Meet Carolyne, one of the thousands of LGBTQ New Yorkers finding connection through The Center:
 
"The pandemic affected me terribly because I was so close to sending in my citizenship application, with the help of The Center’s legal clinic. When the lockdown happened, everything had to be paused. It’s not clear if the rules or policies will change once offices start reopening. I’m struggling―some days I feel so down that I spend most of my time lying in bed."

"I come from Uganda where it's really tough and oftentimes LGBTQ people fear they can't come out. Last year, I started frequenting The Center’s immigration support meetings. I loved the open environment for everyone and, while I was afraid at first, I was also excited to see people like me and to learn their stories. I attended last year’s Pride March with friends. I have a picture of myself holding a banner from that day and I can’t believe it’s me! For the first time, I wasn’t hiding myself. It inspired me to be around The Center more often―but then the coronavirus came. 
 
Now, I’ve been matched with a Center counselor and we have weekly remote sessions. I’ve joined The Center’s new online community groups where people share their experiences, stresses or how they’ve been coping during quarantine. And I’m attending The Center’s online meditation classes where we reflect and discuss processes to keep motivated and safe. I’ve been helped so much through those groups. We can engage with everyone in the digital world as we would do physically. We’re not losing touch just because the building is closed: The Center still exists."
 
This is what Pride means to Carolyne. We take Pride in supporting our neighbors, friends and community. Since closing our building to the public, The Center has launched new online community groups for people seeking connection during isolation. Please consider a generous gift to The Center to ensure we can be there for each other, now and always. Thank you!