The Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
The Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Akron’s Premier Multicultural LGBTQ+ Resource Center
The Mission
"We need in every community a group of angelic troublemakers."-- Bayard Rustin
At the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all LGBTQ+/SGL individuals. Recognizing the disparities within Summit County, particularly among people of color and non-binary individuals, we offer culturally inclusive services tailored to our clients' needs. As the only statewide LGBTQ+ drop-in facility, our range of services includes testing, housing referrals, mental health support, anti-violence programs, a food pantry, clothing closet, community meals, and discussions. Our compassionate team is committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can access the support they need to thrive.
The Black community within Summit County is experiencing high rates of HIV among women and men. With decades of experience and a strong grasp on culture and intersectionality, we are able to provide tailored care to our clients through a culturally centered approach.
The Vision
"To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true." -- Bayard Rustin
Our vision is to elevate advocacy efforts for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community at large. This includes those who have faced the challenges of stigma related to sexual and gender orientation within the
community.
Our History
"We are all one -and if we don't know it, we will learn it the hard way." -- Bayard Rustin
In 2000, the Akron Brother Circle was formed as a support group for same-gender-loving men, this group grew to become a part of the Akron AIDS Collaborative.
The Akron AIDS Collaborative was formed to help support individuals and their families in addressing newly diagnosed HIV cases and related issues.
Today, the Akron AIDS Collaborative continues its work under the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Center.
Our Executive Director
“Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it.” -- Bayard Rustin
Stanford 'Steve' Arrington has been a community activist and advocate in the field of HIV/AIDS. In 1990, he founded 'Blacks, Gays. and Lesbians United Against AIDS' in Denver with the Colorado AIDS Project.
Steve's work emphasizes combating stigma, discrimination, and inequalities affecting people of color living with HIV/AIDS.
Our Pillars of Service
Outreach Case Management
Community Engagement
Center Programming
Our Service Offerings
Outreach Case Management
Community Engagement
Center Programming
- Mental Health Referrals
- HIV Testing
- Medical Referrals
- Housing Referrals
- Clothing Bank
- HIV Testing
- DEIB Trainings & Workshops
- Akron Trans Day of Visibility Celebration
- Akron Trans Day of Remembrance Commemoration
- Family Black Pride
- Akron Pride
- Anti-Violence Program
- Ladies First: A Monthly Feminine Presenting Community Forum
- Art Therapy
Our Board
Executive Director
Steve Arrington
Executive Committee President
Yvonne Oliver
Vice President
Jimmie Howard
Treasury
Rev. Robert Dreese
Secretary
Lillie Jackson
Marquetta Wooston
Dionne Miller-Fitch
Hertistine Price
Paula Smith
Courtney Calhoun
Our Partners
Interested in becoming a partner? Contact us at admin@ohioaac.org
The Bayard Rustin -Trans Joy Partnership
Protecting Our Trans Community
Trans rights are the civil rights issue of our time.
The Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Trans Joy Akron are alarmed by Ohio politicians’ attacks on the bodily autonomy of trans people. Denying children life-saving medical care and increasing barriers to adult care is dangerous and disproportionately harms trans people of color. While the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Trans Joy Akron continue to celebrate the trans community, we also demand our basic civil rights. We will not change or be erased.
Trans Joy Akron
transjoyakron@gmail.com
(618) 713-7053
Get in touch with us.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm
Mailing Address
652 W Exchange Street, Akron, OH 44302
Phone Number
Instagram
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