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Recognizing October 19, 2025 as National LGBTQ Center Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia and highlighting the vital role of LGBTQ+ community centers in serving as crucial lifelines and hubs for LGBTQ+ communities, fostering a sense of belonging and community, and advocating for equal rights.
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WHEREAS, National LGBTQ Center Awareness Day was founded by CenterLink in 1994 to highlight the work of LGBTQ community centers and their importance in providing essential services and support. The day is celebrated on October 19th each year to recognize these centers which serve as vital hubs for wellness programs, advocacy, cultural events, and support for the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS, CenterLink, founded in 1994, is a member-based coalition to support the development of sustainable and strong LGBTQ community centers. A fundamental goal of CenterLink’s work is to support, strengthen, and connect LGBTQ community centers and to help build the capacity of these centers to address the cultural, social, health, and political advocacy needs of LGBTQ community members across the country. CenterLink has championed LGBTQ Center Awareness Day, inspiring a deeper understanding of the incredible work that LGBTQ+ community centers do for their communities; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ centers serve a multi-faceted and vital role in many communities across the country. The LGBTQ+ presence in the area is the first point of contact for individuals seeking information, coming out, organizing for social change, or accessing services. LGBTQ+ centers continue to serve over 3 million individuals annually, they are the heart and soul of the LGBTQ+ movement and are vital to our current well-being and dreams for the future; and
WHEREAS, These centers experience staffing shortages, as evidenced by the 17% of centers operating with no paid staff, relying solely on volunteers and, over 31% of centers employ five or fewer paid staff. These volunteers provide emotional support, fill resource gaps, and create safe and welcoming spaces. Over 60% of LGBTQ+ centers provide direct health services, including counseling, peer-led programs, support groups, physical health, and mental health services; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to LGBTQ+ centers, which are a pillar in their communities, including GALAEI, Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center, Valley Youth House, COLOURS, William Way LGBT Community Center, Covenant House, Bebashi, and Philadelphia FIGHT. LGBTQ+ centers are crucial for providing safe spaces, legal services, and mental health care services, vital for combating isolation and supporting the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth, and building a platform for community building and cultural enrichment through programming, archives, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, National LGBTQ Center Awareness Day serves as a reminder to recognize the dedication of our supporters and volunteers, highlight the essential contributions of LGBTQ+ centers in neighborhoods and on campuses, and educate the world about their mission and accomplishments. This day continues to be a powerful platform that raises awareness about the profound impact of LGBTQ+ centers and the needs of LGBTQ+ communities locally, nationally and globally; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes October 19, 2025 as National LGBTQ Center Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia and highlighting the vital role of LGBTQ+ community centers in serving as crucial lifelines and hubs for LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of belonging and community, and advocating for equal rights.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution will be presented CenterLink as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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