My name is Tiffany Martin (she/her) and I’m proud to introduce myself to the community as the new Black Services Manager at The Center! October is not only the festive Halloween season but, more importantly, LGBTQ+ History Month. In celebration, I’m excited to share two upcoming LGBTQ+ History Month events for our community from Black Services at The Center: Trick-or-Treat Meet and Greet on October 15 and Black Services Film Screening: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson on October 24.
Black Services Manager: Tiffany Martin (she/her)
I am honored to join The Center as the new Black Services Manager. I’ve spent the last 15 years working in diversity, equity, and inclusion, but my heart has always been with community, especially those of us living at the intersections of Black and LGBTQ+ identities. After a few years on the East Coast, I’ve returned home to California because I believe deeply in creating spaces where we can belong, celebrate, and thrive together.
As your new Black Services Manager, I am committed to representing Black Services at The Center and bringing better support services to our Black LGBTQ+ community here in San Diego. My vision is to create welcoming events rooted in love, joy, and community power. I want our spaces to reflect what you want to see and experience, because this work is about more than events but cultivating belonging that lasts.
To begin, we’re creating two upcoming gatherings that bring us together to connect and uplift our history.
Trick-or-Treat Meet and Greet
I love the Halloween season, but more importantly, I love opportunities to connect. Our first event, the Trick-or-Treat Meet and Greet, will be on Wednesday, October 15, from 5-7pm at The Center Library. This event is a chance for us to share snacks, laughter, and conversations. I want to hear from our community directly about your needs, ideas, and dreams for Black LGBTQ+ spaces at The Center. Come as you are, or in your favorite costume, and let’s continue building this community together.
Please let us know you’re coming by RSVPing: https://bit.ly/TREAT-GREET
Film Screening: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Our next community gathering, Black Services Film Screening: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, will be on Friday, October 24, from 5-7pm at The Center’s Auditorium. This community-led event was sparked by those who wanted more focus on Black LGBTQ+ history.
As we honor LGBTQ+ History Month, we recognize the leaders who carried us forward through courage and resistance. Black LGBTQ+ people, especially Black trans women, have always been central to our movement, from the Stonewall Riots to the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, moving our community toward justice and visibility. In this moment, when our rights and lives are once again under attack, their legacy reminds us how to resist.
We fight back in the ways we always have: by coming together, standing in our power, and building a community stronger than the hate that seeks to erase us.
Our film screening is one way we can both connect with each other and celebrate our history. We’ll gather to honor the life and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, celebrating her impact while creating space for learning, dialogue, and joy.
Please RSVP here: bit.ly/marsha-film
I’m deeply grateful to be leading Black Services at The Center and to be part of our network of services, which has long been a lifeline for so many in our community. Together, we have the chance to expand that support by continuing to create spaces where Black LGBTQ+ folks can feel seen, celebrated, and connected. I’m excited to build this future with you and I can’t wait to see you at these upcoming events!
In Community,
Tiffany Martin (she/her)
Black Services Manager