Community Engagement

Community Engagement at The Center uses dynamic, proactive, and responsive strategies to engage the entire San Diego LGBTQ community with a priority to engage those not yet connected to The Center’s services or programs. We do this through representation at various community events, tours of Center facilities, serving as expert panelists, presenters, and trainers throughout the region, hosting Advisory Committees like the LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor Advisory Council and the Black LGBTQ Community Advisory Committee, creating original programming, and so much more. Community Engagement strives to share out about The Center’s services and programs to educate, excite, and bring people into The Center through whatever pathway feels good for them and to provide the services they need so that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported. The Center strives to create relationships with clients and community partners that enfold community members into our decision making, advocacy, and initiatives so that The Center is representative of our San Diego LGBTQ community.

If you are interested in partnering with or learning about The Center, please reach out to Director of Community Engagement & Equity, Helen Weldeghiorgis (she/her/hers) at hweldeghiorgis@thecentersd.org

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of The Center’s Community Engagement events and services are virtual. Please reach out to outreach@thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077 x106 for specific information during this time.

WALL OF HONOR

The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Community Wall of Honor is one of the nation’s only LGBTQ community memorial displays dedicated to honoring and remembering important local LGBTQ community members. Located at The Center’s Centre Street location, The Community Wall of Honor was created in 2004 by Nicole Murray-Ramirez, The Imperial Court de San Diego, and The Center. The Wall recognizes and celebrates those San Diego LGBTQ community members and allies who have had a significant positive impact upon the San Diego LGBTQ community. The Community Wall of Honor is about remembering, honoring, and educating the community about that history. It is a visible and lasting way of reminding our community of those whose efforts have brought us to where we are today.

2019 HONOREES

2014 HONOREES

2007 HONOREES

2006 HONOREES

2005 HONOREES

2004 HONOREES

Benjamin F. Dillingham, III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor

The Benjamin F. Dillingham, III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor recognizes LGBTQ veterans with ties to San Diego who served under anti-LGBTQ policies, preventing their ability to serve, and serve safety and openly. These veterans have taken the oath to serve our country and have done so honorably, and with distinction, acting as role models in advancing equality. The LGBT Veterans Wall commemorates these veterans’ lives in hopes that their courage, bravery and sacrifices will continue to inspire future generations.

2020 HONOREES

2019 HONOREES

2018 HONOREES

2017 HONOREES