Thank you, Dr. Lisa Griffin

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Published: Monday, June 17 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

Dr. Lisa Griffin is a well-known and respected clinical psychologist who works with gender-diverse children and their families at Pride Inside, a collective she founded, located in Carytown. Lisa has been instrumental in coordinating Carytown’s Pride celebrations. A more than well-known figure in our community, Lisa’s dedication has enabled countless numbers of children and their families to create a safe and healthy environment where both youth and parents are nurtured. Thank you, Lisa! 

Ladles and Linens Kitchen Shoppe

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Published: Monday, June 17 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

“It’s always a kitchen party and everyone’s invited”

Yet another example of why Carytown is loved. Founded 22 years ago as a small shop in Lexington, Ladles and Linens is now also located in Roanoke and Richmond. If you are into kitchens and/or cooking on any level, you must visit Ladles. The staff stays ahead of cooking, baking, bar and food trends and offers such a wide array of things we love. Those impossible to find gadgets or that wonderfully unique gift will be found here, we promise.

Don’t wait for the holidays to visit and when you are there, thank them for being such responsible corporate citizens. Located at 3016 West Cary, check out their website.

Store manager, Rachel, obviously loves her work at Ladles. Great customer service is the norm.

Lex’s of Carytown is one-stop shopping

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Published: Monday, June 17 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

If you are in need of formal a dress, look no further. Not only does Lex’s carry some of the most prestigious labels such as Abby Paris, Jovani and Sherri Hill, the store also offers a wide selection of jewelry, accessories and shoes. Don’t let the store renovation fool you as Lex’s offers a wide selection. Located at 3020 West Cary, the staff is welcoming and anxious to help the bride, mother of the bride or wedding attendants. Prom dresses a specialty.

Lex’s employees Sidnee and Grace are excited to raise funds for Diversity Richmond.

Sugar and Twine, where caffeine and deliciousness meet

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Published: Monday, June 17 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

Their website says that “We believe that your caffeine fix should come with a side of deliciousness.” And it does. Their selections of pastries “made by hand” every morning not only look like delectable items in a gourmet baking book, they taste as good as they appear. While recently sharing a couple of delicacies, we found ourselves moaning as we ate. It’s that good. Located at 2428 West Cary, dairy free and gluten free options are also available as well as sandwiches filled with the freshest ingredients. Look at their goodies online.

The Sugar and Twine staff loves helping us raise much needed funds.

Richmond LGBTQ Chamber sponsors Job Fair

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Published: Monday, May 13 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

The Richmond LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a week of events in June designed to help LGBTQ people locate jobs. Dressing for success, interview skills, enhancing resumes will be discussed during the week’s activities. A job fair will be held Wednesday, June 12th in the Diversity Richmond Event Hall.

More info here.

Meet your Richmond LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

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Published: Monday, May 13 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

Well, actually they have been around for quite a while as the Richmond Business Alliance, but they just rebranded and are making big plans for our community. Chamber members (left to right above) Crystal Suber, Brian Boyce and Latasha Cosby were our recent guests on our monthly WRIR show, Diversity Richmond Speaks. Tune in on the link below and learn how the Chamber is making a huge difference in the local corporate scene.

Listen to the show

What Diversity Richmond Means to Me

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Published: Monday, May 13 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

By Keith J. Watts

As a recent transplant to Richmond, and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Diversity Richmond has been nothing short of a resource. And while thankful for the enormous strides our community has made over the years in effecting the societal and cultural changes that have made my life as an openly gay man conceivable in any way, spaces such as Diversity Richmond are still often difficult to find. In the nearly two years that I have now lived here, Diversity Richmond has been a space for me to access a spiritual community, engage in research projects, volunteer and participate in fun events such as Drag Bingo, attend public book readings from authors as well as events honoring local LGBTQIA+ advocates–such as the “Black and Bold Awards”–and to thrift for some really unique fashions! Diversity Richmond has become a ‘one stop shop’ for most of my community needs!

Being a gay Black man, I am no stranger to the marginalization that so many LGBTQIA+ people of color experience within our community, and that is what makes the culture of inclusivity that clearly exists at Diversity Richmond so remarkable. Living up to its name, I have connected with folks from all walks of life through this organization, and that alone has provided me with opportunities to develop the relationships, mentorship, and support that were crucial to me feeling affirmed and at home here in Richmond. Doubtlessly, there is much more work to do on the road to equality, but it is truly encouraging to see organizations like Diversity Richmond taking the lead in this mission. I continue to be inspired by the work that Diversity Richmond does with the local community of LGBTQIA+ people and allies, and the indelible impact it has had on so many of our lives. This is what Diversity Richmond means to me.

