Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center
HR Director: ‘Center Allows Me to Blossom’ Share our Homepage on Facebook A Day In the Life of
the Center
Welcome to the Center

Since 1971 the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center has been building the health, advocating for the rights and enriching the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Today it is a $43 million organization with 300 employees and 3,000 active volunteers.

The Center’s wide array of services includes: free HIV/AIDS care and medications for those most in need; housing, food, clothing and support for homeless LGBT youth; low-cost counseling and addiction-recovery services; essential services for LGBT-parented families and seniors; legal services; health education and HIV prevention programs; transgender services; cultural arts program and much more.


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“Before transitioning, I led a double life,” says Sharon May Reese, the Center’s director of human resources.  

“During my years as an HR consultant, I traveled often.  I’d pack two bags—one for male stuff, one for female stuff.  One day, waiting for my plane to take off, I yelled, ‘I can’t do this anymore!’ 

With support from my partner, Annie, and my son, I transitioned from male to female. 

Recently, it was time for another transition—from consulting to full-time work.

I knew transgender people often face discrimination—which is why the Center has a Transgender Job Placement Program—but during my job search, I experienced it firsthand, not just as something on a spreadsheet.

Then I saw this position on a national HR job board.  Awed by

Sharon Reese
Sharon Reese, the Center's director of human resources, says she feels "refreshed and energized" working at the Center.

the Center’s work, I was eager to take on a role where I could make a measurable difference. 

Now that I’m here, I’m refreshed, empowered and energized. 

My partner says I’m blossoming, and that’s exactly how I feel.”  

Get Informed Before Getting Hitched

With legally recognized marriage now a reality, many gay and lesbian couples must consider whether the time is right for them to tie the knot.  Part of that decision-making process is looking at what marriage means from a legal standpoint.  

“I’m heartened our community

wants to learn before jumping in,” says attorney Chris Wilson, one of the instructors of the Learning Curve class “I Do, Don’t I?” 

The class scope has expanded now that marriage and domestic partnerships are both options for California’s same-sex couples.

Wilson notes that it’s important to know the legal consequences of marriage before exchanging rings. 

If you’re considering marriage or want to learn about how marriage and domestic partnerships differ, “I Do, Don’t I?” can help you educate yourself before you get hitched.

Click here for information about the session on Wednesday, July 16.

Support for Those Questioning ‘Female’ Label

Anyone questioning their “female” identity needs information, and reliable sources are hard to find. Many transgender men feel isolated and alone.

The Center’s FT? Coming Out Support Group helps those on the female-to-male transgender continuum, who are questioning gender or starting to transition, gather information and meet others like them.

Topics of discussion may include:  coming out; relationships with family, friends and partners; decisions regarding hormone therapy or surgery; workplace concerns; name changes and the use of pronouns; and accessing support within the transgender community.

“We explore various facets of transitioning and coming out
social, psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual,” says co-facilitator
Alexander Yoo, President of GenderQueer Revloution and Vice President of FTM International.

Yoo facilitates with Klara Firestone; both are Marriage and Family Therapy Interns. Firestone also contributes to FTM International and serves on the board of GenderQueer Revolution.

The group runs in 12-week cycles; a new session will begin soon. 

For more information, click here to send an e-mail.



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