Last year we said “… the next four years are going to be a true test of the strength and resilience of our LGBTQ+ community unlike any we have seen before”. If the first of these four years has been any indication, that test is well underway – and our community is passing that test with an entire rainbow of flying colors.

From large community events to small education sessions and from peer-led support groups to one-on-one case management, the LGBTQ+ Center made a positive impact on thousands of lives this past year. With your help we exceeded our goals and grew from a single support group to hosting seven groups each month, including groups specifically tailored to youth participants. We also hosted regular community meetups, advocated in schools, provided legal support around name and gender marker changes, assisted with emergency transient housing, connected folks to affirming care providers and even offered prescription assistance for low-income families.

Despite these efforts, we continue to see an increased demand for services every day.

Every educational session we conduct demonstrates a need to do more to bridge the knowledge gap and reduce barriers to acceptance. As people hear about our work, we receive more calls to assist with housing support, employment and legal advocacy efforts. People are looking for more ways to engage, meet and be part of the community. Your support is crucial to making that happen.

By giving just $15 per month, you can empower us to continue our efforts to meet that demand.

In recognition of your generous donation you will receive a vinyl LGBTQ Center Lake County 2026 Supporter sticker so you can proudly display your support on your laptop, water bottle or even your car. We are also inviting you to drop by any Saturday morning in January during our weekly coffee to sign your own personalized popsicle stick and proudly display your name all year long as part of our inaugural “Ally Of The Center” Wall of Fame.

Thank you for helping ensure Lake County continues to be a place where LGBTQ+ people and their families can not only survive but truly thrive.