This is Gus Hernandez (he/him), Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at The Center, and I’m thrilled to introduce OUTspoken, an LGBTQ+ newsletter and the newly evolved version of The Center’s weekly newsletter! OUTspoken is a platform for truth-telling, advocacy, and connection. It’s where our community’s voices rise together to speak out, stand up, and spark change.
At The Center, being OUTspoken means being heard, sharing resources, uplifting stories, and amplifying the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people across generations and identities. OUTspoken is also a call to action to mobilize our community through civic engagement opportunities to safeguard our rights.
Every issue of our OUTspoken LGBTQ+ newsletter will feature a message from a guest author offering insights, reflections, or calls to action. These messages will now live on The Center’s website at https://thecentersd.org/outspoken, creating a lasting archive of community wisdom that you can share and revisit.
A Dedicated Senior Services Section
Each issue will include a special section highlighting events, resources, and updates for our LGBTQ+ elders, ensuring older adults stay informed and connected.
Streamlined Design, Stronger Links
We’ve redesigned the layout to make it easier to navigate, with clear links to services, events, and opportunities to get involved. Whether you’re seeking housing support, youth programming, or advocacy updates, OUTspoken will help you find your way.
Speak Out: Take the LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment Survey
To kick off this new chapter, we’re inviting you to be OUTspoken by participating in our LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment Survey. Your voice matters. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help shape the future of programs, services, and advocacy efforts across San Diego County. This is your chance to speak out about what’s working, what’s missing, and what our community needs most.
Take the Survey: https://bit.ly/2025-lgbtq-survey
Every voice in our LGBTQ+ community matters, especially those that are too often unheard. That is why The Center is partnering with the County of San Diego to launch the 2025 San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment Survey. This vital initiative is designed to gather insights directly from our community to help shape the future of services, resources, and support systems across the region.
We are calling on everyone to participate, especially those whose voices are often left out of the conversation. We especially want to hear from:
- LGBTQ+ individuals in assisted living or nursing care
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing community members
- Transgender and nonbinary community members living with HIV
These communities face unique challenges that are often invisible in mainstream data collection. By participating, you help ensure that your needs are seen, heard, and addressed.
It’s Time To Be OUTspoken
OUTspoken is more than a name change for our LGBTQ+ newsletter, it’s a reflection of our commitment to deeper engagement, greater accessibility, and long-term impact. We invite you to explore the first issue, share it widely, and let us know what you think. Your feedback helps us grow and better serve our mission.
Let OUTspoken be your megaphone—because when we speak out together, we’re impossible to ignore.
In community,
Gus Hernandez (he/him)
Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at The Center