The LGBT Life Center received a gift of $21,250 from Governor Ralph Northam’s inaugural committee. The Norfolk-based non-profit is one of four groups that received donations from Governor Northam’s Inaugural Committee.
Governor Northam and First Lady Pam Northam make their home in Norfolk and have been longstanding supporters of the LGBTQ community. During last year’s gubernatorial campaign, Ms. Northam visited LGBT Life Center, for a tour, to meet key staff, learn about the organization’s programs and services and discuss issues facing the LGBTQ community in Virginia.
In a statement, Stacie Walls-Beegle, CEO of the LGBT Life Center expressed gratitude for the donation from the Northam Inaugural Committee and ongoing commitment to the LGBT community.
“We are very thankful for their support of LGBT Life Center. When Mrs. Northam visited the LGBT Life Center prior to the election, we discussed the need for LGBT protections particularly when it comes to employment and housing, the need for expanded Medicaid and how that would help people living with HIV/AIDS, and also development of Syringe Exchange Programs in the Commonwealth. LGBT Life Center is working hard to develop LGBT health and wellness programs for the community and with the support from the Northam Inaugural Committee, we move closer to that goal. We appreciate the support from elected officials for community based service programs throughout the Commonwealth. Community Based Organizations take care of the most vulnerable citizens in our community and the Northam’s leadership in charitable giving is admirable.”
The Governor and First Lady’s ties to Hampton Roads are strong and many in the area actively helped with Governor Northam’s election, transition and inauguration, including openly-gay Norfolk businessman and LGBTQ leader Claus Ihlemann, who served as one of Northam’s Inaugural Committee Co-Chairs.
