Since 2011, I have been interested in creating an LGBTQ+ community center, and I know I’m not the only one! I think that Pride’s community leadership has helped people believe that we can do it. I also believe that the withering of lesbian- and gay-owned/oriented businesses has contributed to the heightening desire for an alternative in-person space.

At the first town hall meeting about the possibility of an LGBTQ+ cultural community center, we thought 30 people would declare a good public interest, but more than 200 people attended the preliminary discussion – an almost overwhelming response! This group expressed a pent-up need and desire for a cultural community center. Now, our task is to deliver.

A core group of people with expertise and interest will parse the data and begin working on an outline. (Reach out to me directly if you should be on the short list for this group.) The consensus is that plans should move forward quickly. I have spoken with attendees at all the tables and reviewed the online feedback. It seems people want something more, but also that there is a clear need.

The format of the discussion was designed to elicit what people wanted in an ideal community center, so we don’t discount any ideas. Then, we asked about current services and the organizations that offer them. If your organization was mentioned, we will reach out to you to talk about what you have as we create a “currently available” list and also to brainstorm with your organization about a vision for working together. If your group or organization offers services to, about or from the LGBTQ+ community, be sure you are on the list (bit.ly/LGBTQCENTER). We also hope to get names of individuals in the community who they think might like to be involved or know about the process.

Without compiling the data, it seems clear there is a need for more youth and elder services, more family services, more interventional services, a social and organizing space and an incubation center for small groups, nonprofits and cultural offerings. People envision the space as independent of current organizations and expressed a clear desire to complement and add to the current services rather than replace any.

Our task is to continue the discussions and not lose momentum as we create a 501c3 organization to begin to hammer out the details. Want to help?

Worcester Pride is ramping up for next year! The group is looking for volunteers and ideas for new directions and improvements on next year’s agenda. Pride is already thinking about next year’s theme and grand marshals. Get involved at worcesterpride.org.

Youth can connect with each other through Supporters of Worcester Area GLBT Youth (SWAGLY), located at AIDS Project Worcester, 85 Green St., every Wednesday night and Safe Homes, 4 Mann St., every Thursday night.

For more information, visit worcesterpride.org

John Trobaugh is a diversity project specialist in the Diversity and Inclusion Office of UMass Medical School.

By John Trobaugh