I also hope that you will join me for our Sunday Social Hour Men’s Group on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm. It’ll be a treat! The group will be meeting in the Classroom (Door Entrance #2). If you would like additional information, please feel free to email me at . Hope to see you there.

Drag Bingo Big Hit!

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Published: Tuesday, April 16 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent drag bingo. Not only did we give away almost $2,000 to bingo winners, we also had a great party and celebrated community. Special events such as this allows Diversity Richmond to continually support the local LGBTQ community. Since 1999, we have donated more than $1 Million to local organizations. More drag bingo soon! Stay tuned.

Religion and the LGBT community

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Published: Tuesday, April 16 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

Three local faith leaders discuss the role of religion in our community…the good, the bad and the ugly.

Our most recent WRIR FM segment is a conversation with (left to right above) the Rev. Jean Pupke, Rev. Lacette Cross and Luise “Cheezie” Farmer about how religion has impacted our community. Our show, “Diversity Richmond Speaks,” airs the first Monday of each month on WRIR FM 97.3.

LISTEN HERE

The Front Porch

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Published: Tuesday, April 16 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

Diversity Richmond has partnered with WRIR once again for a new and exciting radio show, hosted by Vice President and Deputy Director, Rodney Lofton, titled “The Front Porch.”

“The Front Porch” was created to provide a voice and venue for Queer People of Color in Central Virginia, by addressing issues around race, gender and inclusion in the LGBTQ Community in Richmond and surrounding areas.

Take a listen to the most recent interview addressing Blackface and the LGBTQ Community, featuring guests (left to right above) Dr. Ravi Perry, Reverend Lacette Cross, Brooke Taylor, and Chelsea Higgs Wise.

LISTEN HERE

Oh What A Night

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Published: Monday, March 18 2019

Written by Diversity Richmond

February 15th was the hottest night in the City of Richmond, as hundreds gathered on the campus of the HBCU Virginia Union University for Diversity Richmond’s 3rd Annual Black and Bold Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Initiated in 2017, this award winning event was created to recognize the contributions and leadership of out and proud African-American LGBTQ community members. This year was no exception, as Diversity Richmond not only continued to expand recognition to the community’s allies, but also included LGBTQ representatives across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This year’s event celebrated a wide range of community members. From local youth activists to a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Honorees this year included:

Dr. Veronica Ayala-Sims
2nd Lieutenant Deuntay Diggs
Quincy Evans
Gregg Fordham
Jaide Hinds-Clarke
SWERV Magazine
Brooke Taylor
Congressman A. Donald McEachin
Legendary Drag Entertainer, Christmas Snow

If you are interested in joining the planning committee for the 4th Annual Black and Bold Leadership Awards, please contact Rodney Lofton at (804) 622-4646 ext. 203 or email Rodney.

Diversity Richmond Celebrates 2018

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Published: Wednesday, December 12 2018

Written by Diversity Richmond

$30,000 in Grants Presented to Local Nonprofits

It is another banner year for Diversity Richmond as we celebrate individuals and organizations for their outstanding work and accomplishments. From supporting adoption and foster care to transgender health services, public school LGBT student groups, combating LGBT homelessness and theatre productions, Diversity Richmond is making a difference.

Through our 2018 grants, we are investing $30,000 by supporting 13 local nonprofits that take dollars and change the lives of countless numbers of people. We also recognized the accomplishments of several people who have made significant contributions to our community.

Award Recipients:

Big Smooch Award, Stonewall Sports-Richmond
Guy J. Kinman, Jr. Leadership Award, The Honorable Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond
We Stand On Your Shoulders Award, Riqia Taylor
Diversity Embraces Award, Lisa Cumbey
President’s Philanthropy Award, Cassi Niemann and Hunter Rhoades
Big Smooch Award, Loretta Mountcastle, Vicki Jolena-Orthaus and Martha Ann Spruill

2018 Grant Awards:

Transgender Veterans Support Group
Twin Oaks Queer Gathering
Metropolitan Community Church
Richmond Triangle Players
Monument City Music
Health Brigade
A.C.T.S.
Virginia League of Planned Parenthood
Restoration Fellowship
Lutheran Family Services of Virginia
GLSEN
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
NATIONZ Foundation