Dear friends,
Coming to the end of 2019, we are filled with pride and reflection, and we’re writing you this afternoon with a simple request: to join us in advocating for our mission.
2019 marked 30 years of operations for our community center: What began as the Gay Switchboard (1976) and the Memphis Gay Coalition (1979) evolved into the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, which opened at 1291 Madison Avenue in December 1989. In 2003, with help from our community members, we purchased the house at 892 South Cooper Street. A year after marriage equality became law, we unveiled our new name – OUTMemphis, an acknowledgement of the long future ahead, and for our community.
What’s next? As you probably know, in January 2020, construction will be complete at our Youth Emergency Center. Through these decades, the “center” has and will belong to you. What has and will not change is our commitment to providing a place where you can walk in and be accepted.
This reflection on our history and our values is why we are reaching out to you today to make a donation to OUTMemphis before December 31, 2019 and help us finish our 30th year with the foundation we need to launch the next thirty. We urge you to join the movement of LGBTQ+ equity, affirmation, and liberation for decades to come.
Happy holidays and many thanks,
OUTMemphis Board of Directors 2019
Jonathan Ealy ~ Board Chair
Carol Livingston ~ Vice Chair
Maria del Socorro Hubbard ~ Secretary
Matt Barrett ~ Treasurer
Casey Bryant
Miska Shaw
Aimee Lewis
Jeff Rhodin
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