Reflections on Pride Month

In celebration of Pride Month, we’re sharing reflections from local leaders in the LGBTQ+ community.

Gabriel Maldanado
Founder and CEO
TruEvolution

“Pride began as a riot.
A demand for rights, resources and human dignity.
For TruEvolution, that is the starting place for our work:
Rights, resources, human dignity.”

As Founder and CEO, Gabriel leads @truevolution in the fight for health equity and racial justice to advance the quality of life and human dignity of LGBTQ+ people.

The organization’s support includes comprehensive HIV prevention and care services, a mental health clinic, and an emergency housing program.

We applaud Gabriel and the TruEvolution team for the excellent work they’re doing in the IE!

https://www.truevolution.org/about

 

Torie Weiston-Serdan, Ph.D
Chief Visionary Officer
Youth Mentoring Action Network

“Pride is a revolutionary state of being.

It is important for Queer and Trans folks to be able to
love themselves,
affirm themselves
and move in a way that exudes confidence and joy.

For me, this month is a time to remember the work that has been done to get us to where we are, and also a time to think about
what it will take to get us to the next stage.

For the Youth Mentoring Action Network, it’s an important time
to model happy and whole lives and relationships
so that our young people can see what’s possible.”

As Chief Visionary Officer for @ymanstrong (YMAN), Torie leads the way in empowering youth to shape their schools and communities. The organization’s programming builds the power of youth through mentoring, education, and wellness. Read more about YMAN and the work they’re doing to bring possibilities to life!

IECF is a proud supporter of YMAN’s work. They are recent recipients of a grant through the IE Black Equity Fund.

https://yman.org/

 

Rob Wheeler
Executive Director and CEO
The Center

“For me, the essence of Pride is celebrating our individual and collective sense of dignity, self-respect, and the value that every LGBTQ+ person offers to the world.

Pride is also a time for recognizing those who came before us, paving the way for the generations to follow, and exclaiming that every single one of us matters because of exactly who we are.

During this Pride month, I’m incredibly proud to see our Center and community embrace LGBTQ+ diversity as a strength. We recognize that no matter our race, background, origin, economic status, ability, or faith, we are all in this together, unified in supporting one another, and fighting for our collective and absolute liberation.”

As Executive Director & CEO, Rob works closely with the board, staff, and community partners to advance The Center’s work and mission. He leads strategic, operational, administrative, and financial stewardship and actively engages our communities in creating a shared vision for community-building and empowerment in the Coachella Valley.

IECF is a proud supporter of @thecentercv, and we thank you for the safe, nurturing and friendly environment you provide for the LGBTQ+ community.

www.thecentercv.org/