Gay, Lesbian Center Goes High Tech

By Carla M. Collado
Staff Writer

It seems like everyone uses the Internet these days.

Which is just one reason why the Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Center is opening its new David Bohnett CyberCenter next week.

The CyberCenter, which officially opens Thursday, July 20, has eight IBM computers, a scanner and printer. In addition to offering Internet access, the computers also have a wide range of business and creative software.

Not only will the new computer lab be open to the public, but it also will benefit several of the center’s programs. The youth program will use it for resume writing classes, helping them apply for college and find scholarships. There will be classes for seniors on computer basics, using the Internet and setting up e-mail accounts. Other classes will focus on general computer skills and business development.

“It’s helping to make us more relevant here in Long Beach,” said Richard Lewis, the center’s director of finance and operations. “It gives a broader group of people a reason to come to the center.”

A $29,000 grant from the David Bohnett Foundation was used to build the CyberCenter. Lewis explained that the CyberCenter is the first step of an ongoing remodeling project that hopes to turn the facility into more of a community center.

Also in the works is a new library area with soft seating and wireless Internet access, where people can sit down with their laptops and hang out for a while, he added.

“It will bring more people into the center,” Lewis said. “I think it’s nice for people to see when things are actually in place Š this is the kind of project that creates a lot of excitement for the center.”

In fact, the CyberCenter has been having a soft opening and has already averaged more than 60 people each week.

The official opening ceremony will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 20, and includes a reception with various City Council members present. After that, the CyberCenter will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, depending on class schedules (which will be posted after the grand opening). The first hour of computer use will be free, and then $5 after that. Seniors and youth get a 50% discount.

The Gay and Lesbian Center has been in Long Beach for more than 25 years, offering services and programs to about 21,000 people each year. These include educational workshops, HIV and STD testing, breast cancer screenings, “coming out” support, legal counseling, youth mentoring and numerous recreational activities.

To learn more about the center or the new computer lab, visit www.centerlb.org.