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Neighborhood report
Diversity center a haven to hang out
A social services agency and a church open Metro Diversity Center today for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.
By SHERRI DAY
Published January 20, 2006
Known for its diversity and residential pioneers, Old Seminole Heights will soon log another first.
Metro Diversity Center, a community gathering spot for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, opens today at 6421 N Florida Ave. with a free open house from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
"Seminole Heights seems to be a growing gay and lesbian community in Tampa," said Lorraine Langlois, executive director of Metropolitan Charities Inc., a social services agency that provides HIV and AIDS services to people in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The new center "is just a space for people to come and feel comfortable and safe," she said. "We're building a strong community, especially in Hillsborough County. We're bringing people together in one place. Not everybody wants to go to a bar."
Langlois got the idea for the Tampa project after successfully opening a Metro Diversity Center in St. Petersburg in December 2004. She soon learned that some Tampa groups had the same goal. Last year, Langlois teamed up with the Rev. Phyllis Hunt, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa.
The organizations will share the building and the costs of a part-time director, David Gant. Metropolitan Charities' Tampa branch is next door to the diversity center.
"Given the tension that exists in Hillsborough County regarding the health and wholeness of all people, it seemed like now was the golden opportunity to launch this program," Hunt said.
Center organizers said they will likely host movie nights, operate a computer center and offer classes, including yoga, sign language and religious studies. The 3,500-square-foot center's meeting rooms will be available to community groups.
Classes will cost a small fee. But hanging out at the center will be free, Langlois said.
Tentative hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information call, (813) 232-3808.
- Sherri Day can be reached at 813 226-3405 or sday@sptimes.com
[Last modified January 19, 2006, 08:43:07]
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