The OutCenter

Mission Statement

The mission of the OutCenter is to provide support and advocacy for respect, understanding and nondiscrimination to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied persons and their families in Southwest Michigan.

Vision Statement

The OutCenter envisions a Southwest Michigan as a fully integrated community in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and their families are welcome, respected, valued, understood, and afforded the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else.

Values Statement

The OutCenter Believes:

1. All members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community regardless of age, ability, race, gender, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, or gender identity deserve to be welcomed, celebrated and to become an integral part of a healthy society.

2. The inherent dignity, value and worth of all human beings must be upheld regardless of age, ability, race, gender, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

3. Violence, racism, gender injustice, classism and homophobia must be eradicated.

4. All individuals have a right and responsibility to full participation in society.

5. We should strive to develop an attitude of acceptance, appreciation and affirmation of all forms of diversity. Diversity is an asset.

6. Investing in youth is essential for their future and our community.

7. We should strive to develop a culture that fosters social activism that works to counter injustice.

8. It is our responsibility to challenge popular culture, media, faith communities, religious institutions and texts that perpetuate the devaluation of people based on age, ability, race, gender, class, sexual orientation and gender identity.

9. We should strive as an organization to be as "green" as possible at all times in all places. Everyone has a responsibility to work for a healthy and sustainable natural environment.