LGBTQ+ in Richmond, Virginia

ED Reflections

May newsletter graphic

Spring is springing with sunshine, rain, and lots of moments to connect with friends, family and loved ones. May brings us so many opportunities to celebrate - mothering figures, grads and beautiful weather for rooftop happy hours. As spring continues blossoming new beginnings and heartfelt celebrations, it’s the connections we share as a LGBTQ+ community with a beautiful tapestry of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and identities that matter most. 

At Diversity Richmond we believe in the transformative power of connection. As we slide into the Memorial day weekend, the unofficial launch to summer and the readiness for Pride month I am inviting you to connect with us at Diversity. Now you might be asking, Lacette, how can I connect with y’all? I’m so glad you asked!! Here’s three ways to connect with us:

Visit Iridian Gallery. We have 2 exciting exhibits currently showing that you absolutely do not want to miss!! Bonus points if you haven’t had a chance to fully take in our newish mural by Nico Cathcart that graces the entrance to the gallery.

Shop 'til you drop at Diversity Thrift for our Clothing Happy Hour happening every Tuesday from 4pm - 5pm. Clothing items are only $1!!!!

Become a monthly donor of Diversity Richmond programs. We are looking for 25 people to become monthly donors at the $25, $50 and $100 level. Every dollar received supports programs that connect our community to emergency assistance, pride events and meeting/event space. From our largest program VA Pride to our Emergency Assistance Fund and cultural celebrations like Black and Bold and Viva RVA, your monthly financial support helps us to remain a catalyst, a voice, a place and a resource that enriches and champions our diverse community. 

As many of us are intimately familiar with Diversity Richmond continues to be a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. Our events, support groups, and social gatherings serve as opportunities to forge meaningful connections and create lifelong friendships. So be sure to stay connected to us and our many social media outlets for Diversity Richmond, Diversity Thrift and VA Pride because I do not want you to miss out on all of the upcoming ways we can continue to connect as a community.

In the words of the late, great, incomparable Tina Turner, YOU, our Diversity supporter are SIMPLY THE BEST!!

ED Reflections

“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” ~ Rumi

Monday, April 17th marked 6 months of my being Diversity’s Executive Director. I am still amazed with how fast time flies when you are doing work that truly makes a difference with amazing people committed to the same mission and connected by a common purpose to continue the legacy of service to the LGBTQ+ community in Central Virginia.

I started walking on this path knowing I had to first talk with people. The more conversations I had with staff, board and Pride planning committee members the more I realized how amazingly fortunate our community is to have such dedicated people working together to support the work of Diversity Richmond. And as the conversations continue to expand to partners, donors, and allied supporters the more I am convinced that Diversity Richmond is a beloved institution with a bright future.

Marking this six month anniversary I turn my attention to three Cs

Connections

Culture

Care

Beginning my time with people, process and priorities, I continue my first year making connections to the people, partnerships and policies that are mission aligned and reflective of what our community needs most. We have plenty of ways to provide services to community members in need, advocate for protective policies, and create community events that bring people together.

This work happens when a committed group of individuals work together to deepen culture within the organization that is guided by collective values which support how we do the work for and with our community. I joined this team of people who are now becoming more like family and that is the kind of work culture we want to continue to foster.

Finally, I am committed to showing care in how we are blossoming into a fuller Diversity Richmond that is mission aligned and prepared to show up for our community through programs, resources and advocacy. I sincerely believe in the vital work we do through Diversity Thrift, Virginia Pride and our Event Space. The best way for us to continue to do this work with impact is to care for one another and for every person we have the privilege to serve through our store, event space and pride events.

Needless to say much has been accomplished in my first six months, but so much more is ahead of us on the way. I hope you will join me and the Diversity family on the path ahead as we live into being Central Virginia’s LGBTQ+ community hub that centers the LGBTQ+ community.

ED Reflections

It’s March y’all!! What I love most about this month are the Spring Equinox (aka official start to spring) and Women’s History Month. Both are times where we welcome the reflection of what has brought us together and what ways are we ready to grow. Plus we all know living in the Central Virginia region that March can hold all seasons in one week and sometimes even in one day.

Women’s History Month is a time we celebrate the amazing and impactful contributions of women to the ongoing work of making our communities and world a better place. As the first woman to lead Diversity Richmond we make history together. I am especially proud of the many women who have served on our board, been key community partners and long time donors to the work Diversity Richmond does for our community.

We are especially grateful to the many ways women make Diversity Thrift one of the top thrift stores in the Richmond area. And when I say women, I mean ALL women - trans, cis, queens, and femmes! Our thrift store continues to be a jewel in our community for the amazing finds, our clothing voucher program and newly introduced Tuesday Happy Hour (4pm - 5pm) where all clothing is just $1.00.

And while spring is beginning to spring we are collectively mourning the loss of our beloved friend John Jesse, known to many as Natasha Carrington. A queen who always uplifted her community, made us smile, sing, and dance and continuously found joyous ways to bring people together to make a difference. We will miss her dearly.

You are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for John Jesse being held here at Diversity Richmond on Thursday, April 13th, 7pm - 10pm. RSVP here .

Diversity is planting some seeds this spring to grow a fully redesigned website that unites all things Diversity Richmond - VA Pride, Diversity Thrift and Center. Will you help us water these seeds by participating in the survey in this newsletter? We value your feedback and want to hear your thoughts. Check it out below.

Quick Survey (we promise)

Your answers to these survey questions will be used to help our team organize and design our new website. This survey should take about 10 minutes or less to complete, and your responses will be completely anonymous. Complete the survey here.

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ED Reflections

ED Reflections

ED Reflections

Latest News

Endless Summer of Pride!

Plant Pioneers

Diversity Thrift partners with Sierra Club

Iridian Gallery call for exhibit proposals

Queer Prom clothing drive May 12th through 31st

Celebrating Being Stronger Together

Diversity Thrift is hiring an Assistant Store Manager - Front End

Diversity Thrift is hiring a Weekend Assistant Manager

Cristo Rey High School partnership

Diversity Thrift Has An Opening For A Cashier

EVENTS!

EVENTS!