Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland (Center) delivers wide-reaching, comprehensive programs and services, reaching 3,400 people through direct service and another 16,000 annually through community education/outreach including the region’s annual Pride festivities. The LGBT Center works with the national program SAGE, which helps focus on health and wellness for LGBT Elders. It also helps act as a peer support group. Beyond SAGE, there is also QU, which is an intergenerational training program. Initiatives like pen pals between generation are a big focal point of this program. 

Given that many of the Center’s elders have lived through the AIDS epidemic and many are survivors with HIV, the Center focuses on providing safe care in an affirming environment. The Center becomes family for the elders often, with isolation so common, especially during the COVID19 pandemic. The Center provides support, especially for Elders who figure out their identity late in life. With the McGregor grant, the LGBT Center is able to keep their staff to continue providing programs and safe space for the Elders in their community. On top of support, the center provides box lunches and grocery assistance programs.