Empowering Tri-Cities Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, Questioning and Allied Youth

Because LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to say they do not feel safe at school, and 90% of LGBT students have been harassed or assaulted during the past year*, we believe the need for the center is paramount to the Tri-Cities youths safety and health.

We work with LGBTIQQA individuals 14-21 years old and offer unique combinations of direct service, social service, referrals. Our programs are youth-driven and based on the model of peer support and leadership.

*From Teasing to Torment: New National Report on School Bullying 10/11/2005

Board Members:

Heather Hill RN, BSN, PHN IV, is the Communicable Disease Programs Supervisor for the Benton Franklin Health District. She graduated from Walla Walla University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. During her 24 years with the Health District she has focused much of her attention on disease prevention and Risk Reduction Education with youth and young adult populations in a variety of venues from school presentations to involvement with Vision and Voices Teen Theater.

Kevin J. Husted, Board Chair, is an openly gay man in this area having raised six children between them with his partner. Kevin is an Insurance specialist currently, and has been in the field for ten years. He was previously an Executive Director for the American Heart Association, for eight years. He is involved with the community and was a foster parent, the President of the Kennewick Jaycees community organization and was the Community Development Director Washington State Jaycees. Kevin was on the Executive Foundation Committee Children’s Development center and was recently the President of Senior Life Resources.

Mark Nathan Lee, who has over fifteen years of corporate project management experience. Our Executive Director is passionate about LGBTQ issues as shown by his six years of involvement on the board of Equity Foundation in Oregon and his involvement with Basic Rights Oregon to help pass a non-discrimination ordinance in Hillsboro, OR. He is also the founder of Vista Youth Center.

Denise Pitts - Treasurer

Tim Soran - Member at Large

Pending:
Two new additions...updates in April!