Dueling AIDS Rides Causes Cuts at LA G&L Center

by Ryan Gierach





















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Please note this story is now linked to our center column feature "LA Gay & Lesbian Center Unemployment Cycle", replacing an earlier posting by the author, at the author's request.

Finally, an article that digs beneath the surface of the Gay and Lesbian Center's current problems. In addition to the medical woes, classes in the Center's "Artists In Residence" program, which have been offered free for a number of years, are been curtailed after the current cycle of classes ends. These classes have been lifesavers for many gay people in the past. Computer center hours have been sharply cut and tenants of the Village, who were helping pay the rent on the Village, have moved out. The Village, once a center of great activity, now resembles a ghost town most nights.

It should also be pointed out that many insiders at the organization say that the Center's woes actually began when the current Director began her tenure there. Sources indicate that, of all the final candidates to interview for the job, Baldwin was the only one who had no previous experience in running a non-profit organization. She and the boards' decision to open the Village and to start a medical clinic for the gay/lesbian community were two major expenses, requiring a large amount of capital, that were undertaken during her tenure.

Finally, it has been pointed out that the words "Social Services" were removed from the name of the organization a few years ago. Insiders claim that this was done intentionally, to present a clear message that the Center was no longer interested in providing social services to the gay/lesbian community.