They established in 1971 and incorporated in 1975 and they are self-recognized as one of oldest gay and lesbian communities in the United States.
Their strategic policies on their website include:
Support gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in achieving positive identity development and leadership skills.
Provide high-quality health promotion, disease prevention, and mental health programming that is affordable, accessible, and culturally competent.
Strengthen the social fabric, and foster a positive identity for our community and allies.
Engage in policy debates and advocate on topics appropriate to the LGBTQ Center OC’s philosophy and mission.
The Center is a helpful resource to LGBTQ and their allies in regards to mental health services. They offer individual, couples and family therapy to those in need by filling out a simple form through their website.
“We organize in-group activities and community events that strengthen youth and their sense of well-being and identity, as well as their involvement in their schools and communities.
In addition, we have established ongoing relationships with 45 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and their advisors, student leaders, and members to create safe and supportive schools for LGBTQQ students.
We continue to increase our support for more Gay-Straight Alliances each year and provide resources for youth, students, families, teachers, administrators across Orange County.” (lgbtqcenter.org)
STATISTICS
20-40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. 1 in 4 teens are kicked out of their home after “coming out”.
They are also more likely to experience bullying, and 14% of reported hate crimes are targeted towards LGBTQ community members.
DEMOGRAPHICS
52% are female, and 48% identify as male.
The majority (61%) of LGBT individuals are white, while the rest are of Hispanic, African American, and other descents.
A quarter of all LGBT people are under the age of 25.
One program in particular is beneficial for any member or ally of the community. It is called the LGBTQ Cultural Competency Training, “The LGBTQ Center OC provides training and resources on LGBTQ cultural competency and sensitivity, and on LGBTQ rights across multiple disciplines, designed to meet your unique needs and goals.” Some of the disciplines that would benefit from this kind of program are listed:
Educators, schools and school district personnel
Colleges and universities, including medical, nursing, and law students
Social Services Agencies
Medical and Mental Health Care Providers
Businesses
Law Enforcement Personnel
The LGBTQ Center OC provides a safe place for its community members to develop positive self-image through training programs, health services, and community development. Volunteers have kept the program thriving for 50 years, there is a form to become a volunteer at the center. They offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.