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Message from Cece
 It seems that every news stream has a story about an LGBT issue - marriage equality being the most common lately. While seismic shifts are taking place in some parts of the country, there remains much work to be done on the front lines at the local level. Recently, the Dallas city council approved a resolution in support of equal rights for LGBT employees, citizens and visitors, and created a framework for the city manager to address any inequities.
As members of the city's LGBT Task Force, Resource Center staff worked with community leaders and councilmembers for over a year to ensure passage. As the Task Force continues to offer resources to the city manager, we look forward to seeing positive changes in our city.
The Center is also on the front line of serving LGBT youth, as the only LGBT-focused service provider in Dallas. Our program, Youth First, nurtures the community leaders of tomorrow by providing a safe, supportive environment. Even with recent civil rights advances in Dallas and beyond, bullying, discrimination and homelessness are significant challenges for LGBT youth. Youth First provides a safe haven today for the leaders of our future.
Thank you for your continuing support, which makes these accomplishments possible!
Regards, Cece
Valor Latino, Cathedral of Hope form partnership for HIV testing
 Valor Latino, the Center's Latino community HIV prevention program, and Congregación Latina, the Spanish-speaking services at the Cathedral of Hope, are partnering to strengthen the missions of both groups. Through Valor Latino, churchgoers can learn their HIV status and discuss their sexuality with people of a similar cultural heritage. Congregación Latina, in turn, serves as a "home church" allowing Latinos to maintain an affirming connection to their faith. Congregación Latina members regularly participate in Valor Latino activities, and Valor provides monthly HIV testing services during and after the Spanish-language church services. Dr. Alberto Magaňa, leader of the Congregación Latina, and Valor Latino coordinator Andres Carbajal worked together to establish this collaboration.
New face at Youth First
 Megan Opperman-Nichols joined the Center in early February as the new program coordinator for Youth First. Her undergrad degree is in music with a minor in English, and she will complete a master's degree in music in 2015. Megan has more than four years' experience in teaching elementary through high school students and has also served as a camp counselor and recreation aide. She also teaches an online music course. One of her most recent projects has been working with the youth to make an "Equality Wall." Each youth created an equality symbol, creatively decorated it in their own individual ways, and posted it for all to enjoy.
City Hall LGBT Equality Resolution/Texas Marriage Ruling
 February 26 was a "red-letter" day for LGBT North Texans. That morning, eight people addressed the Dallas City Council in favor of a resolution supporting LGBT equality. Center CEO Cece Cox was part of that group, and spoke of how the climate for the community has changed since she first started attending council meetings in the early 1990s. Later that day, a federal judge in San Antonio issued a restraining order on Texas' ban on marriage equality. Cece was interviewed by several local radio and TV stations on the ruling.
 Communications and advocacy manager Rafael McDonnell spoke at an impromptu celebration rally that evening. The Dallas council's LGBT support resolution was approved in a 13-2 vote on March 5.
Toast To Life Thanks
 Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and supported the Center's 16th annual Toast To Life Circa 1983, on February 22. Special thanks to event co-chairs Sue Wyll & Buddy Mullino; luxe/live auction chair, Judy Sherman; silent auction chair, Brent Willmott; emcees, Courtney Kerr & Ron Corning and event entertainment, DJ Lucy Wrubel.
Support Resource Center - GIVE
Make a donation here. Your financial support helps us make a difference in the lives of thousands of North Texan's who rely on programs and services provided by Resource Center.
SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Resource Center events.
Renaissance Gaybingo
 "Believe" it or not, we have Wayne Smith as Cher as the special guest for Renaissance Gaybingo. It wouldn't be Renaissance without performances by the cast from Scarborough Renaissance Festival. Plus, to throw in a bit of pageantry, March Gaybingo features a special appearance by the cast of Uptown Players "Pageant", in the Rumpus Room. Get into the Renaissance-spirit by dressing up for a chance to win prizes. It will be a "knight" to remember, so get thyself to Gaybingo!
When: Saturday, March 15; Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: S4, 3911 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas 75219
Purchase tickets to Gaybingo here.
Check the Center's website calendar here for a complete list of events.
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