There are geographical niches that, when mentioned, bring images of thriving, supportive LGBT communities – such as Hillcrest, Palm Springs and San Francisco. North County is not one of these niches. The residents know it, which is why they are working to open a resource center by the end of this year.
The North County LGBT Coalition, estimated to have 700 members, keeps active by hosting their own social gatherings or by transiting back and forth between San Diego’s LGBT Center and other Hillcrest and North Park events. But there are potentially 3,000-4,000 LGBT people in North County that are uninvolved and isolated from the community, according to Max Disposti, the coalition’s founder and president. Disposti says that the LGBT community in North County – especially youths – have little to no options when searching out social activities that are tailored for their lifestyle.
“The North County Center will be a place free of discrimination of any type where people feel safe to be themselves,” Disposti said.
He first thought of creating a center in Oceanside last year, in part because its central, public transportation-accessible location, and has been working to fund the $10,000 project ever since. Currently, the coalition has raised $7,400 and hopes to meet its goal during the upcoming fundraiser, “Imagine the Dream of a North County LGBTQ Resource Center Coming True,” being held May 20 at the Oceanside Museum of Art.
The “Q” in LGBTQ represents those who are questioning their sexuality and the center will be prepared to help those who are unsure and insecure through a sundry of services Disposti is offering. Educational programs will be available to help youths better understand themselves and to the parents of gay teens who are uncertain how to support their children. Also available at the center will be HIV/AIDS testing, preventative programs, psychological support groups and senior citizen meet-ups.
“We want to change the perception of our families in North County,” Disposti said. “Much of North County doesn’t take into account that our families do exist. We are trying to educate people that our families deserve the same attention.”
This invisible population consists of LGBT singles, seniors, families, teens and military personnel stationed at Camp Pendleton who may be struggling under the pressure of their peers. In an editorial written last year, Disposti mentioned the coalition’s “message of supporting the troops, including LGBT service members and their families, was in the spirit of celebrating our freedom, and the belief that equality for all under the law should be cherished and respected.”
Reaching out to isolated LGBT people is more important than ensuring people have bustling Friday nights to look forward to. In many cases, it’s about checking up on both the physical and mental health of members in the community.
Last year, Raymond Portillos Leon, a 22-year-old North County resident and LGBT rights activist, committed suicide, leading Disposti to write, “Ray’s end is a tragic loss and a shocking wake up call for all of us. He is a reminder that the isolation that our LGBT youth still experience in North County could be life-threatening for some.”
Inspired by the need for a resource center in North County, Disposti proudly described the support he has received from gay health clinics, churches, the San Diego LGBT Center and individuals from all over the county. The upcoming fundraiser, offering hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a silent auction, has priced tickets at $30, but attendees are encouraged to give more and become Friends of the Coalition ($100), Co-Hosts ($500) or Sponsors ($1,000).
“North County is an important part of San Diego, with its own active LGBT community, and we have been delighted to watch the North County LGBT Coalition grow, accomplish great things and now begin the work of building support for a community center for all LGBT folks in North County,” said Dr. Delores A. Jacobs, CEO of the San Diego LGBT Community Center in an email. “The difference that a dedicated group such as the NCLGBT Coalition can make in their local community is enormous and The Center is happy to support their efforts. Their May 20 fundraiser is an important one for North County and we encourage all who are able to attend or support their dream.”
For more information on the North County LGBT Coalition Fundraiser, visit northcountycoalition.org/fund.
