I needed to spread my wings as a trans woman and working at the Center has allowed me to increase the size of what I consider to be my family. Through the ups and downs I have faced in my life, I have gotten to see just how much community means to me. Before I got here, I felt very much alone in my journey. Now, I have the opportunity to get to know myself more by connecting with colleagues and members of the community.
At the start of the pandemic, it quickly became evident that our team needed to reassess and adapt its entire approach to outreach and community engagement. We started adopting new strategies and approaches to how we would conduct sexual health outreach services through social media and by creating alternative virtual workshops and events. We even began conducting outreach education on popular dating apps such as Grindr and Jack’d.
These new outreach approaches actually resulted in one of our most successful years to date, and I am very proud to be a part of such an awesome, hardworking team.
I’ve seen just how strong and resilient the Center and its community can be. Never have I been prouder to be a part of such a wonderful community and to work with some absolutely amazing people who have all taught me so much—even the sassy ones. I realize just how lucky I am to be in an environment that lets me be who I am.
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Hometown: Los Angeles
Year Started Working at Center: 2019.
Staff Position: Community Health Programs Outreach Coordinator
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