Life Support
a newsletter that does good!
September 2026
Awareness Days for September: September 18: National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day Week of September 23: Bisexual+ Awareness Week, culminates in Celebrate Bisexuality Day on September 23 September 26: Shirley Willer’s birthday (Lesbian and civil rights activist) September 26: Lilli Vincenz’s Birthday (German Lesbian birthday) September 27: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day September 29: Mara Keisling’s birthday (American transgender rights activist) Life Center Events: September 1- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location September 3- Trans Feminine Social Support Group (Virtual) @6:30-8pm September 4- Ace and Aro Affirming Space @ 6-8pm, Norfolk location September 8- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location September 10-11 - The Reunion Project September 10- Hampton: Trans Feminine Social Support Group (In person) @ 6:308pm, Hampton location September 17- Trans Feminine Social Support Group (in person) @ 6:30-8pm, Norfolk location September 29- 50+ and Thriving; LGBTQ+ Silver Pride group @ 2-3:30pm, Norfolk Location September 15- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location September 22- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location September 29- Hampton: Life Center Book Club @ 6-7pm, Hampton location September 24- Reclaiming Safety & Self: An LGBTQIA+ Intimate Partner Violence support group @ 6-7:30pm, Norfolk location
S A SEAT AT T A H HE E N O TA Y R BL E E EV
DINING OUT FOR LIFE 9/29
by Corey
Dining Out For Life is one of the easiest ways to support LGBT Life Center and the local restaurants that make Hampton Roads such a great place to live, gather, and eat. This year, Dining Out For Life will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
After hearing from restaurant partners, we moved the event to the fall and to a Tuesday, traditionally a slower night for many restaurants. The change gives us an even better opportunity to bring diners through their doors while building stronger support for the programs and services our community depends on. The concept is simple. Participating restaurants donate 33% or more of their sales on September 29 to LGBT Life Center. You choose where you want to eat, invite your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, and enjoy a meal. That’s it. By dining out, you are doing two things at once: supporting a local restaurant that has chosen to give back and supporting HIV care and prevention, LGBTQ+ health services, housing, food programs, and other essential services at LGBT Life Center. But Dining Out For Life is about more than making a donation. It's about showing up. Restaurants are showing up for the community. The community is showing up for restaurants. Diners are showing up for LGBTQ+ people, people living with HIV, and the services that help people live a healthier, safer, more supported life. Everyone has a seat at the table. Whether you volunteer, invite a few friends to dinner, share a participating restaurant on social media, become an ambassador for the cause, or simply choose to dine out on September 29, you are part of what makes this event one that goes beyond a fundraiser and is true community support - from our restaurants to our people, this is what building community looks like. So, save the date, start thinking about who you want around your table, and get ready to show up. Support can be as simple as a meal. We hope you'll dine out with us on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at a participating location. For the full list of participating locations, visit DiningOutForLife.com/757. Dine Out. Give Back. End HIV.
Want to Volunteer? Let’s get you connected! Thinking about volunteering at LGBT Life Center, but not sure where to begin? Start by creating a profile at timecounts.app/lgbtlifecenter and signing up for a volunteer orientation. It only takes a few minutes, and it helps us learn a little more about you, what you’re interested in, and when you’re generally available. From there, you can see upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up for the ones that feel right for you. And no, signing up does not mean you’re committing to volunteer every week. Some people join us regularly. Some show up for a special event once or twice a year. Others bring their coworkers, friends, or community group along. We’re happy to have you whenever volunteering works for your life. There are lots of ways to get involved. You might help organize and distribute food in our Pride Pantry, assemble safer-sex packets, support our office work, welcome people at an event, or jump in wherever an extra set of hands can make the day easier. You don’t need special experience, and you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do before you sign up. That’s part of my job. We’ll help you find an opportunity that fits your interests, schedule, and comfort level. Ready to get started? Create your volunteer profile here, and let’s find something that feels like a good fit. I can’t wait to meet you! Volunteer Management Team
Come Volunteer with Us!
THE REUNION PROJECT BY GREGG FORDHAM, LONG-TERM SURVIVOR AND GROUP FACILITATOR
LONG-TERM SURVIVORS. LIFELONG CONNECTIONS. THE REUNION PROJECT IS COMING BACK TO HAMPTON ROADS FOR TWO DAYS OF CONVERSATION, LEARNING, AND COMMUNITY. CREATED FOR LONG-TERM HIV SURVIVORS AND ALLIES, THE REUNION PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND HOW MUCH THOSE SHARED EXPERIENCES STILL MATTER. IT’S A SPACE TO TALK HONESTLY, LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER, RECONNECT, AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE WALKED SIMILAR PATHS. THIS YEAR’S HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER MEETING IS CENTERED AROUND THE THEME “EMBRACING THE CHANGE!” PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT WORKSHOPS, PRACTICAL INFORMATION, MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, TIME TOGETHER. EVENT DETAILS SEPTEMBER 10–11, 2026 9 A.M.–4 P.M. EACH DAY NEW LIFE MCC 1000 SUNSET DRIVE, NORFOLK BREAKFAST AND LUNCH ARE INCLUDED, AND THE EVENT IS HOSTED LOCALLY WITH SUPPORT FROM LGBT LIFE CENTER. TRANSPORTATION MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE. IF YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CASE MANAGER AT LGBT LIFE CENTER. REGISTER FOR THE REUNION PROJECT WHETHER YOU HAVE BEEN PART OF THE REUNION PROJECT BEFORE OR THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST TIME, YOU ARE WELCOME. COME READY TO LEARN, CONNECT, HAVE SOME FUN, AND SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR HISTORIES ARE WORTH HONORING AND OUR FUTURES ARE WORTH BUILDING TOGETHER.
