Leaders with the LGBT Equality Alliance cut the ribbon Sept. 22 on the organization’s first office in Phoenixville.
A couple-dozen people, including local elected officials, were expected to tour the new space at 200 Lincoln Ave., Suite 104. The Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the celebration.
“I’m excited,” said Rachel Stevenson, board president of the alliance. “I think it opens up so many opportunities for us to grow. It gives us validation in the community. We’re not just doing this as a hobby. We’re doing real work to improve the community.”
The nonprofit’s operating budget will cover the rent for the property.
The LGBT Equality Alliance used to be called LGBTea Dances, but changed its name in July. Stevenson said few young people were familiar with tea dances, which are social events usually held on Sunday nights in LGBT clubs. She also wanted the name to more fully encompass the mission of the organization, which she started in March 2015.
Stevenson said the LGBT Equality Alliance relies on three pillars: health and wellness; education and advocacy; and social connectedness. It’s the only countywide LGBT organization in Chester County.
Stevenson said the office is great because it gets her out of her garage, her former working place.
“We needed storage space,” she said. “We organize a lot of events and need [a place] to host our board meetings.”
The alliance will have a celebration for National Coming Out Day from 5-10 p.m. Oct. 11 at Chipotle, 241 N. Pottstown Pike, West Whiteland Township.
Also, the second-annual LGBT Health Fair takes place from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Phoenixville YMCA, 400 E. Pothouse Road, Schuylkill Township.
Having an official workspace with a security buzzer enables the LGBT Equality Alliance to begin taking on interns to help with things like social media. Stevenson listed other upcoming goals for the organization like getting a mini-grant program off the ground, especially to fund local high-school GSAs, and funding scholarships for local LGBT students.
For more information, visit www.lgbteachesco.org.