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Plans for a first-ever center for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community on the East End continue to gain steam, and the Stony Brook Southampton campus in Shinnecock Hills has emerged as a leading potential location.
Though the need for a local safe space for gay men and women and their allies has been on the radar of the GLBT community for a few years, the September 29 suicide of a teenager in East Hampton who was reportedly bullied over his sexuality has lent new urgency to the cause.
“I’ve been doing this all of 20 years, and this is the first time I have real hope that this is going to happen,” said David Kilmnick, the CEO of the Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Services Network, on Friday... more
Though the need for a local safe space for gay men and women and their allies has been on the radar of the GLBT community for a few years, the September 29 suicide of a teenager in East Hampton who was reportedly bullied over his sexuality has lent new urgency to the cause.
“I’ve been doing this all of 20 years, and this is the first time I have real hope that this is going to happen,” said David Kilmnick, the CEO of the Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Services Network, on Friday... more
Every day of the week has a different event. There are parent support ...more groups, transgender Q and A sessions, Safe Schools training, etc. Every year, a team of adults and teens come all the way from Bayshore to educate the school administration, parents, and students. The work they do in our school is irreplaceable.
When I began my transition, they got me through the first steps. Not just in moral support, but in their resources. They were able to recommend trans-friendly doctors and psychiatrists. They answered every question I had.
In March, LIGALY hosts a conference that any high school student can attend. It offers tons of amazing workshops and fabulous guest speakers.
Also, LIGALY offers Sex Ed. programs that are geared toward all teens, not just the LGBT community.
A center on the East End would give kids the empowerment they needed to become leaders in their community, which in an age where "gay" has become synonymous with "stupid." I can't tell you how many kids I met at the Friday night OUTlets that shared stories about how scared they were to tell anyone they were gay until LIGALY stepped in and made it safe. A place where LGBT teens and their allies can network and have a little time in a place where the ignorant homophobes of the world are the outcasts is vital. It is irreplaceable. It is entirely essential. If you could envision a place stronger than that to give so many people so much confidence, let me know so my GSA can have a bake sale for it. Until then, I'm flying a rainbow flag for the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth. -- Joel Johnson