Center Stage 2022: Together LGBTQ people will rise
Rob Wheeler, executive director and CEO of The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center), welcomed 525 guests at Center Stage 2022 on Oct. 21 by observing that “we are truly stronger together, and our LGBTQ+ community and allies showed up for The Center and our honorees in ways that left me inspired and eager to continue delivering on The Center’s promise of helping our LGBTQ+ community and to partner with organizations committed to fight for equality and liberation.”
Martin Massiello, president and CEO of presenting sponsor Eisenhower Health, observed that the evening's theme “Together We Rise” was a fitting description of The Center’s journey from a small group of men to a comprehensive LGBTQ center by providing each individual with the support required to thrive in today’s world.
Legacy Award honorees
Center board co-chair Mary Sue Allen announced that in response to growing anti-gay sentiment, The Center honored two organizations that are making a difference in the life of the LGBTQ community: Jeremy Hobbs and the Western Wind Foundation and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. The Legacy Award recognizes the lasting impact made on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
The recognition of honorees concluded with a moving film showing how The Center’s Community Food Bank is able to help 250 families a week, totaling more than 600 individuals. It was heart-breaking to watch staff closing the gates on scores of cars still waiting their turn because the food ran out.
LGBTQ+ equality is at risk at federal, state levels
A theme emerged throughout the event that was repeated multiple times by attendees and presenters: In the face of the Roe v. Wade reversal by the U.S. Supreme Court, the gay community is fearful that gender-affirming care and marriage equality will be similarly attacked. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should reconsider Lawrence v. Texas, the 2003 decision that established the right to same-sex intimacy as well as Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2015.
Local attorney Bruce Bauer hypothesized that “dark clouds are indeed ahead for the LGBTQ community.” He observed how important it is for the community to come together. “There is a backlash in so many states where anti-LGBTQ laws are being introduced in the legislatures.” He concluded by noting that members of the LGBTQ are being targeted again,” which will require the community and allies “stand together.”
Willie Rhine, co-owner of Eight4Nine, 1501 Gastropub, and Willie's Modern Fare, has supported The Center for many years. He declared that the organization is very much needed in the community, especially at the present time when discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community are continuing and growing. “In 2022, we are still dealing with discrimination on a daily basis. We all need to continue to fight for our equal rights,” he said.
As of Oct. 7, the American Civil Liberties Union reported that more than 250 anti-LGBTQ bills had been introduced in 39 states in the 2021 legislative sessions that have carried over to 2022. The majority of these bills died in the legislative process, but their introduction is a clarion call to the LGBTQ community.
The Center recognized
On Oct. 19, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized The Center by awarding it with the Non-profit of the Year award.
Center board of directors Michele McKee expressed her pride that the organization received an award for establishing a Coachella location. “I’m really proud of how far The Center has come.”
Fundraising
Nearly $250,000 was raised by the auctioneer, including $100,000 matching funds provided by David Mizener and Arturo Carrillo of Contractors State License Schools and a $20,000 match offered by Steve Tobin and Johnny Krupa of the Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation.
Event Sponsors
In addition to Eisenhower Health as presenting sponsor, premier sponsors included Harold Matzner, David Hood and George Sellers and Contractors State License Schools.
The evening was catered by Lulu Catering and Events. Entertainment was provided by Jennifer Corday, an award-winning and out-and-proud lesbian singer/songwriter, and Brian Justin Crum, top-charting queer singer/songwriter.
Al Jones was appointed by the city council as a Trustee of the Palm Springs Library, where he serves as its treasurer. He was the former chairman of the Palm Springs International Airport Commission and is a member of the board of directors of Dezart Performs, the CSU Palm Desert Campus Advancement board, the Advisory board of Priority One Coachella Valley and a member of DBA and Main Street. Prior community engagement includes DAP Health Partners for Life Leadership Committee; the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, where he served as the Board secretary for five years, and Sanctuary Palm Springs.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Center Stage 2022: Together LGBTQ people will rise
