Grand opening of the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center in Palm Springs
The organizers of the celebration and grand opening of the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center say, "This isn't just an opening; it's a powerful statement of acceptance, love, and support. The Transgender Health and Wellness Center will run the center. The MPJ Drop-In Center was created as a safe haven and resource for LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 18. The center aims to assist those who have been victims of transphobic or homophobic abuse at home or school, as well as those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The conversation surrounding mental health and the suicide rates in Transgender youth was alarming to the attendees. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S., and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds. "There is a huge difference between, you know, heterosexual youth and our LBGT youth and their suicide rates, says Bethanie Yoshida, who is a parent of a child who identifies as Lesbian. "It comes down to the fact that they do not have a support system. They do not have something like this. She was referring to the new Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Organizers say the youth center would not be possible without the financial assistance of ten thousand dollars donated by the Palm Springs Front runners.
"Without a place like this, our children will die," says Yoshida.
The ribbon cutting is Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 12 pm
Location: 340 S. Farrel Drive, Suite A106, Palm Springs, CA 92262
They announced at the ceremony that the Transgender Health and Wellness Center was recently approved for domestic abuse victim housing in Cathedral City.