There’s Always Next Season
PHOTO COLLECTION BY JA C O B E VA N S
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here! Meet employers, build your skills, and make new connections at our Career & Resource Fair BY DOMINIQUE CRAVINS
Looking for a job can feel like a job by itself. Updating your resume, figuring out what to wear, preparing for interviews, and trying to meet the right people can be a lot, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. That’s why we’re bringing the Career & Resource Fair back to LGBT Life Center. On October 15, our Hampton location will be filled with local employers, community organizations, career support, and people who genuinely want to see you move forward. You can connect with companies that are ready to hire, get career coaching, practice your interview skills, and meet people who may be able to point you toward your next opportunity. But here’s the most important thing I want you to know: you do not have to arrive with everything figured out. Maybe you’re ready to meet employers and find your next job. Maybe you want someone to look over your resume. Maybe interviews make you nervous, and you want a chance to practice. Or maybe you’re simply exploring your options and trying to decide what comes next. All of those are good reasons to come. We’re also making this feel a little less like a stiff, intimidating job fair. There will be a DJ, light bites, opportunities to connect, and people available to support you along the way. You can ask questions, build confidence, and take the next step at your own pace. Career & Resource Fair Thursday, October 15, 2026 3–6 p.m. LGBT Life Center 20 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton Whether you’re looking for a new job, considering a different direction, or just need a little support getting started, I hope you’ll join us. Your next step does not have to be a giant leap. Sometimes, it begins with walking into a room, meeting someone new, and seeing what is possible. I can’t wait to see you there!
HELP US BUILD A PLAYLIST
What are you listening to?
Help us curate your favorite songs into seasonal playlists. Right now, we're accepting submissions for Summer and Fall for the September and October LGBT Life Center Volunteer Newsletter. Add your favorite sunny Summer song or your cozy Fall soundtrack below!
tinyurl.com/LifeCenterPlaylist
MEET OUR STAFF Editor Kyle Fillhart (He/Him) is a local 757 trans man and volunteer editor for the LGBT Life Center volunteer newsletter. He is also involved with the Hampton Roads Reproductive Justice League and trans advocacy group Men in Transition. You can usually find Kyle running between Norfolk's queer bars and spaces, or hanging out at home making collage art with his husband and two cat babies.
Designer/Writer Sarah (They/She) is a photographer, artist, and writer who enjoys getting out of their academic work and into creative ventures for local orgs. Coming from the Mexican borderlands to the 757, they bring with them their passion for disability justice, harm reduction, abolition, and land back movements. They keep grounded (and busy) thanks to their partner, four amazing human children, and four feline fur babies.
Writer Alex (They/Them) is a professional writer from Atlanta, GA, where they started their LGBTQIA+ community work in 2016. Moving to be near their chosen family, they moved to the 757 hoping to make it home. They earned their PhD researching how people tell stories using technology and learning obscure grammar and tech lore. In their free time, Alex is learning to play roller derby and making playlists for every occasion.
Writer/ Game Creator Shay Wilson (They/Them) is a proud parent of two cats, a grant writer at a local nonprofit, and an amateur harmonica player. After graduating last spring with degrees in Gender Studies and Writing & Rhetoric, they moved across the country from Utah to the South Hampton Roads area. Here, Shay continues to nurture their passions for writing, advocacy, video games, bad jokes, and spending time with their cats.
Writer Ari (Xe/Xem/Xyr) is from Hampton Virginia and a parent of two. Xe is passionate about xyr fiancé, community, and everyone having equality and equity to ensure a stable quality of life. Ari loves Hampton Roads so much and spends a great amount of time riding buses, visiting libraries, and learning about every resource offered within the community.
Writer Rowen (They/Them) is a wetland scientist and aspiring juggler. They spend most of their time trying to paint while their cat spends most of her time trying to drink out of the paint water cup. They are happy to be writing again and sharing space with queer community.
Writer Jacob Evans (He/They) loves spending time with his husband and two cats. When he isn't making pizza at his job, you can find him hiking, cooking, or watching sports. He enjoys writing about politics and culture.
Director of Communications Corey Mohr (He/Him) is the Director of Communications at LGBT Life Center where he has worked for nearly 9 years. He handles everything from press releases to web content to social media, ensuring the Center’s work and mission are clearly communicated. Corey’s background is in political and nonprofit communications, and he’s especially passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health. Outside of work, he’s a fan of Bob’s Burgers, everything David Attenborough, and finding any excuse to laugh.
For more articles and news check out our blog! https://lgbtlifecenter.org/blog
To help us make continue our mission, learn more about volunteering with the LGBT Life Center: https://lgbtlifecenter.org/volunteer
For employment opportunities: https://lgbtlifecenter.org/about/jobs
OUR MISSION LGBT LIFE CENTER IS A TRUSTED LEADER THAT STRENGTHENS THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES AND ALL INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV THROUGH IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS, SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY, AND PROVIDING TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY.