new board member announcement

The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is proud to announce the addition of three new members to our Board of Directors in 2019. Timothy Lafond, Deirdre O'Rourke and Brie Chartier are joining continuing members Louis Medina, (Chair of the Board), Cindy Smith and Jose M. Granados to bring the total number of board members to six. There are three remaining seats open and we are currently accepting applications (details below). 

The Board of Directors is excited to have the talent and experience of our new members as a powerful addition to our leadership team. We're looking forward to the coming year, working towards The Center's urgent mission: to provide Kern County's LGBTQ residents with safe, welcoming spaces where all people from the full spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations are celebrated. 

get to know our new board members

Timothy Lafond
Pronouns: (pronouns they/them/theirs)
Background: Education and community work. Tim has been a staff volunteer with the Center for more than a year.  

Deirdre O'Rourke, PhD
Pronouns: (pronouns she/her/hers)
Background: Education and non-profit organizations.
Quote: "Through my work, volunteer experience, and personal life, I've learned how crucial support systems are for non-heteronormative individuals. I understand how individuals with intersectional identities are at greater risk for victimization and discrimination and how inadequate systems can be at meeting their needs."

Brie Chartier
Pronouns: (pronouns she/her/hers)
Quote: "In my short time as a volunteer at The Center, I’ve met people from all ages and walks of life who have willingly shared their stories and experience and helped me grow as a person."

continuing board members

Louis Medina
Pronouns: (pronouns he/his/him)
Position: Chair of the Board & Chair of Community Outreach

Cindy Smith 
Pronouns: (pronouns she/her/hers)
Position: Board Member & Chair of the Fundraising Committee

Jose M. Granados 
Pronouns: (pronouns he/his/him)
Position: Board Member & Volunteer Coordinator

2019 Board of Directors with the Treasurer and newest staff member, Dani Munoz
From left to right: Jan Dunlap, Jose M. Granados, Dani Munoz, Timothy Lafond, Cindy Smith, Deirdre O'Rourke, Brie Chartier, and Louis Medina.  

About the board of directors

The duties of the Board of Directors include planning and executing overall strategy for the organization; managing fundraising; serving on committees and task forces; ensuring legal procedures are followed and financial resources are properly managed; and recruiting new Directors. 

To the extent that qualified persons are available, the Board of Directors works to ensure board composition reflects the diversity of the community served by The Center.

Term Length:
2 years, beginning in January

Term Limit:
Two consecutive terms

You must be 21 years or older. During each year, Board Members make a financial commitment of $1,500 to the Center (which can be fulfilled in the following ways). We seek board members with time, leadership skills, creative vision, personal integrity, experience and commitment. 

call for board member applications

There are two remaining seats open on the Board for which we are accepting new applications. 

How Applications Work

Candidates are nominated by board members or can self-nominate. After submitting their application, candidates interview with the current board members. The board members then vote on the nomination; if the applicant receives a majority of votes, they are accepted to the Board. The application period each year is in November and December, with elections in December. 

The Center's bylaws are set up so that half of the board members turnover every year. This keeps the the leadership fresh with new ideas as well as opening up the opportunity to more of our community members. 

Application Instructions

about the center for sexuality and gender diversity

​
LGBTQ youths need to know that they are okay and that there is nothing wrong with who they are and who they love.  - David Trujillo​, founder and core member of the Rainbow Donor Club

​Founded in 2011, The Center serves 200 to 300 individuals a month, with many using The Center weekly. There are an estimated 50,000 residents in Kern County who identify as LGBTQ. The Center's goal is to provide resources to this community by creating safe, supportive spaces for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender - all people along the entire spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations. The Center achieves this through community building activities, counseling, workshops, networking events, peer-to-peer support groups, one-on-one advocacy and support, referrals for medical providers and services, and LGBTQ cultural competency training.