTQ Center of Orange County
T H E LGBTQ C EN T E R O R AN G E C O UNT Y C E L EBRATES 50 Y E AR S O F S E RVICE By Carrie Freitas As the LGBTQ Center of Orange County website’s introductory video states (and I paraphrase here), Orange County is a beautiful place with arguably perfect weather — but the climate here is not perfect for everyone. It certainly isn’t always a welcoming social, economic or political environment for those who are marginalized. And that’s a big reason that the LGBTQ Center Orange County exists, to improve the quality of life for the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Orange County, and often beyond. Headquartered in Santa Ana, the LGBTQ Center Orange County is one of the oldest gay and lesbian centers in the United States and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. First established as a volunteer organization and helpline in 1971, the Center was incorporated in 1975 as a non-profit. Today, this community-based organization brings all members and allies of the LGBTQ community of OC together in a network of support and unity, and provides an impressive slate of services to more than 14,000 individuals annually across a broad spectrum of culture, ethnicity, age, and economic backgrounds. In addition to providing life-affirming programs, the Center also undertakes advocacy efforts focused on speaking out against hate and discrimination.
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Photos courtesy of LGBTQ Center of Orange County
