Center on Halsted: We are LGBTQ
By: Caitlin Tupper, Center on Halsted Clinician
Center on Halsted continually strives to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community because we are part of the LGBTQ community.
Center on Halsted’s teams span generations and geographies, some having chosen Chicago as home while others have called this city home for their entire lives. We are immigrants and the children of immigrants and live in neighborhoods on all sides of Chicago. Some of us have experienced homelessness and other have lost their safety nets after coming out or being outed.
We have used services similar to those offered by the Center and have needed to wrap ourselves in community during both tragedies and celebrations.
And while every individual’s experiences are unique, our diversity helps us to continually work to always improve because LGBTQ Chicago is at the heart of everything we do.
The LGBTQ community has historically faced employment discrimination, economic hardship, and housing instability. With the impact of COVID-19, LGBTQ people are particularly vulnerable to experience unemployment, financial strain, and homelessness. During these times of distress and uncertainty, LGBTQ people know they can know that they can rely on Center on Halsted, where they will be supported and their identities will be honored and celebrated.
We seek to develop the talent of our incredible staff, who will in turn empower the community members they engage with.
Especially during a public health crisis, it is essential for our frontline workers to be part of the queer community or who have fully committed to the queer community, to create an affirming space and use shared language to connect with the LGBTQ communities of Chicagoland. Our staff is intertwined in local LGBTQ communities and can understand the needs, resources, and strengths of the LGBTQ populations we work with each and every day.
When you donate to Center on Halsted, your contributions don’t just support the LGBTQ communities that we serve. You are also supporting the LGBTQ people that make up our phenomenal team. You make it possible for the LGBTQ community to have employment opportunities in providing direct services for their own community.
Consider a donation to support Center on Halsted staff today.
