About Us

Our vision is to create a community where all LGBTQ+ lived experiences are affirmed, supported, and celebrated.

Mission

The LGBTQ Center of Durham supports LGBTQ+ people through services, programming, resources, and support networks that center their wellbeing and allows them to thrive.

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.

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 Project FAM (supported housing & therapy), LGBTQ+ Youth Center, 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.

A great place to meet "family" in a low-key, down-to-earth, safe and supporting environment.

Shane Clary

Visit Us

We are located at 1007 Broad Street. We encourage you to review directions to the Center and suggestions for parking.

Natalie Website

Natalie Watson

Interim Executive Director

Email director@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

Alix Website

Alix Adrian

Operations Manager

Email info@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: he/him/they/them

Raye Dooley

Southern Queer Survivor Network

Project Director

Email: advocate@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

Vanity

Vanity Reid Deterville

Director Project FAM

Director of Advocacy and Support

Email: grasp@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

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Gemynii

Director of Housing and
Therapeutic Services

Email: casemanagement@

lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Freddy3

Freddy Perkins

Co-Program Director
LGBTQ Youth Center

Email: youthcenter@
lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: he/him/his

Niccolo Roditti Headshot

Niccolo Roditti

Co-Program Director - LGBTQ Youth Center

Email: youthcenter@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: he/him they/them

Shaye Loyd

Case Manager

Email: advocate@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

Abena Website

Abena Bediako

Lead Contracted Clinician - Host Home

Email: abediako@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Desmera Gatewood

Board Co-Chair

Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them

Kristine Suh

Board Co-Chair

Pronouns: She/Her

Ariana Vigil

Board Secretary

Pronouns: She/Her

Benjamin UySmith

Board Treasurer

Pronouns: He/Him

Abby Murray

Board Member

Pronouns: She/Her

Kel Williams

Board Member

Pronouns: She/Her

Brett Stargell

Board Member

Pronouns:He/Him

Join Our Team

The LGBTQ Center of Durham continues to grow and flex to meet the needs of the Durham LGBTQ Community. Occasionally, we have opportunities for employment and hope that you will consider us a place to work.

Contact Us

Please use this form to get in touch!