Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center

The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center is a Michigan nonprofit organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and nearby communities.

The organization is a member of the Michigan LGBT Community Centers Network.

History
The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center started in 1987 with the Lesbian/Gay Resource Line and a simple two-page newsletter. In 1997 they moved into their first office, located in the CARES building, and in 1999 the organization hired their first staff member, Executive Director Sharon Roepke.

The organization was honored a catalyst award in 2005 by the Triangle Foundation (now Equality Michigan) for excellence in community center programming.

Programs
In 1992 they began sponsoring a Youth Group. During the ’80s and  ’90s the organization held GLBT proms and New Year’s Eve dinners and dances as community events and fundraisers.

In 2003 they began to sponsor Trans∙cend, a peer support group for transgender persons. Their programming has also included sending friendly visitors to isolated LGBT seniors; speakers for area classrooms, churches, and civic organizations; and representatives to cooperate on various projects with groups such as the local chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), the YWCA, Planned Parenthood, Gryphon Place, Senior Services, and other local groups. Additionally they have sponsored film festivals, documentary film series, book discussion groups, events in honor of Pride month and Women’s History month, lectures, and readings. The organization also puts on Kalamazoo Pride, The Winter Gala, and a Welcome Back Picnic for area college students.

They have worked in cooperation with local and state organizations such as the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality and Equality Michigan to support or oppose ballot proposals, to lobby for particular legislation, or to protest perceived threats to LGBT rights.