Our Story

Our Story

History

Founded in 2015, the LGBTQ Center of Durham opened its doors as the front porch of the LGBTQ community in an effort to serve all the people of Durham. With a commitment to prioritizing those most marginalized among us, Founder and former executive director, Helena Cragg raised funds and coordinated programs to elevate the presence of the Center until recruiting J. Clapp, the founder of Pride: Durham, NC, to be her predecessor in 2019.

Following Jozie's departure, long time Center volunteer and then Associate Director Natalie Watson served as interim for 2.5 years. The Board subsequently shifted leadership models, hiring program directors Vanity Reid Deterville and Raye Dooley to serve in a co-Directorship. Raye and Vanity are committed to steering the Center through a challenging sociopolitical environment while centering integrity, sustainability, and evolution.

Our Work

The LGBTQ Center of Durham commits to centering the experiences of those who are the most marginalized among us. With a history of providing services supplementing this commitment, we continue to strive to set an example for other communities and organizations to prioritize lifting our family up. With the Southern Queer Survivor Program (SQSN), the LGBTQ+ Youth Center, Southern Queer Families Network (SQFN), a re-centered Pride, and other gender inclusive support programs, we are aligned with the promise of serving QTPOC. Our services are open to the entire community and seek to make room for all people.