West Valley LGBTQ+ Center

WEst VAlley LGBTQ+ Community Center

Summary: We are presently raising funds for the specific purpose of gauging interest in and, if sufficient interest exists, to create an LGBTQ community center in the West Valley.

Organizer: Daniel Griffith

Volunteer Coordinator: Katie Robbins

Contact: LGBTQcenter@westvalleycoalition.org

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264208545185245

Next Event: Steering Committee meeting, open to the public, zoom.

Committee Notes: We have already identified a large and growing LGBTQ+ community in Canoga Park and its environs. We have made contact with several local organizations and found many resources for LGBTQ+ youth, but nothing notable that serves the adult and senior members of the community. Traditional gathering places, such as gay bars, do not exist in the west valley at all. This, we believe, has much to do with the fact that the west valley is a generally safe place for LGBTQ+ expression. This does not; however, obviate the need for a space of our own. The closest LGBTQ+ center to Canoga Park is in Los Angeles, near Hollywood. We have consulted with persons close to that organization and, while they are supportive of our efforts, have created the impression that they would not be financially supportive of such an effort. We also believe that an LGBTQ+ center could be self-supporting with the additional of a coffee shop and through events such as movie nights, drag shows, talent showcases, educational events, and the like.

Accordingly, we are looking for a space that would accommodate all of these goals. Such a space would need to have a "great hall" for social gatherings, performances, and educational events, a kitchen, some small offices or meeting rooms, and (of course) bathrooms. For those who are questioning their identities, who are not fully "out", or otherwise desire some degree of privacy, private or secluded parking should be available.

The rough start-up costs could be as low as $250,000 if the center were to lease its premises and such premises already had a kitchen and bathrooms.