Want to learn more about Pride Month, Queer culture, or explore the LGBTQ+ community in the Panhandle specifically? Visit the all-inclusive LGBTQ+ organization in the Panhandle: The Center of Bay County. The Center serves as a public face for the community, acting as a firm advocate for mental, social, and physical health as well as offering a welcoming space to those in the community to meet, organize, and relax. Currently, the LGBTQ Center runs the only dedicated all-inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and straight-allied (LGBTQ+) youth program in the Panhandle. The organization suffered a major hit due to Hurricane Michael when the room they rented at an Episcopal church in Panama City was destroyed. They are currently working to rebuild while still maintaining their community presence functioning as not only a safe space for those of the LGBTQ+ community but also offering social services such as direct assistance with shelf-stable food, furniture, housing assistance and more. Although the Pride Month events for this year were canceled due to COVID-19, there are virtual events being held AND the Center decided to reallocate the Pride celebration funds to a good cause.
On June 20th, the Center and Feeding the Gulf Coast will work together to host a 10,000-pound food distribution at 1608 Baker Court. S.
Learn more about their programs, events, and organization https://lgbtqcenterofbaycounty.org/
