Meet the Staff: Jazmin

Welcome Jazmin back to the DC Center! Jazmin is in charge of coordinating much of the day to day activities here at the center. Without Jazmin at the office there is no way that The DC Center would be able to function as smoothly as it does.

Jazmin has experience working to better sexual health and status neutral services, along with improving access to Ryan White Services. Jazmin also dedicates herself to community building and outreach, especially among marginalized communities and communities of color; Jazmin focuses on outreach to trans persons, non binary individuals, along with gay and bisexual males. You can meet Jazmin at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. Jazmin is truly a gift, we are so grateful for her positivity and hard work!

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

December 6, Sagittarius

 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I started working at The DC Center because I wanted to make a difference and be a visible example to my community and the world that we all matter and have a place in the journey to equality and justice.

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

My favorite moment has been watching the peer educators grow and blossom into full fledged activists.

What is your music anthem? 

Jennifer Holiday – Woman’s Got the Power

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

My favorite part of the LGBTQ+ community is the compassion and creativity that we provide and share with each other and the world.  We have been through so much as a community but yet we love and live and support each other unconditionally.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there? 

My favorite spot in DC is the Tidal Basin, with all of it’s glorious monuments. I go there to think and dream, plotting out my own legacy one step at a time.

What is your favorite queer movie?  

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?  

I would paint the White House white, pink and blue for the trans flag. The colors aren’t too complicated and they mean so much to me and my community.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

There is no doubt in my mind, Earlene Budd is my personal hero!  Knowing her and working with and for her down through the years has shaped my personal advocacy journey so much.  Her leadership, professionalism, boldness and compassion continues to inspire me  each day. Grace comes from experience and endurance,  and I can only hope to be so graceful as I grow as an advocate day by day.

 

Meet the Staff: Dan

Welcome Daniel to the DC Center! He will be joining us at the Support Desk. Daniel looks forward to meeting and working with members of the community. You can meet Daniel at the DC Center on weekdays and some evenings. Daniel is a psychology major at George Washington University with aspirations to go to graduate school and conduct research in LGBTQ+ health as a psychologist. Daniel is a certified yoga teacher and enjoys meeting local dogs and going on hikes.

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

May 12th, Taurus

 

Where are you originally from? 

New Jersey

 

Why did you start working at the DC Center? 

I wanted to become more involved in the LGBTQ+ community.

 

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

I really enjoy being able to work with such kind people.

 

What is your music anthem? 

In My Mind by Amanda Palmer

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community? 

My favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community is the potential for inclusivity of such a diverse group of people.

 

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there? 

My favorite spot in DC is a spot on the National Mall (about 50 meters from the Washington Monument), smack-dab in the middle of the Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The White House, and The Jefferson Memorial – a great spot to have a picnic or do yoga!

 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

Mine Vaganti (Loose Cannons) is a great Italian romantic comedy.

 

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?  

I think the White House would look nice if the columns stayed white and the walls were painted teal.

 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?
I look up to Charles Silverstein, a queer psychologist who argued to remove homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM).