WASHINGTON — June is Pride month, and while we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, WUSA9 also wants to make an impact.
Right now, work is underway on a unique, new facility for LGBTQ+ services in Northwest, D.C. The date for their grand opening hasn't been set yet, because there's a problem that needs solving.
Currently, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center operates out of the Reeves Center municipal building off U Street, but that space will soon be no more because of redevelopment. The DC Center and Capital Pride Alliance announced this new move in late 2022 with a grand opening planned for mid-2023 along with $1 million from Mayor Muriel Bowser's office to help.
A nearly 7,000 square-foot-complex is planned in Shaw next to the Howard Theatre, to offer services like a computer lab, counseling, HIV testing and even food. A clothing boutique and an art gallery are also planned.
"This is actually an unprecedented project," said DC Center Board Member Rehana Mohammed.
Unprecedented because this will be an LGBTQ+ hub, with multiple organizations in the District serving under one roof.
"We decided to get more serious, if you will, and decided to move in together," Mohammed joked.
However, the work on the center eventually stalled, because more funding is needed.
The DC Center launched a "buy a brick campaign" with a goal of raising $1.5M to get the building back on track.
"It's through individual donations that we're going to make that happen," Mohammed said.
Mohammed said the space is urgently needed, and hopes the community will feel inspired to donate.
"We are not safe in a lot of spaces," Mohammed said. "It's really important for us to have a space where we can call home, where we can come and be affirmed, be supported and where we can get everything that we need to thrive in our lives."
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