More than 100 people turned out last weekend to support an LGBT community center in Harrisburg that was the victim of vandalism.
On Jan. 6, someone smashed the glass on the front door of the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania, entered the building and stole a donation bin that contained about $25. According to center executive director Louie Marven, police were able to obtain surveillance video from a nearby business that showed the vandal, but the center has not yet been made aware of an arrest in the case.
The glass was replaced within a few hours and cost the center about $250.
Marven said it is not known if the suspect targeted the center.
“We’re not assuming that this is someone who specifically wanted to hurt the center because of who we represent or who we are,” Marven said. “Regardless of the intent, this was something that affected people who use the center. The building is a safe, welcoming place for the community to use, so regardless of the intent of the person who did this, it’s still a violation of this important community space.”
To promote that idea, the center quickly organized an open house the day following the incident, titling the event “Throw Parties, Not Bricks.”
Marven said the party brought together a good mix of familiar and new faces.
“There was just a positive vibe,” he said. “There were people expressing that they care about the space and some who said they had just heard about the center. Everybody brought snacks to share and it was just a nice, laidback community event.”
The outpouring illustrated the impact LGBT centers can have on local communities.
“Everyone, not only locally but even beyond, has been really supportive,” he said. “It’s been great to have folks reaching out and that underscores the important role LGBT community centers play in the community. Folks want to make sure our community centers are able to do what we need to do, and that’s a great thing.”