CHULA VISTA, Calif. — The South Bay Youth Center has hit a major milestone as they celebrate five years of serving LGBTQ+ youth.
“It's five years of resilience, five years of community, five years of empowerment for our LGBTQ+ community here in the South Bay,” said Gus Hernandez, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing at the San Diego LGBT Community Center.
Full of vibrant colors, visitors say the South Bay Youth Center has become a place of acceptance. The center helps people from 10 to 24 years old, offering services including education, counseling and activities, said the San Diego LGBT Community Center.
“Some people come and this is the only place where they eat for the whole day,” SBYC Volunteer Eddy Mata said.
The "community closet" inside the SBYC is a room filled with racks of clothes. Hernandez explained that it serves as an opportunity for people to explore their gender identity.
“So we let them explore anything from, you know, shirts, to dresses, to heels,” Hernandez said.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas was honored at Saturday’s celebration with the "Legendary Advocate of SBYC Award."
“My goal is to break down the barriers, reduce stigma, make sure we have safe spaces,” Vargas said.
The center hit half a century, but it's already looking ahead to continue serving those who need it the most for years to come.
“We'll be here for five more years and five more after that and from here on and for generations to come,” Mata said.
For more information on the youth services provided by the San Diego LGBT Community Center, visit thecentersd.org
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