Hastings Joins White House in Recognizing CenterLink as "Champion of Change'

Statement

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement in recognition of CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, which the White House has honored as a "Champion of Change." The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama's "Winning the Future" initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

"It is with great pride that I join the White House in recognizing CenterLink as a 'Champion of Change' for its tireless efforts to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the South Florida community and all across the country. CenterLink's inspiring video entry in the LGBT Pride Month Video Challenge only scratches the surface of the tremendous work that its staff does each and every single day to support the growth of our nation's LGBT community centers. From providing leadership training and networking opportunities to building capacity and offering technical assistance to facilitating access to a wide variety of social services and resources, CenterLink helps empower the LGBT community both nationwide and around the world.

"Furthermore, I would like to commend CenterLink for being a powerful voice for LGBT community centers in the advancement of LGBT equality. LGBT community centers play a vital role in our democracy, educating the public about key issues and giving their members an outlet through which to organize and engage policymakers for social change. CenterLink is a true example of communities hard at work and dedicated to ensuring that all Americans are guaranteed equal rights, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

"I am honored to congratulate CenterLink on this extraordinary achievement, and am as committed as ever to doing my part in Congress to advance the rights of LGBT Americans."

CenterLink was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT community centers. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it serves over 200 LGBT community centers across the country in 46 states and the District of Columbia, as well as centers in Canada, Israel, Mexico, China, and Peru. CenterLink seeks to help build the capacity of centers to meet the social, cultural, health, and political advocacy needs of its LGBT community members.

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