Community Partners
gcTIDE’s goal is to keep you informed with local organizations that help to promote advocacy, education, growth and education. For a list of current community partners, see below. The list is always growing, so keep checking back!
Education
UWF Gay-Straight Alliance - Pensacola - www.uwf.edu/gsa
The University of West Florida's Gay-Straight Alliance is a student-run advocacy, educational and awareness group. Throughout the year, the UWF GSA puts on several events that welcome the outside community. For a complete list of these events and for more information, visit their website.
Advocacy
American Civil Liberties Union - www.aclu.org
The ACLU works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people. The local chapter has three groups in the Panhandle area: The University of West Florida student group, the Escambia/Santa Rosa group and the Okaloosa/Walton group. You can contact Susan Watson directly for more information at 850/ 429.9128 or by email at swatson@aclufl.org.
Growth & Health
GEARS Center - Downtown Pensacola
The GEARS (Guys Empowered And Remaining Safe) Center is an outlet for young gay men in Pensacola to come and socialize outside of the nightclub scene. Its goal is to provide a fun, recreational center that hosts events and get-togethers that are organized by the guys who come to the center. As well as being a relaxed environment where people can hang out, one key focus of the center is to educate the gay community in Pensacola about practicing safe sex and promoting HIV awareness. You can contact the center directly for more information at 850/ 429.7551 or email them at gaybigroupnwfl@aol.com
Holy Cross MCC - Pensacola - www.holycrossmcc.com
The Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church is a welcoming congregation that accepts all individuals seeking spiritual guidance and enlightenment for mind, body and spirit. This open, affirming and friendly congregation invites you to come as you are and join their services. You can find out more about Holy Cross MCC by visiting their website or contacting them direclty by phone at 850/ 469.9090.
OASIS - Fort Walton Beach
Okaloosa AIDS Support & Informational Services, Inc. (OASIS) is a non-profit, community-based agency that provides a broad range of AIDS services, HIV prevention services, and education services to four counties in Northwest Florida: Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa, and Escambia. OASIS provides case management and legal services for persons living with HIV/AIDS; HIV testing, counseling, and referrals; HIV prevention and education services; and community outreach. OASIS is also an active partner in community planning for HIV/AIDS care and prevention. You can contact OASIS directly for more information at 850/ 314.0950 or email them at aidsoasis@aol.com
PFLAG - Pensacola/Gulf Breeze - www.pflag.org
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy.
PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. PFLAG is a national nonsectarian, non-profit organization. Contact Marjorie Cumpston for more information and local meetings times at 850/ 932.0397 or email her directly at Marge9209@aol.com.
Community & Support
Appetite for Life - Pensacola - www.appetite4life.org
Appetite for Life's mission is to prepare and deliver home-cooked meals to individuals with HIV, AIDS and other documented terminal illnesses in the Pensacola area. Becoming incorporated on November 20, 1996, Appetite for Life has since seen an increase in success. As of January 2005, Appetite for Life has prepared and delivered over 234,000 meals to their clients. You can find out more about Appetite for Life by visiting their website.
Community Information Network - Panhandle Florida
Community Information Network’s mission is to provide prevention education and information services on HIV and other health disparities that disproportionately impact the minority communities of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. For more information, call 850/ 470.9155.
Transgender Association of Northwest Florida - Panhandle Florida
Transgender Association of Northwest Florida (TANF) is an organization that offers support, information and social activities to the transgendered community of the northwest Florida panhandle. TANF is governed by a set of by-laws and an elected leadership and has monthly meetings to provide a social atmosphere for members and guests to relax and enjoy one another's company. TANF supports, and often provides, opportunities for regional transgender activist endeavors. For more information, contact Carolynn directly at 850/ 654.1702